Chapter 271 So Leisurely
Morning light streamed through the high windows inside the main hall of Kunning Palace.
The concubines sat upright according to their rank, their clothes fragrant and their hair elegant, their jade pendants jingling softly. Beneath the peaceful facade, undercurrents were quietly surging.
Narcissus sat regally on her phoenix throne, dressed in bright yellow everyday clothes, listening calmly as the various palaces reported on their daily affairs.
Yongning had been ill for several days. Although she looked a little tired, her demeanor remained calm and composed, without any sign of panic.
Just then, Consort Wan, sitting at the lower end of the table, had a seemingly gentle smile on her lips.
Consort Wan spoke softly, breaking the routine tranquility of the palace.
"Your Majesty, I heard that Princess Yongning was unwell a few days ago, suffering from a persistent high fever, which is truly heartbreaking. I have been observing a vegetarian diet and chanting Buddhist prayers these past few days, but my heart remains uneasy. I keep wondering, how could the princess, a woman of noble birth and blessed with good fortune, suddenly catch such a severe cold? Could it be due to the recent unrest in the palace, causing her to offend some unclean spirit? Or perhaps..."
She paused deliberately, her gaze seemingly unintentionally sweeping over the other concubines in the hall before finally settling back on Narcissus's face.
"Hmm... Some rumors, which I don't know where they came from, have disturbed the peace and tranquility of Kunning Palace, which is why the princess was offended?"
Her words were extremely sharp and malicious.
On the surface, he was concerned about Yongning's condition, but in reality, he attributed the cause of the illness to "disorder within the palace" and "rumors."
As everyone knows, the biggest rumors circulating in the imperial court and harem these days revolve around Emperor Zhaoheng's background and the Empress Dowager's scandalous affairs.
She was implying that it was because Narcissus had been too controlling of the rumors and neglected her daughter that her daughter had fallen ill!
The hall fell silent instantly.
Consort De lowered her eyes and twirled her prayer beads, as if in deep meditation.
The other concubines either lowered their heads or exchanged glances, all holding their breath and not daring to make the slightest sound.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Shui Xian's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly as she held the teacup, her fingertips turning slightly white.
She raised her eyes to look at Consort Wan's meticulously made-up face, which couldn't hide her harshness, and was about to speak—
"Consort Wan!"
A chilling, bone-chilling shout rang out from outside the hall!
Everyone looked on in astonishment, only to see Emperor Zhaoheng dressed in court robes, clearly having come directly from court without even changing his clothes.
He strode into the hall, his face ashen, his deep eyes now extremely sharp, filled with undisguised anger and coldness, shooting straight at Consort Wan who was frozen in place!
He entered the hall, and without even glancing at Narcissus, he sternly rebuked Consort Wan:
"I think you've been living a leisurely life for too long and have forgotten your duty!"
"Yongning has fallen ill, and the imperial physicians have their own diagnosis. When did it become your place to make unfounded speculations, spread rumors, and disrupt the palace?!"
His voice was not loud, but it carried the unique imperial authority that made people tremble.
"Since you're so free, I'll find you some things to do!"
Emperor Zhaoheng's gaze was sharp as a blade. "Starting today, go to the Buddhist hall and quietly copy one hundred volumes of the Diamond Sutra to pray for the souls of those who died in the recent epidemic in the capital, and to accumulate some good karma!"
"You are not allowed to step out of the Buddhist hall until you have finished copying!"
He stepped forward, getting closer to the trembling Consort Wan, his voice lower but even more terrifying.
"Furthermore, if Yongning suffers even the slightest mishap due to any rumors, I—will hold you solely responsible!"
The last four words, like a heavy hammer, completely crushed Consort Wan.
Her legs buckled, and she collapsed to her knees, her magnificent palace dress spreading out and the hairpins and ornaments on her head swaying wildly.
She looked up, wanting to explain, but couldn't utter a single word. All she could feel were the pitying, mocking, or fearful gazes directed at her from all directions.
And the emperor's cold gaze.
"Your Majesty... Your concubine... obeys... obeys the decree..."
She could only manage to squeeze out those few words through clenched teeth, her voice trembling uncontrollably.
Emperor Zhaoheng didn't even glance at her again. He turned around, his expression turning into undisguised concern, and quickly walked to Shuixian's side, his voice softening considerably.
"Xian'er, is Yongning feeling any better today? I'll come to see her as soon as I finish court."
As Shui Xian met his worried gaze, the slight chill that had arisen in her heart due to Wan Fei's provocation was quietly dispelled by his unreserved favoritism and protection.
She gently squeezed his hand in return, and smiled sweetly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Yongning's fever has subsided, and she is feeling better. She just took her medicine and went to sleep."
The emperor and empress's tender interaction, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings, contrasted sharply with Consort Wan's disheveled kneeling on the ground.
The concubines felt a chill run down their spines, realizing once again that in this harem, any attempt to challenge the Empress's authority, or even just verbal offense, would incur the Emperor's merciless wrath.
Soon, a palace attendant stepped forward and "invited" the distraught Consort Wan away.
Order was restored inside the hall, but the atmosphere was even more solemn and respectful than before...
...
The next day.
The Golden Palace.
Emperor Zhaoheng sat high on the dragon throne, looking down upon his officials.
He did not mention the palace intrigue, but instead steered the conversation toward the "rumors" that had been swirling in the court and among the people recently.
"I have recently heard that there are some unsettling rumors circulating in the streets and even in the imperial court, which are confusing the public and shaking people's hearts."
Emperor Zhaoheng's voice was calm, yet carried an inherent authority: "This trend must not be allowed to continue."
His gaze fell on a slender, upright official in the queue.
"Censor Lian Chenxi".
"Your subject is present."
Lian Chenxi immediately stepped forward and bowed in response.
A few days ago, Lian Chenxi was investigated for a period of time, and many people thought he was finished, but unexpectedly, he was released by Emperor Zhaoheng a few days later.
Today, Emperor Zhaoheng, contrary to his dislike of a few days ago, actually trusted him and said:
"I know you have always been upright and fearless of powerful figures. I hereby grant you the authority to investigate rumors in the capital!"
"Anyone who spreads false rumors, frames court officials, or disturbs the peace of the people, regardless of their identity or background, will be severely punished once verified! Are you willing to take on this important responsibility?"
Emperor Zhaoheng spoke solemnly, entrusting him with such an important matter.
Upon hearing this, Lian Chenxi suddenly raised his head, his face instantly flushed with excitement.
He lifted the hem of his official robe and knelt down to kowtow heavily.
"Your subject, Lian Chenxi, is deeply grateful for the Emperor's trust and the heavy responsibility entrusted to him. I will do my utmost to investigate the abuses, set the record straight, and repay the Emperor's kindness! I will not hesitate to sacrifice my life!"
He acted with utmost loyalty, as if he were ready to die for his king at any moment.
Emperor Zhaoheng nodded in satisfaction: "Good! I hope you will not disappoint me."
After the court session ended, the officials filed out.
Because Lian Chenxi was entrusted with an important task, he became the focus of everyone's attention, and many officials came forward to congratulate him.
In a corner that was not easily noticed by the crowd, an official of low rank who had once been a student of Liu Taifu paused almost imperceptibly as he brushed past Lian Chenxi.
He never expected that Lian Chenxi would survive after he framed so many people.
He straightened his clothes, put on a smile, and went to greet him, but in his mind he was plotting countless schemes and tricks to drag Lian Chenxi down with him!
This scene, without the slightest error, was relayed back to Emperor Zhaoheng's ears through the emperor's hidden eyes and ears.
Inside the Qianqing Palace, after listening to the report from the secret guards, Emperor Zhaoheng slowly curled a cold smile onto his lips and lightly tapped his fingertip on the desk.
“The fish,” he whispered, his voice carrying a cold, all-encompassing authority, “has taken the bait.”
Emperor Zhaoheng stayed at Lihe Palace for lunch that day.
The warm pavilion had a cozy atmosphere, with several exquisite dishes laid out on the table, mostly the flavors that Emperor Zhaoheng preferred.
Narcissus herself served him food.
Emperor Zhaoheng seemed to be in a good mood, and casually mentioned, "That Lian Chenxi, he was quite passionate and loyal in court today. He seems to be a capable person."
Shui Xian picked up a piece of the tenderest part of the steamed silver carp with her chopsticks and put it into his bowl. Upon hearing this, her tone was gentle and natural, as if she were just having a casual chat.
"Students from poor families study diligently for ten years, enduring hardship and anxiety, all they hope for is to pass the imperial examination with flying colors, serve the court, and bring glory to their families."
"To be favored by the Emperor and given an exceptional position is their good fortune."
She looked up at him, her eyes clear and filled with pure approval.
"As long as they are devoted to the court, act impartially, and can truly share the emperor's burdens, ultimately benefiting all the people, then that is good."
She gently put down her silver chopsticks, her tone carrying a selfless and frank quality.
"I had only heard of his name by chance before, and my words of defense for him were merely out of a sense of pity for talent. I couldn't bear to see a truly talented person buried because of his background or rumors. I had no other intentions."
"The affairs of the previous dynasty are decided solely by His Majesty's divine will, and your humble servant dares not speak presumptuously."
She once again cleverly attributed her motivation for speaking up for Lian Chenxi to "cherishing talent for the court," completely distancing herself from any personal connection that might arouse suspicion.
Emperor Zhaoheng listened to her words, which were impeccable and full of profound wisdom.
He grasped her hand and laughed loudly, "My fairy, you are always so sensible and considerate of the big picture."
At that moment, Yongning's clear and cheerful laughter came from inside the room.
The little girl recovered from her illness and regained her energy. Like a little bird, she ran out and pounced on Emperor Zhaoheng's legs, looking up at him with her little face: "Father! I'm all better! Can I go play with Qingyan and Qinghe now?"
Emperor Zhaoheng picked up his daughter and lifted her high, making Yongning giggle.
Narcissus watched from the side, her eyes crinkling with a gentle smile.
A moment later, Yinzhu silently entered and gave Shuixian a wink.
Narcissus understood, and taking advantage of the moment when she was instructing the palace servants to add tea, she and Yinzhu walked to the window a little further away.
Yinzhu lowered her voice and quickly reported: "Your Majesty, Zhou Yan asked me to report that, through observation at the Dengdi Inn and several conversations, he has selected three more candidates who are both virtuous and academically excellent but from impoverished families."
"A clean background and a resilient character make him a capable person."
Narcissus glanced at the thriving spring scenery outside the window and nodded almost imperceptibly.
Everything was exactly as she had anticipated...
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