15 Who is the one who is hiding the deepest secret?
Xiao Dengzi's unusually firm answer made Chunhe's heart sink to the bottom of the sea. At this moment, Liu Hanruo looked at Chunhe and spoke calmly:
"Chunhe, I am very curious, why did you insist on wearing a veil to buy safflower? Did you do something wrong and are afraid to face people?"
"This servant...no...no..." Chunhe was flustered and didn't know how to answer. She could only look at Consort Wang hopefully. Although the latter was annoyed that Chunhe was not doing a good job, she had followed her since childhood and still had feelings for her, so she stopped her from speaking.
"Chunhe, now that things have come to this, you have no choice. What are you still hesitating for? If you don't speak now, your life will be in danger. What in this world is more important than life? If you don't want to speak, then I will speak for you! Princess Consort, I originally didn't want to speak because I believed that family scandals should not be aired in public, but things have come to this point, and for Chunhe's life, I have no choice but to speak. Actually, this is what happened. Chunhe had an affair with a farmhand in the manor without her sister's knowledge, and she even became pregnant. After her sister found out, she was severely reprimanded and ordered to abort the child. Her sister was afraid that the matter would be exposed, so she secretly sent Chunhe to buy safflower while wearing a veil."
"Hmm, according to what my sister said, those safflowers were for Chunhe to buy for an abortion?"
Seeing Consort Wang nod, Liu Hanruo chuckled inwardly. Was this a case of trying to teach a master carpenter how to use his axe in front of Lu Ban (a legendary carpenter)? She could easily tell whether Consort Wang had recently miscarried. So, feigning doubt, she asked:
“Sister, I find it very strange. Both of you had miscarriages, but Consort Liu appeared unusually weak after the miscarriage, while Chunhe, apart from being slightly pale, showed no signs of weakness at all. Why is that?”
“No wonder you were puzzled, sister. It’s all my fault for not finishing my story. When Chunhe bought the medicine, I watched her drink it. But after a long time, there was still no sign of pregnancy. I found it strange, so I secretly sent someone to fetch a doctor. But the doctor said after examining her, ‘Nonsense! She hasn’t even gotten pregnant yet, how could she have miscarried!’ I was shocked. After much inquiry, I finally understood that although Chunhe had an affair with the farmhand, the whole thing about her getting pregnant was a misunderstanding.”
"I see, then I understand. But little sister, I seem to have discovered something interesting by chance yesterday, but I suppose you already know about it."
"Last night, around midnight, I was awakened by a nightmare and found myself wide awake. I got up and wandered around, only to discover an embarrassing scene in the garden. In the dim moonlight, two figures were entwined, making intimate noises. I could faintly hear the man calling out to Chunhe with deep affection, while the woman called out to Brother Chen in a daze. I had initially thought that Chunhe was not my sister's maid, but now I realize... Chunhe is my sister's person. It is inappropriate for me to interfere, but as the Princess Consort, I have a responsibility to remind my sister that the inner courtyard of the royal palace is not like that of a common household. As my sister's personal maid, I should know propriety and shame. Since my sister already knows this, she should find a way to stop it. If this continues, my sister surely knows what the consequences will be. I have said all I have to say. I hope my sister will make a decision soon."
“Sister is right, I will be careful.” Consort Wang’s expression changed slightly. She bowed to Liu Hanruo, concealing the ruthlessness in her eyes.
"Oh, right, sister, I forgot to tell you, that maid named Shui Han seems to have a cousin named Shui Chen. You might want to keep an eye on her; you might have some unexpected gains, hehe." Liu Hanruo seemingly intimately took the hand of Consort Wang, her words carrying a hidden meaning.
After finding out where Herborist's safflower was, Liu Hanruo asked Wang Xiaoer, the shop assistant at Herborist.
He learned from Wang Xiaoer that he had sold half a catty of safflower at 9 am yesterday and half a catty of musk at 5 pm the day before yesterday. The half catty of safflower was bought by Xia Yu, and the half catty of musk was bought by a woman wearing a veil and a cloak. He clearly remembered that the woman had a red mole on the web between her index finger and thumb, which was very conspicuous.
Wang Xiaoer continued talking non-stop, while Hua Nishang secretly gave Shui Han a wink. Shui Han understood and secretly clenched his fist to hide the red mole. Little did he know that this action was undoubtedly superfluous, completely exposing himself to Liu Hanruo. Liu Hanruo understood and calmly chatted with Hua Nishang about everyday matters.
"Madam Hua, if I remember correctly, your personal maid is named Shui Han, right? She is such a lovely girl, one can't help but like her from the bottom of one's heart."
"Your Highness is too kind. Shui Han is just a maid, how could she be worthy of such praise from Your Highness?"
"Hehe, Madam Hua, you know I always speak the truth. Shui Han is a clever and adorable girl, and she's also very pretty. Especially that red mole on her thumb, it's still fresh in my memory. If it weren't for the principle of a gentleman not taking what others cherish, I would really like to snatch her away."
"Your Highness is too kind. This humble concubine is terrified." Hua Nishang was startled and sighed inwardly. She hadn't expected Liu Hanruo to have such a good memory, recognizing her just from the red mole.
"Madam Hua, I was never joking. I spoke from the bottom of my heart! That red mole... wait, I remember now, didn't Wang Xiaoer also mention a red mole between the thumb and index finger? Madam Hua, what a coincidence! Both are located between the thumb and index finger. Could the location and size of the mole be exactly the same? If they are, then I have to be suspicious!"
"Your Highness is joking. Of course it's different. Hehe, Your Highness, I wonder what you intend to do with Cuizhu and the others?" Hua Nishang smiled awkwardly and tried to change the subject.
"This matter will be dealt with after consulting the Prince. Madam Hua, I suppose that makes sense. Who knows Shui Han better than you? If you say it's different, then it must be different. However, you should know that words are not enough; seeing is believing. To prevent the servants from gossiping and saying that I am unfair, Madam, you should have Shui Han extend her hand for Wang Xiaoer to identify, so as to set the record straight and prevent everyone from having any doubts."
"Hehe, Your Highness is absolutely right. Shui Han, this matter has nothing to do with you. It's fine to extend your hand and let Wang Xiaoer identify it. You are my person. If anyone makes false accusations, I will not let it go. I will make sure that the person who wronged you gets the punishment they deserve!"
His words were ostensibly encouraging Shui Han to stand up boldly and not to be afraid, but in reality, they were threatening Wang Xiaoer to assess the situation carefully, or his life would be in danger! Wang Xiaoer was no fool, so how could he not understand? His heart trembled, his courage faltered, and his hands kept tugging at his clothes, revealing his state of mind.
"What Madam Hua said is true, and I doubt anyone would dare to challenge the limits of the law. You must know that there are many laws, and Wang Xiao'er is well aware of what is right and wrong!"
Liu Hanruo's words implied that as long as he told the truth, she would protect him; otherwise, if he broke the law, he shouldn't blame her for being ruthless!
Wang Xiaoer was caught in a dilemma, his heart pounding with anxiety. On one side was the disfavored princess, and on the other was the favored concubine. After much deliberation, Wang Xiaoer decided to gravitate towards the princess. After all, although the princess had fallen out of favor, her status was undeniable.
Wang Xiaoer walked up to Shui Han, glanced at her hands, and sighed. Sure enough, they were exactly the same.
“Your Highness, the location and size of the mole are exactly the same as the woman’s from that day.” Wang Xiaoer took a deep breath, his words firm and resolute.
“Madam Hua, that’s strange. You said they were definitely different, but Wang Xiao’er said they were the same. It seems you don’t understand your maid well enough, hehe.” Liu Hanruo said to Hua Nishang with a smile. “Madam Hua, I suppose you wouldn’t tell me, like Consort Wang, that Shui Han was having an affair and that she secretly bought musk to add to the incense and burn in the room, would you?”
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