Chapter 1098: Palace Coup (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

The concubines who were the first to notice this turned pale.

He cast a frightened look at Mi Shi.

Besides her, the concubines who were nearby also realized that something was wrong.

Cold sweat immediately broke out, the muscles at the corners of her mouth trembled uncontrollably, and she swallowed hard, using immense willpower to suppress the scream that was about to escape her throat: "...I was so busy drinking with my sisters that I forgot that Shen'er always clings to me at this time. It's my fault as her mother. Ah Chuan, go to the side hall and see if Shen'er is making a fuss. Don't let this willful little devil hurt her siblings..."

She tried her best to appear normal, laughing and joking with her sisters. Then, she turned and instructed her maid to check on things in the side hall, conveying a message only the two of them would know. The maid had grown up with her, and the two shared a deep understanding. The surrounding concubines were also secretly watching her movements, nervously clutching their handkerchiefs.

The maid obeyed and went to the side hall.

The group was about to breathe a sigh of relief.

"ah--"

The sudden change occurred the instant the maid stepped through the palace door. A short, sharp scream rang out, and a jet of crimson blood gushed from the wound in front of her. The force of the attack sent her body flying backward, her upper body cleaved in two, held together only by a thin sliver of skin and flesh. A mass of ruptured organs, no longer restrained by her skin, gushed out from the wound.

Warm blood pooled beneath the maid, who lay dead in a pool of blood, her eyes wide open in death, her delicate face bearing the marks of extreme terror.

Inside the hall, the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments never ceased.

Most of the women did not notice what was happening at the palace gate.

The commotion only escalated when several screams became too shrill, and someone slammed their hand on the table. The musicians were so startled that they stopped playing. Everyone looked at the person who had slammed their hand on the table, and in that instant, they noticed the corpse of the maid lying at the palace gate.

The near-dismemberment of the body shocked them.

Apart from a few from humble backgrounds, most of those present were from respectable families, many of whom had been raised in secluded mansions during their childhood and entered Wu Xian's household as kept women after coming of age. The turmoil of the chaotic world was kept outside the walls of their courtyards, and they rarely had the opportunity to witness bloodshed firsthand. However, this did not mean they would be frightened by a corpse; immediately, someone spoke up to inquire.

The question, however, was posed to the person who had slammed the table: "What happened?"

The other woman, suppressing her anger, glared at Mi Shi. Too lazy to maintain a facade of peace, she loudly demanded, "What happened? This isn't a question for me, it's for you! Mi Shi, what are your intentions today? Why did you send someone to kill my maid?"

In a fit of extreme anger, they even stopped using honorifics.

Lady Mi showed no anger at being offended, nor any guilt at being caught red-handed. She remained as gentle as ever, as everyone knew her, but her words sent chills down one's spine: "Ah? So she's my sister's maid. It was all a misunderstanding. It's her fault for acting so suspiciously that she was mistaken for an assassin. As you all know, the country is in turmoil right now, the king is imprisoned, and there are countless malicious eyes lurking in the shadows. I'm worried that villains might harm the young children in the palace, so I have to be vigilant."

Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe that excuse.

The maid was a servant born into a wealthy family who had served the imperial concubines since childhood. She was later promoted to first-class maid and entered Wu Xian's household as part of her dowry. During the frequent visits between the concubines, she always stayed by her mistress's side, and they became familiar with each other over time. Not only her, but even the head maids of favored and influential concubines couldn't possibly be mistaken for villains!

This was not a mistaken killing; it was clearly murder!

Mi Shi has held great power in the inner court for many years and is familiar with the people in the palace. How could she not know the head maidservant of the concubine?

That's absolutely blatant lying!

"Mi Shi, what nonsense are you spouting!"

This response clearly failed to satisfy the victimized concubines.

She was trembling with rage, her movements so violent that they disheveled her hair and jewels. Her anger continued to rise: "I only asked her to go to the side hall to check on Shen'er. What was all this sneaking around about? Why are you so vicious, resorting to such a deadly attack in public? I really misjudged you. You're a dog that barks but doesn't bite. A silent beast, however, will take a life with one bite!"

She usually looked down on Mi Shi.

Even though Wu Xian arranged for her to work at Xu Jie's residence to enhance her image and gave her the identity of an orphan from a distant relative of the Xu family, Mi Shi wasn't particularly hated. Firstly, she came from a humble background, a mere dancer; secondly, Mi Shi was timid and submissive, almost without temper, only gentle and considerate; thirdly, Mi Shi wasn't the most favored woman, Wu Xian's favor with her accounted for at most 20%, and even then, she often advised Wu Xian to distribute his affections more evenly.

Especially after Wu Xian established the kingdom, Lady Mi helped the Queen manage the inner court. Every time Wu Xian came to the inner court to rest, she arranged everything perfectly, even the least favored concubines got their turn. Wu Xian's offspring also experienced an explosive increase in the number of children during these years.

Almost every woman in the inner court had one or more children.

Mi was magnanimous and fair, and everyone admired her.

Over time, even those who disliked Lady Mi had to admit that she had performed far better than the late queen over the years. It wasn't that the late queen had suppressed any woman or harmed any child, but rather that Lady Mi was more humane than the late queen... If Lady Mi hadn't lacked a powerful family to back her up, she would have been Wu Xian's only choice to succeed her as queen.

They may admit it, but deep down they still look down on them.

The concubine who was victimized this time was one of them.

She looked down on Lady Mi, yet benefited from her influence, becoming pregnant twice.

Mi said, "You've had too much to drink, sober up."

A single, understated sentence can send chills down one's spine.

"Mi Shi—"

"Didn't the servants see anything? Your wife is drunk! She's starting to talk nonsense!" Lady Mi slammed her cup heavily on the table, the sound of it hitting the silk fabric making a dull thud. "If she disturbs the distinguished guests present, your lives won't be enough to pay for it!"

"Mi Shi, what have you done to Shen'er!"

This question left everyone on edge.

None of those present were brainless. Seeing this situation, they could tell that the death of a maid was not the end of the matter. They also remembered that the side hall was quiet and the concubines who had brought their children to the banquet were terrified. Countless bloody images flashed through their minds like a slideshow. Every frame showed severed limbs lying in pools of blood, and the heads of children with their features on them!

Mi Shi: "Shen'er is doing well; she's been coaxed to sleep by her wet nurse."

Her voice remained gentle and soft.

The next sentence took a sharp turn, the words uttered like venomous snakes crawling along the backs and necks of the women, flicking their tongues at their ears: "However, if you continue your drunken rampage and refuse to sober up, then it won't be enough for me to just drink some calming soup and get a good night's sleep."

The implication might be that one can sleep well for the rest of their life.

Inside the hall, you could hear a pin drop.

The concubines closest to the palace gates noticed numerous guards reflected in their windows, far exceeding the usual size of a palace guard. Judging from the figures, they were all fully armed and clad in armor! This was a trap!

"Lady Mi, what are you doing?"

The concubine seated closest to Lady Mi spoke.

Lady Mi said, "Please, all sisters, have a small gathering in the palace for the night."

After saying that, she clapped her hands with a smile.

He ordered the musicians to continue playing.

Two burly, strong martial arts guards quietly entered, each carrying half of the maid's body away, leaving filthy marks on the ground as her entrails hung down. Several people who witnessed this scene felt their throats spasm, and a strong urge to vomit surged within them.

"A one-night get-together? Are you planning a rebellion to massacre the palace?"

“There’s no need for a bloodbath.” Mi Shi smiled gently and harmlessly. “My sisters are unaware of worldly affairs. These people below would need a hundred or so vats of water to clean a palace.”

Even if all the blood in this room were drained, it wouldn't be enough to cleanse once.

Although it was a joke, no one could laugh at it.

Mi Shi, she truly had the determination to wipe out the masses with blood.

Shadows flickered in the window.

They were like wild beasts poised to pounce, their greedy eyes fixed on their vitals, ready to stretch out their claws at any moment to tear open their breastbones, rip out their hearts, rip open their flesh, and devour them with relish.

The concubine, rebuked, first glanced sideways at Lady Mi, then suddenly rose and erupted, grabbing a delicate porcelain plate and smashing it. She then pointed the largest and sharpest shard at Lady Mi. Her series of actions couldn't conceal her noble air. Her red lips parted slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with mockery as she stared directly into Lady Mi's eyes: "Haha, barely enough. Tell the servants to be careful with what they use; it'll still be sufficient. But I wonder if Lady Mi has the guts? Dare to raise your sword and slaughter all of us present, and wipe out the King's bloodline! Lady Mi, do you dare? Do you have the guts?"

Her anger erupted completely from her chest!

"The fox borrows the tiger's might!"

"bluff!"

"Mi clan, I bet you wouldn't dare!"

Even a fool would think that Lady Mi was cowardly.

Who here doesn't have some kind of shady relationship with the officials of the outer court?

They're either daughters or sisters of this family, or distant relatives by marriage of that family, or even someone's goddaughter or god-sister!

What difference would it make if she killed everyone present, all their children, and completely severed ties with the Gaowai Court? Did she really think she could escape unscathed? Did she really believe that killing all of Wu Xian's children who were not from the Mi clan would allow the throne to fall into her son's hands?

A successor whom the civil and military officials do not recognize is worthless!

They could even deny Mi Shi Zi's bloodline altogether, arrange several lovers for Mi Shi, and have those lovers give false testimony. As long as everyone says that these lovers got together when Mi Shi was a dancer and continued to be entangled with her, even cuckolding Wu Xian, who can prove that Mi Shi Zi is Wu Xian's child?

Should Wu Xian be sent back from the Kangguo camp to prove it?

Or are they just doing some ridiculous blood test for kinship?

No, the truth isn't important!

The important thing is that Lady Mi and her son will die a terrible death!

The atmosphere instantly became tense, reaching a breaking point.

Everyone was waiting for Mi Shi's reaction.

To everyone's surprise, she just smiled.

The laughter grew louder and louder, even taking on a touch of manic abandon. Those close enough could see the glistening tears welling in her eyes. She was laughing so hard she was crying. It took Mi Shi a long while to stop, as she elegantly dabbed the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, enduring the soreness in her cheeks as she said, "You bet I wouldn't dare? Do you even know what a bet is? It's not just about opening your mouth and holding a sharp shard. Real gamblers, when they step onto the table, don't put their hands and feet up in the process?"

There are far too many gamblers like this in the general population.

After Mi finished speaking, amidst the panic, she drew the sword hidden under the table and approached her opponent step by step, who retreated in defeat.

"Once you're at the gambling table, don't expect to come out unscathed!" Despite her seemingly frail appearance, Mi Shi held her sword with remarkable steadiness. An older concubine, perhaps out of place, recalled a detail: Mi Shi had once caught Wu Xian's eye with a sword dance performed on a drum. Of course, her sword grip was steady. "It's just a life. Do you really think it's some kind of incredible bargaining chip? How do you know I can't afford to gamble, can't afford to lose?"

It's not that I can't bring myself to kill everyone, nor is it that I'm afraid of death.

Long before her fourth son told her he would risk his life for a "collapse," and after her second son told her he could understand his fourth brother, she realized she didn't truly understand her own flesh and blood. At that point, she cared about nothing anymore. These children were the spiritual support that had kept her alive all these years; they were her entire world.

When her emotional support collapsed, her world completely crumbled!

What's the point of her living if her family is dead?

If she kills all these people, she will be torn to pieces by the enraged court tomorrow; if she doesn't kill them, her son can fulfill his long-cherished wish, but—what will happen then? How many of them, mother and son, can withstand the iron cavalry of Kang? Can they stop the demise of Gao? Nothing!

In the end, he still died.

The ending was sealed the moment her son developed ambition!

The only difference is whether it's early or late!

so--

Looking at her fair face reflected in the sword's edge, Mi smiled gently, her smile as tender as ever: "Are you trembling?"

Clang!

The porcelain plate in the concubine's hand fell to the ground and shattered into three pieces.

Mi lowered her eyes and glanced at him, then stood facing him for a few more breaths before sheathing her sword.

"Musician, continue playing!"

The palace, which had been quiet for a long time, once again resounded with elegant music.

This time, however, there was no boisterous celebration of drinks and conversation; instead, there was only fear and an inability to eat, worry about their own situation and the whereabouts of their children. No one dared to make a move; they sat stiffly, forced to endure the pain, especially as they clearly felt the ground occasionally tremble, the clanging of metal mingled with shouts of battle, sometimes distant, sometimes near, and a few flickering lights reflected outside the window…

They recognized that these were martial artists clashing.

This is the inner court, yet the sounds of fighting can still be heard inside.

Everyone clearly anticipated what was happening at that moment.

"It's a palace coup! Rebels are trying to seize the palace!"

Suddenly, Lady Mi spoke up and gave her answer.

One question is answered, but another puzzle arises.

Who were the rebels that Lady Mi mentioned?

The concubines whose children were of age or nearing adulthood closed their eyes in despair, praying in their hearts that the children were not their own. They did not blame their children for doing this, but worried that if they encountered the well-prepared Mi clan, they would have little chance of winning and would lose their lives in vain.

The answer was quickly found.

The minister who had just received the message was stopped by the Imperial Guards.

"My lords, please rest assured, the traitor has been captured!"

"Who is the traitor?"

The imperial guards had clearly been instructed: "It's the Fifth Young Master."

The fifth prince, who was acting as regent, bribed guards throughout the outer court, but was stopped by loyal guards when he tried to enter the inner court, leading to a fierce confrontation. Upon hearing this, the court officials immediately understood the fifth prince's intentions: to kill the young prince, who was about to ascend the throne, before the morning court session! Such a shocking palace secret—killing one's brother to seize the throne—showed no regard for appearances whatsoever.

The minister, still uneasy, asked, "What about the fifth prince?"

The Imperial Guards replied, "They have been captured; the inner court is safe."

The Fifth Young Master's move caught everyone off guard, and the other brothers who had the intention or were preparing to make a move were all stunned!

Since no news came from the inner court, they assumed that the rebellion had been quelled so quickly because it was a contingency plan left by their father, Wu Xian! The fifth brother had alerted the enemy, and any further action would be suicide.

No matter how unwilling I am, I can only endure it.

I endured the night.

|ω`)

I passed all the practice questions today, so I feel like I can pass the theory test on my first try.