Chapter 57: Punishment
Yu Shiyan knew very well the source of this trouble.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."
The Queen gave an almost inaudible "hmm" and turned her back to continue feeding the canaries in the cage with a golden spoon.
This is a common trick used in the palace.
Yu Shiyan waited patiently with his head down.
"I heard you have amnesia?"
After a long while, the golden key made a crisp sound as it struck the cage bars, and she casually handed the birdseed and the golden key to the palace maid who was serving her.
"Your filial piety is commendable; it's kind of you to still remember your mother."
"Your subject dares not."
Yu Shiyan bowed deeply, his manners so impeccable that no one could find fault with him.
The Empress wanted to punish him but couldn't find a reason, and she couldn't help but feel a little annoyed. Sitting on her high seat, she fiddled with her long nail guards one after another, but didn't say a word. The already tense atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing point.
"Your Majesty, the ice in the palace has melted. Should we go to the ice cellar to fetch some more?"
Huixin, who was standing behind her fanning her, leaned down and whispered in her ear.
The volume wasn't loud, but it was just enough for everyone to hear clearly.
The Empress's eyes flickered for a moment, then her expression softened as she looked at Yu Shiyan: "In that case, Shiyan, why don't you make a trip and fetch some ice for me?"
"Let Huixin lead you there; it won't take long."
Yu Shiyan lowered his head in response, concealing the cold glint in his eyes.
It seems they intend to punish him properly to vent their anger.
If you go, you'll most likely be locked inside; if you don't go, you'll be accused of being disobedient and unfilial.
Since there's no way to escape it anyway, it's better to obediently go along. Even if something bad happens, the former is always in the right.
Huixin carried the ice chest and led the way, while Yu Shiyan followed behind her without saying a word, as they exited the main hall.
Bai Tu was originally waiting for Yu Shiyan outside the Jiaofang Palace, but when she saw that something was wrong, she hesitated for only two seconds before pulling back her outstretched foot and turning to leave.
Yu Shiyan walked on by himself, a strange smile suddenly appearing on his lips.
The two quickly arrived at the Ice Cellar Bureau, where they could see the person in charge of the ice storage dozing off like a chicken pecking at rice. Huixin quickly stepped forward and rudely tapped the table with one hand.
"How dare you! You're incredibly audacious to fall asleep while on duty!"
If I report this to Her Majesty the Empress, let's see how a mere ice-cold creature like you will conduct yourself!
Upon hearing this, Bingzheng immediately sobered up. Seeing that the person standing in front of him was the Empress's most trusted head maid, he was so frightened that he scrambled to his feet and said, "Miss Huixin! I dare not do it again. Please have mercy on me."
This is some savings I've accumulated; this position of Ice Master isn't exactly lucrative, so please don't look down on it, Miss Huixin.
As he spoke, he put on a smile and tried to please her in every way. He even stuffed a bag of silver into Yu Shiyan's hand in front of her, clearly showing that he, the seventh prince, was not taken seriously.
Huixin weighed the hush money, quickly tucked it into her bosom, and nodded at him with satisfaction: "You're quite sensible. Go, open the door. Her Majesty has instructed the Seventh Prince to fetch some ice and send it back to Jiaofang Palace."
Yes, yes, yes.
Bing responded several times, then hurriedly grabbed the key, inserted it into the lock, and gently turned it. The lock clicked, and a chill rushed out.
Despite the bright sunshine and unbearable heat, a chilling aura, billowing white smoke, instantly seeped into the body, making one shiver with cold.
Bing lit a candle, and the small cluster of light instantly illuminated the dimly lit underground entrance. The walls on both sides were covered with ice blocks, and there was a thin layer of frost on the ice blocks.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
