Chapter 107 Anxious to Save My Sister

"Well said, you have a sharp tongue."

The Empress was so angry that she trembled all over. Pointing at Niohuru, she gave a stern order to Qin Huai'an behind her.

"Qin Huai'an, what are you standing there for? Get this murderer for me. I want to collect some interest for my little prince first. Slap her in the face, beat her hard, beat her until she confesses and begs for mercy."

"Yes, sir."

A fierce look appeared on Qin Huai'an's face.

With a wave of his hand, several fierce-looking eunuchs behind him immediately pounced forward.

They held Niohuru's arms firmly on both sides, forcing her to be unable to move.

Niohuru did not struggle, but stared intently at the Empress.

Qin Huai'an rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward.

He raised his arm, using all his strength, towards Niohuru's face, which was filled with unyielding spirit.

He slapped it hard.

"Smack!"

A crisp, loud slap echoed in the side hall.

Niohuru's head was knocked to one side.

Clear red marks from five fingers instantly appeared on her fair cheeks, and a trace of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.

But she gritted her teeth and didn't cry out in pain.

Instead, he slowly turned his head and looked at the Empress again, his eyes filled with contempt and disdain.

The queen was driven even more mad by her gaze and screamed.

"Beat her, keep beating her until she can't get up anymore."

Upon hearing this, Qin Huai'an raised his hand again and delivered a series of even more vicious slaps.

"Slap! Slap! Slap!"

In the silent side hall, only the sound of slapping and the Empress's heavy breathing could be heard.

————————

Half an hour ago, Yongshou Palace was warm and cozy, with a relaxed atmosphere.

Jiang Nan leaned lazily against the soft couch.

Dai Jia sat to the side, skillfully peeling an apple, the thin peel stretching endlessly.

Jiang Nan found Dai Jiashi more and more pleasing to the eye.

Unlike Wang Shi, this girl is not as proper and rigid; her speech and actions are increasingly resembling Jiang Nan's style.

He's quick-witted and has a sharp tongue.

Tsk, it seems that one really does become like those one associates with, or rather, one becomes wiser by associating with her.

It seems that even Niohuru's aloofness has almost disappeared because of her.

She was indeed a little smug.

Dai Jiashi had already handed her the peeled apple.

As soon as Jiang Nan took a bite, the sweet juice filled her mouth.

Then the chief eunuch, Zhao Deyi, hurried in, his face showing an unusual look of urgency.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"

Zhao Deyi's voice was panting.

Jiang Nan paused in her chewing, slowly raised her eyes to glance at him, her tone filled with dissatisfaction.

"Zhao Deyi, I remember I praised you for your eloquence and competence. Why have you regressed today? What do you mean Your Majesty is not good? What have I done wrong? Have I lacked you food or clothing?"

Zhao Deyi realized he had misspoke, so he quickly patted his mouth lightly and bowed with an apologetic smile.

"This servant deserves to be punished. I was so anxious that I stammered. Your Majesty is of the highest order, it's just that this servant doesn't know how to speak properly."

"Um."

Jiang Nan was finally satisfied and took another bite of the apple.

"Tell me, what's making you so anxious? Is something wrong with Sister Niohuru, or...?"

She paused, her tone playful.

"You can't say that the Empress is bad, can you? If she's bad, then so be it. There's no need for you to be so anxious."

Zhao Deyi quickly reported back.

"Your Majesty is wise. It is indeed from Yikun Palace. My servants just came to report that Her Majesty the Empress has issued an oral decree summoning Consort Niohuru to Kunning Palace for questioning."

Jiang Nan's hand holding the apple froze in mid-air, her eyebrows slightly raised.

"Oh? What's the reason?"

"They said... the accounts of Yikun Palace are in disarray, and they want Niohuru to go to Kunning Palace immediately to explain."

"Pfft—"

Jiang Nan burst out laughing and threw the remaining apples back into the dish.

"The accounts are in disarray? This excuse... it must have been difficult for the Empress. At least it's a pretext. It's a wonder she didn't just say: 'I don't like you. Come and die.'"

Zhao Deyi asked tentatively.

"Your Majesty, should we...do something? With Consort Niohuru's departure, I'm afraid..."

Jiang Nan stood up, stretched, and loosened her stiff waist.

Instead of worry, his face showed a hint of excitement, as if he had found something extremely interesting.

"Save her? Of course I'll save her. She's my dear sister. I've been feeling really bored, and the little one in my belly is also getting restless. I never thought this fun would just come to me. If I don't go and join in the fun, I'd be letting down Her Majesty the Empress's kind invitation."

Dai Jia, who was listening nearby, couldn't help but interject, her face showing genuine worry.

"Your Majesty, is it dangerous for Sister Niohuru to go to Kunning Palace alone? Should we send someone to report to the Emperor immediately?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nan turned to look at Dai Jia.

"Danger? What danger could there be? Would the Empress dare to kill Niohuru in broad daylight in Kunning Palace? A life for a life? Her Hesheli doesn't have that kind of guts. At most, she'll just show off her power behind closed doors and humiliate Niohuru."

She walked up to Dai Jia and gently tapped her forehead with her finger, her tone carrying a teaching quality.

“Sister Dai Jia, you must remember that His Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, worrying about the country and its people. I can handle these little misunderstandings between the ladies in the harem perfectly well. If you keep bothering His Majesty with such trivial matters, wouldn’t that make me seem incompetent? You must not say such things again in the future, so as not to make His Majesty worry about such trivial matters.”

She spoke eloquently, but what she really thought was...

Tell the Emperor? If Kangxi goes there, whose advice should they take? How can she possibly sabotage this event?

Most importantly, she would feel somewhat embarrassed if Emperor Kangxi were present, as making a big fuss about it would greatly damage her image as a virtuous and gentle woman.

Dai Jia rolled her eyes inwardly.

Your Majesty's words are indeed more eloquent than your actions; you're clearly afraid that if the Emperor goes and follows the rules, you won't be able to personally join in the fun.

Jiang Nan ignored Dai Jia's smug expression and turned to Zhao Deyi.

His face had already adopted a look of eager anticipation before battle, and his voice had risen a few decibels with excitement.

"Zhao Deyi!"

"Your servant is here!"

"Issue my order: immediately prepare the ceremonial guards for a concubine's rank. Make it a grand spectacle. Tell all those in Yongshou Palace that I'm taking you to visit Kunning Palace today. Everyone must be on their guard. Also, tell Changshun to keep an eye on things. If anyone chickens out at Kunning Palace and holds me back, I'll send them back to the Imperial Household Department. Yongshou Palace doesn't tolerate useless cowards or weaklings. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

Zhao Deyi was thrilled.

He loved doing important things with his master, and he readily agreed in a loud voice, turning around to make the arrangements.

"etc!"

Jiang Nan called him back, her expression composed.

"While we're at it, let's send someone to peek around the entrance of Yikun Palace and see if Sister Niohuru has really been invited away. We can't just come here empty-handed."

"This servant understands, Your Majesty, please rest assured."

Zhao ran out excitedly.

Jiang Nan watched Zhao Deyi's triumphant back and couldn't help but reveal a wicked smile.

She touched her belly and whispered to the little one inside.

"My son, don't rush, your mother will take you to have some fun."

Seeing her mischievous grin, Dai Jia couldn't help but mutter under her breath.

"Your Highness, please tone it down a bit; your smile is practically reaching your ears..."

Jiang Nan immediately turned to look at her with a stern face, pretending to be serious.

"Nonsense, I didn't laugh at all. I'm worried about Sister Niohuru and I'm extremely anxious. You must have seen wrong."

She straightened her collar and struck a pose.

“Sister Dai Jia, you stay in the palace obediently until I bring Sister Niu Kulu back safe and sound.”

Lady Daijia looked at her mistress's expression, which clearly indicated she was about to cause trouble.

I sighed helplessly, feeling a little itchy inside.

Sigh, I really want to go and see what's going on...

Yongshou Palace instantly sprang into action like a machine, with eunuchs and palace maids moving hurriedly yet in perfect order.

An invisible, chilling atmosphere permeated the palace gardens.