Chapter 41: Aunt, why don’t you believe me…
Upon hearing this, Yunsheng hurriedly went to get paper and pen.
"Aunt, doesn't the Empress have so many maids and eunuchs waiting on her?"
Zhao Changning frowned in thought and said casually, "People are different. What the Queen needs right now is someone who can help her."
Yunsheng scratched his head, "Aunt, why don't you go serve the Empress?"
Zhao Changning shook his head, "I'm already too busy to handle everything."
Yunsheng squatted beside her knees, grinding carefully. Seeing his aunt write a name, he hesitated again and again and said, "Aunt, is Qiaoyu not suitable? She is covered in injuries every day. What if she offends the Empress?"
Zhao Changning saw his concern and said gently, "That eunuch who's barely making a living from the Imperial Stables is so arrogant and domineering all day long, even unafraid of me. I pity her, as she's a smart person. If she'd been with the Empress, she probably wouldn't have suffered this fate."
In fact, it's not that she hasn't taken care of it, but the people in the palace are complicated, and her seal is not omnipotent. She used tricks to subdue those people at the beginning. The areas where she can really intervene thoroughly are those with many palace maids, such as the Weaving and Dyeing Bureau, the Needlework Bureau, the Firewood Preservation Bureau, etc.
As for places with many eunuchs, such as the Imperial Stables, the Shrines, and the Metropolitan Administration, it is still difficult for her to really get involved, and it is not easy to squeeze palace maids in.
During the confrontation between the two parties, because Zhao Changning had some face in front of the emperor and the empress, although those people submitted to her, they still had many ulterior motives in their secret plans.
Zhao Changning wanted to strongly recommend female officials, partly because he was annoyed by these disobedient eunuchs. Since they were disobedient, he would replace them.
Yunsheng suddenly realized something and became a little excited. "Aunt, now that's it, that bastard won't dare to hit her again."
Zhao Changning just smiled and said nothing more.
She had a general idea of the people in the palace, so she drew up the list quite quickly.
The Queen also responded quickly, saying only that the person would be sent there and would be kept after questioning and investigation.
In the end, the queen left behind two eunuchs and four palace maids, and Qiaoyu was one of them.
Taking the opportunity to send a group of palace maids to the Empress, Zhao Changning also sent a eunuch and a palace maid to each of the Empresses. Before this, there were major events in the palace one after another, and some people had to be sent out due to age. The harem was understaffed, so it was reasonable to send people now.
She specifically asked Xiao Zhi about the person who was sent to Yonghe Palace, and learned that the young eunuch loved money like his life, so she sent it over with confidence.
Today, the gates of Yonghe Palace are closed, and it no longer has the splendor of flowers as it did in the past.
Yun Hui looked regretful and said, "Aunt, do you think Yonghe Palace will remain like this forever?"
Zhao Changning said calmly, "That depends on the ability of Empress Zhaoyi."
After leaving Yonghe Palace, Zhao Changning made a special trip to find the seal of the Imperial Stables and told them about Qiaoyu's experience, expressing his deep sympathy.
"...I only told you this right away because I value you. Now that Qiaoyu is favored by the Empress, you should also take good care of that bastard under your command and suppress his arrogance. Don't offend the Empress. The Empress is kind, but she won't show mercy to people like this. If that happens, I won't be able to protect you."
The Imperial Stables' seal-holder smiled and bowed in thanks, "Aunt, I'm grateful that you came in person. Don't worry, I'll definitely teach that bastard a lesson. Qiaoyu has caught the Empress's eye, it's a blessing for both of them. They won't dare to do anything reckless."
Zhao Changning spoke earnestly, "Although I hold the seal, the people who will handle the affairs will definitely be the capable elders like you. You must be extremely cautious. The Queen is not someone who can be fooled easily."
"Yes, yes, you are right. I will punish him severely and make him behave himself." The Imperial Horse Supervisor bowed and saw Zhao Changning off. "Auntie, please walk slowly."
After Zhao Changning walked away, he spat on the ground with a look of contempt on his face.
"Godfather, what do you think we should do about this?" The young eunuch serving nearby said attentively, "That woman has a point. If we really offend the Empress, it would be a capital crime."
The Imperial Horse Supervisor narrowed his eyes. "How should we do this? We all have to obey her on the surface, so of course we have to suppress her. Otherwise, if she gets angry, what will she do to make things difficult for us?"
He spat again. For so many years, eunuchs have always been in charge of the government, but now they are suppressed by a woman. The world is really going downhill.
Zhao Changning was tired after a day of work. After returning to his residence, he asked Xiaoshun to find two bottles of wine.
She hesitated for a while, and finally called Yunsheng.
"You are quite familiar with Qiaoyu. It's a good thing that she is now serving the Empress. I was the one who suggested this. If anything happens to her or she fails to serve her well, I will also be held responsible."
She pushed two bottles of wine in front of Yunsheng and said, "Send these two bottles to her. First, to celebrate for her, and second, to have a good talk with her husband and ask him to be more considerate in the future. Qiaoyu is favored by the Queen Mother, and it will benefit him in the future, right?"
Yunsheng sighed, his eyes sparkling, "Aunt, you are such a good person."
Zhao Changning suddenly stopped smiling and said, "Don't say that again in the future."
She hates being good.
July was over and the Mid-Autumn Festival in August was approaching. Zhao Changning would go to the Queen's Kunning Palace almost every day to discuss matters with her.
As soon as he left the Qinzheng Hall that day, he met someone from the Yonghe Palace.
"Little Wuzi greets Auntie." Little Wuzi knelt straight, smiling brightly. "Auntie, are you going to Kunning Palace?"
Zhao Changning glanced at him and said, "You've only been in Yonghe Palace for a short time. Why are you running here instead of serving Empress Zhaoyi?"
Xiao Wuzi quietly took out a big bulging purse and laughed.
"Aunt, everyone knows that you are the emperor's favorite. Concubine Zhaoyi has been thinking deeply in Yonghe Palace. But the little princess is innocent and cries for her father every day..."
Zhao Changning pushed it away without waiting for him to finish, and was unwilling to take the purse.
"You don't need to tell me this, Little Fifth Son. Empress Zhaoyi's confinement period has not yet ended, and incidents are happening frequently in the court. The Emperor is extremely worried. Even I dare not go before the Emperor and offend him."
Xiao Wuzi cried pitifully from behind, "Auntie, Auntie, please help me..."
Naturally, this matter spread to Kunning Palace. When the Queen learned that the young eunuch from Yonghe Palace dared to stop Zhao Changning, she couldn't help but sneer.
"Did Changning receive the items?"
Chunyun shook her head repeatedly, "She definitely didn't answer. She can still tell who's the master between you and Zhaoyi."
The Queen frowned slightly. She certainly didn't want anyone from Yonghe Palace to come out, but if she went to teach them a lesson and stop them herself, it would attract too much attention, and the Emperor would think she was stingy.
Thinking about what Zhao Changning said about the female official, if it is really feasible, then in the future, whether it is Yonghe Palace or other palaces that commit crimes, it will be easier for her, as the queen, to deal with them by using rules.
Only at this moment did she understand the unspoken meaning of Zhao Changning's words. The emperor had just ascended the throne, and she had no foundation in the palace. Now in the palace, the eunuchs were proud to serve the emperor, and the inconspicuous palace maids were the easiest for her as a queen to control.
Coincidentally, Zhao Changning is now the closest person to the emperor, so why shouldn't she help him win over? If she can refuse the purse today, what about the future?
The Queen hesitated.
Zhao Changning returned to his residence in the evening, sweating profusely and exhausted.
This Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was extraordinary. The new emperor ascended the throne and announced it to the world. The surrounding vassal states and neighboring countries all sent envoys to celebrate. The emperor also attached great importance to it and made a special trip to tell the queen to make good arrangements.
The queen had never hosted such a grand banquet before, especially to receive foreign envoys. This banquet was not just a meal, but also a manifestation of the power of Dayong State and a test for her as the queen.
She could only find Zhao Changning to discuss it carefully, because Zhao Changning had organized the 80th birthday banquet for the late emperor, and many envoys came to pay homage and congratulate him.
Zhao Changning took the cold tea handed to him by Yunsheng and drank it all in one gulp. His throat finally felt much better, but it was too bitter. He didn't know what was added to it.
It’s a pity that Xiaobai dislikes her smell and refuses to let her hug him.
Zhao Changning was so angry that he slapped the cat's butt, "You heartless little thing."
"Auntie, please go wash up quickly." Xiao Shun said with a smile, "The Imperial Kitchen Supervisor sent over a lot of delicious food today, and these two little ones are almost starving."
When Zhao Changning came out after washing up, she saw several people sitting at the table, waiting for her obediently.
She picked up the chopsticks and said "Eat", and everyone started to eat. Even Xiaobian, who was the most active, was very quiet. It seemed that they had been following the rules well recently.
After Xiaozhi and Xiaobian finished sharing their interesting stories of the day, Yunsheng frowned and spoke slowly.
"Aunt, Qiaoyu was beaten very badly yesterday. Did you see her at the Queen's today?"
Zhao Changning recalled and shook his head, "I haven't seen her before, so why was she beaten again? Didn't I take care of her?"
Yunsheng was unhappy. "That bastard, it's a waste to give him wine. Qiaoyu said it was because she got promoted while he got demoted, and he was upset, so he beat me even harder. Auntie, he almost beat Qiaoyu to death."
Zhao Changning sighed and said nothing more.
Yunsheng was so upset that he couldn't eat. He sat aside with something on his mind and didn't even want to talk.
Two days later, the weather began to get hot again, the cicadas chirped incessantly, and the sun shone brightly.
In order to assist the Queen wholeheartedly, Zhao Changning, in addition to helping the Emperor organize memorials and approve them, temporarily assigned all other tasks in the Qinzheng Palace to Anyi and others, and Yunsheng was also assigned to them.
Xiao Wuzi found an opportunity and found Anyi again, stuffing a purse bigger than last time into his pocket, as well as a glittering green bracelet on his wrist inside his sleeve.
"Brother Yi, please, that Concubine Zhaoyi is so hard to please. She said that if I'm useless again, she'll beat me to death. Brother Yi, please save me..."
An Yi refused at first, but was pestered and had no choice but to accept it secretly.
He was embarrassed. "I promised you that I would do my best, but I can't guarantee it. You know, in front of the emperor, my aunt is the most important."
Xiao Wuzi nodded and bowed, "Brother Yi, I feel relieved with your words. You can definitely do it. Xiao Wuzi's life depends on you, Brother Yi..."
Anyi quickly pushed him away, "Go quickly, don't let anyone see you, or you'll get me into trouble..."
The moon is above the willow branches, and its light is as clear as jade.
Anyi quietly appeared in front of his aunt's house, looking at the two cat eyes flashing with faint blue, as if they would rush up and beat him as soon as he moved. He was silent for a moment.
I remember my aunt said that her cat was very well-behaved and loved to act coquettishly. It couldn’t be that fierce, right?
Fortunately, Xiaoshun saw it and called the cat inside, "Xiaobai, come back, you are not allowed to go out..."
Zhao Changning was wearing his outer robe and standing in the corridor talking with Anyi. The lights were dim and there were many insects and mosquitoes. The two of them walked around while talking and slapped their arms from time to time.
"Hooked?"
Anyi took out his purse and presented it respectfully with both hands.
"Aunt, you said the other day that you wanted to do some errands for the Empress, specifically to prepare for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. That little Wuzi couldn't wait to find me. I refused once, but this time I followed your instructions and pretended to be embarrassed to accept it."
Zhao Changning looked at the huge purse and the three emerald jade bracelets on Anyi's hands and couldn't help but smile.
"You keep it for yourself." She said this with some hesitation. The higher up they went, the faster they spent money. It was also true that Xiao Shun had no money.
"The bracelet is very good, give it to me." She took the bracelet without even glancing at her purse, "You can divide the rest among you."
Anyi nodded happily, "Thank you, auntie."
They don't have badges yet, so they can't leave the palace unless it's necessary. It would be easier for them to use the silver.
Besides, as long as I follow my aunt, I will never have to worry about not having bracelets in the future.
Zhao Changning turned back to the house and was startled to see Yunsheng standing motionless in the moonlight. "What are you doing here?"
Yunsheng rubbed his eyes and said sleepily, "Auntie, why aren't you sleeping yet?"
Zhao Changning muttered something, then turned and went into the house without paying any more attention to him.
The next day, in the evening, the sky was filled with sunset glow, red clouds were rolling, and the whole earth was emitting the last bit of heat.
Zhao Changning was in the Queen's Palace and learned that the Emperor had gone to Yonghe Palace to visit the little princess.
She lowered her head slightly, picked up the tea bowl and took a sip, feeling a little surprised at how fast Zhaoyi was.
The Queen's brows knitted together, and after a long pause she could only say, "Shang Mei'er is indeed quite resourceful. Changning, how do you think she was able to pass on this message to the Emperor?"
Zhao Changning knelt hurriedly. "Your Majesty, please understand. Those eunuchs and palace maids like to gossip for no reason. I'm afraid the Emperor might have overheard them. It's Changning's fault for not disciplining them. Please punish them, Your Majesty."
The queen helped her up and said, "Why should I blame you for someone else's fault? Besides, you've been here all these days. Hurry up and sit down."
She was very hesitant, fearing both disorderly changes and constant changes, and fearing that one day she would be defeated.
Zhao Changning noticed the queen's hesitation and did not mention anything else. Instead, he took the opportunity to say goodbye.
Before reaching the residence, I saw Yunsheng running in front of me with hurried steps, his legs moving very fast.
"Yunsheng, why are you running? What happened?"
Yunsheng's head and face were covered in sweat, and his handsome face was full of anxiety. When he saw Zhao Changning, he felt like he saw a savior, and tears fell down.
"Auntie, auntie, I was wrong, I was wrong..."
Zhao Changning was stunned and interrupted his crying, "What happened?"
Yunsheng choked up and whispered, "I, I gave Qiaoyu some poison, the same poison you gave Yunyao..."
"What?" Zhao Changning glared at him. Seeing that he was still crying, he shouted, "What's going on now? Tell me quickly."
Yunsheng's lips trembled. "I thought, I thought Qiaoyu would poison that bastard to death, but she was too stupid. She actually drank it herself. Aunt, I..."
Zhao Changning slapped him and said sternly, "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you act on your own?"
Her original intention was not to kill both of them.
Yunsheng wiped his eyes uncomfortably and talked about something else instead, "Aunt, you don't believe me. Aunt, why don't you believe me? You would rather believe Anyi and the others than me?"
Zhao Changning knew he must have heard it last night. He couldn't help but sneer and said coldly, "Why should I believe you? What do you have that's worthy of my trust? Do you know what happens if you use poison in the palace?"
Yunsheng was shaking all over. He looked at Zhao Changning in disbelief, his deer-like eyes filled with tears, and he felt so aggrieved that he was about to break.
"Aunt, I'm very obedient. I dare to do anything. I know you want that bastard to die. I just want to help you and Qiaoyu at the same time..."
Zhao Changning couldn't help but frown when he heard his guess was almost right. "What else do you know?"
Yunsheng cried and said, "I know everything. When Aunt wrote Qiaoyu's name that day, I felt something was wrong. It was supposed to be perfect, but Aunt revealed such a big flaw. Aunt, it was obviously me who dealt with the poisoned wine and the corpses before, but why did you believe Anyi and the others and not me, and even deliberately lied to me? I can do it too. I can also help you promote the female official's business. I just want to help you, I don't want to do anything bad..."
Zhao Changning really didn't expect Yunsheng to be able to guess it. It seems that he is not as stupid as he looks.
Hearing him yelling that she had lied to him and her face turning red, she sighed helplessly.
"Forget it, let him die. This way it's easier to deal with. I'll take care of the rest."
Yunsheng cried and choked, "Aunt, I killed Qiaoyu. I'm going to collect her body. I want to bury her properly. She's just like me and Yunpei. She has no one at home. Woo woo woo..."
That's why I'm always bullied.
Zhao Changning didn't refuse either.
But when she saw the scars on Qiaoyu's body, she was shocked and angry. There were countless scars on the surface of her skin alone, not to mention other things.
Zhao Changning felt sorry for her. She actually thought that Qiaoyu would either be beaten to death or fight back. If she dared to make trouble in front of the Queen, she would look at her differently and would definitely come forward to protect Qiaoyu. What a pity...
However, Yunsheng encountered it by accident, and such a situation is actually easier to handle.
A scarred corpse is more impactful than a living person speaking.
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The author has something to say: Yunsheng: [bursts into tears] The puppy feels wronged!
Thank you for loving Changning, muah! [cat head][kiss][heart]
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