There were only three of them left in the main hall of Shoukang Palace.
The Queen Mother leaned back on a cushion, fiddling with her jade ruyi, awaiting a response. Aunt Zijin also waited nervously nearby, hoping to learn the identity of the true culprit.
Wei Shuyi sighed in embarrassment, "Empress Dowager, I have risked the risk of accusing a concubine of this to come here and inform you, hoping to save you from this calamity. If I truly have any selfish motives, it is for Zhaohua's sake. I hope her royal grandmother lives a long and healthy life, that she can grow up with my care and enjoy the happiness of family."
Hearing the little princess' name, the Queen Mother's expression softened. "How high is that person's status? How can we not even mention him?"
"Your Majesty, you have misunderstood my intentions," Wei Shuyi responded respectfully. "I only know who is committing the crime before my eyes, but I have not yet figured out who is hiding behind the scenes. Therefore, I would like to ask Your Majesty to act out a play together to lure that person out."
"Noble Lady Yi, do you understand that what you just said was an act of usurpation? Even if I were to punish you, you would have no right to refute me!"
She still refused to back down: "If punishing me can preserve the Queen Mother's health and Zhaohua's peace, I will accept the punishment willingly and without complaint!"
"You kid!"
"Your Highness, I have something to say that may be presumptuous. I have no relatives, and in the past, I rarely enjoyed the care of others. In this vast palace, you are the only one I trust, and your status is no less than that of my biological mother. Therefore, I am confident in entrusting my daughter, born after ten months of pregnancy, to you for upbringing. I will also choose to inform you of your conspiracy as soon as possible! I know my own limitations, and as someone of low status, I can only regard this thought as a midnight dream. Please, Your Highness, do not misunderstand my feelings!"
She had thought about it on the way here.
There was no shortage of open and covert fighting among the high-ranking concubines in the harem. Rong Zhaoyi could harm her daughter for her own selfish reasons, or murder her for other interests.
Rather than hoping those people would surrender, become pawns, and serve him loyally, it would be better to choose the Queen Mother.
"Alas, my family is sparsely populated, and there's not even a single daughter of your age." The Queen Mother stood up, walked to Wei Shuyi, and held out her hands to her. "I understand a little bit about your bitter past. In the future, if you have any grievances to express, as long as you don't mind my nagging, you can come to Shoukang Palace and tell me."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Queen Mother!"
"As for the matter you reminded me of, I will also pay attention to it."
The Queen Mother turned to look into the inner chamber. On the rocking bed, a small ornament made of shells was making crisp sounds in the breeze. Princess Zhaohua stretched out her tiny hand to touch it, looking adorable.
"Even for the sake of the little princess, I will strive to live a long life and accompany her as she grows up!"
——Imperial Study.
Nangong He reported the border war with a worried look on his face: "Your Majesty, after the Dashuo crisis was resolved, the small kingdoms to the north are also not at peace. The ruler of Beidi, who came to power by killing his father and brother, is extremely ambitious and has been annexing the surrounding small kingdoms one after another. I'm afraid his goal is to take over our Great Zhou!"
"Beidi Kingdom?" Xie Yanci seemed to be lost in thought. "Was the former ruler Rong Xiao killed by his own son?"
"Exactly! The current ruler is Rong Mu, the third son born to a concubine. It's said that he's been gifted since childhood, not only proficient in both civil and military skills, but also possesses profound insights into military tactics. He once defeated an enemy army without a single soldier, and even captured the enemy leader. He truly should not be underestimated!"
"I understand."
Xie Yanci nodded slightly, stared at the map on the imperial desk and studied it, saying no more.
Nangong Heng, who was standing in the back, suddenly cleared his throat: "Ahem... Your Majesty, I would like to go to Wenjing Pavilion. I vaguely remember that there are records of the literature and history of the Northern Di Kingdom there. I would like to borrow some to read. If there are disputes in the future, it will be easier to deal with them."
"After this conflict, the Northern Di Kingdom will need some time to purge its various factions. To strengthen the nation, Rong Mu doesn't dare to start a war at this time, as it would be a waste of money and manpower." The emperor granted his request. "However, it's also good that the young general wants to know in advance. Yang Mingrui..."
"I saw the direction of Wenjing Pavilion on my way here, so I won't bother Eunuch Yang to lead the way."
Nangong Heng's behavior was completely in accordance with etiquette.
It was the indifference and alienation in his tone that made Xie Yanci feel unhappy.
How could such a person think of meeting Concubine Yi in private and specially send her a full-moon gift for her daughter?
After leaving the imperial study, the servants guarding outside quickly followed Nangong Heng.
He took a long detour, specifically going to the only way to Shoukang Palace, and secretly calculated the time until -
"I will pay special attention to the matter mentioned by the young lady today on the day of the gathering. Please go there!"
"I'm relieved that the Empress Dowager has listened to my words. Aunt Zijin, please stop here and don't see me off." Wei Shuyi put his worries to rest and left with Wen Yu. "What a false alarm!"
"I was outside when I suddenly realized that no one in the main hall was talking. I was terrified! I was afraid that you might say something wrong and displease the Queen Mother."
Just as she was about to give a few more instructions, she saw a familiar figure standing not far away, waiting for her. Not only that, even the attendant beside that person looked up several times, then lowered his head in panic.
"Girl, what's wrong?"
Wei Shuyi stepped forward with some anticipation: "What a coincidence! Your Excellency is entering the palace again today?"
"Unfortunately, when I arrived, I saw Concubine Yi in a hurry, heading straight to Shoukang Palace." Nangong Heng would only open up when he met her. "I came here with my father, but I left him behind and hurried along, finally making it on time."
"You... came here specifically to stop me?"
"You may think so." He put his hand on the attendant's shoulder and took the initiative to introduce, "Noble Lady Yi, since the emperor has given me an official position, it would be inappropriate for me to have no servants to serve me. Take a look at my new pick. What do you think?"
Wei Shuyi's gaze fell on the boy's wheat-colored skin.
She could still see at a glance: this was Feng Mian's usual trick, he could disguise himself in many ways and make the fake look real, but he couldn't fool her, his sister!
Thousands of words were stuck in his throat, and he could only praise: "I think he is good. If he serves well, please promote him well."
"Of course! He's just a little weak, looking like a piece of firewood, and he doesn't have much strength. Recently, I specially gave him the Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup that my mother sent him, and his complexion has improved a bit. As for his martial arts skills, he still needs to practice!"
The attendant became more respectful and thanked Nangong Heng: "Thank you for your care, sir!"
Then, he turned to Wei Shuyi's position and couldn't help but look directly at her face: "Thank you for your concern, Noble Yi! I will do my best to serve you, my lord! The palace is treacherous and unpredictable, and you must protect yourself as well."
It’s Feng Mian’s voice!
Even if he forced himself to lower his voice and deliberately changed his speaking speed, she could still make it out.
Seeing that the two were about to shed tears, Nangong Heng slapped his head and asked loudly -
"It's over. I've taken the wrong path. I should have asked Eunuch Yang to come over earlier! Could you please point me in the direction, young lady? Where is Wenjing Pavilion?"
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