The harem plots are full of hidden agendas
With the sound of a bell, the orange light of dawn broke, and a large bird in the tree, its long tail tugging, soared into the sky. At noon, in the Kunning Palace study, the four concubines sat below. Chen Yun unfolded a scroll, perusing an ancient book. Just then, Li Lin arrived. After everyone saluted, Li Lin took the main seat.
Li Lin pointed at the scroll in Chen Yun's hand and said, "This is the new technology that the Queen has been researching recently. What's it called?"
"It's an antibiotic. Antibiotics produce their bactericidal effects through four main mechanisms: inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, interacting with cell membranes, interfering with protein synthesis, and inhibiting nucleic acid replication and transcription. In layman's terms, it can treat various external infections that cause redness and swelling inside and outside the body. However, allergic shock, ranging from mild rash and fever to hematopoietic system suppression and changes in the body's physiology and function, are all potential adverse reactions to antibiotics. Therefore, careful adjustments are required."
The steps suddenly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Li Lin glanced at the four concubines, his gaze sweeping across the bewildered faces of Yan Ruoxi, Wei Ningshuang, and Zhen Yin. He smiled faintly and said, "As for the Empress, there's no need to overthink it. Just remember, whoever can solve the case of the Yan Mansion token will hold the Phoenix Seal for one year, rule over the six palaces, and enjoy the same treatment as the Empress. Furthermore, I will grant them one wish within their ability."
Yan Ruoxi's fingers hanging in her wide sleeves suddenly tightened, and the cuffs embroidered with cloud patterns were pinched into wrinkles; the golden hairpins on Wei Ningshuang's temples trembled slightly, and a hint of heat flashed in her eyes; Zhen Yin, with half of her face covered, subconsciously stroked the jade bracelet on her wrist, which was a relic of her brother Li Lin.
Seeing that none of the concubines responded, he left: "Okay, I'll just talk about this matter, you guys go ahead and get busy."
Chen Yun said, "I have nothing to do, and all the concubines can return."
After the court was dismissed, Yan Ruoxi went straight to the imperial study and spread a grain transport document in front of Li Lin. "I have learned that the Yanyun vassal state is complaining about the poor harvest. I suggest that the twelve cavalry generals be sent to the vassal state to garrison there. Under the guise of food and military protection, I will lead the twelve cavalry generals to suppress the vassal state's dissent."
Li Lin looked at the document in his left hand, while Yan Ruoxi was secretly thinking in her heart: "If I can take charge of the harem for a year, I can place my own spies in the harem, and the Yan family can also restore its former glory."
Li Lin put down his right hand and asked: "You want to use the territory of the vassal state to reorganize the Yan family army?"
Yan Ruoxi unfolded another picture. "The riot in the Yanyun vassal state happened to be the same month my father's tomb was robbed. With such perfect timing, I suspect there are spies colluding with the enemy. If we can reorganize the twelve cavalry generals and station them in the vassal state, we can prevent them from harboring any dissent. For the sake of national stability and my father's innocence, Your Majesty, please reconsider my suggestion."
But Li Lin asked without hesitation: "That's a bit far-fetched. On the other hand, how can you prove that it was man-made?"
"Your Majesty, the Yanyun vassal state is currently in turmoil, but the Eastern nations have shown no reaction. Their ambitions have been ingrained for a long time, so how could they not take action? Looking back, the late Linxin King Li Fengyuan's coup d'etat was linked to collusion with the Eastern nations. While it was ostensibly attributed to other spies, no one has ever been certain they have been completely eradicated."
Li Lin bit his finger in hesitation. Yan Ruoxi saw through it and said, "Your Majesty, the Grand Concubine was colluding with Prince Lin Xin in the past. We can search among the Grand Concubine's discarded belongings."
"Absolutely not!"
A voice came from behind. The people coming were Wei Ningshuang and her family.
Li Lin asked curiously, "Empress Wei, who are these people?"
After paying their respects, Concubine Wei replied, "Your Majesty, these people are my family. They were assigned by the Yanyou Kingdom to take care of Emperor Xuanyuan's daily life and safety. Your Majesty needs to arrange accommodation for them. However, to return to what my sister said just now, after all, you were born in the Yan Mansion, and your command may be questioned by the officials. So, Your Majesty, I..."
Wei Ningshuang looked at Yan Ruoxi, and Li Lin understood what she meant and asked Yan Ruoxi to leave.
Yan Ruoxi had no choice but to say, "Your Majesty, the Twelve Generals of the Cavalry are arrogant and will not obey anyone. Therefore, they must not be led by outsiders." After saying this, he saluted and left.
After everyone left, Wei Ningshuang thought to herself, "It's better to rely on myself than on others. Gaining the right to rule the harem for a year means I can place my own people in the palace."
Wei Ningshuang continued, "I understand that the Yan Mansion token case has caused Your Majesty and the Empress great distress. I wish to do my best to relieve your worries, so I request the authority to mobilize the Imperial Guards to investigate and access the Ministry of External Affairs to investigate the former site of Concubine Sun. Any connection between the Yan Mansion and Concubine Sun could endanger Your Majesty's imperial power."
"Is Concubine Wei saying that Concubine Yan is holding back?" Li Lin looked at Wei Ningshuang in confusion.
"Indeed. I would like to share the burden, but I am embarrassed to interfere. If Your Majesty can grant you the privilege in this case, I believe the truth will soon be revealed."
Li Lin said, "That's thoughtful. Concubine Wei, please go with the Queen and the others to investigate Concubine Sun's remains. Then, there's something else I need your cooperation on, and it might be a bit daunting, because Concubine Wei, you need to be the bad guy."
After making the arrangements, Chen Yun and Wei Ningshuang led soldiers to the former residence of Concubine Sun, where the room remained unchanged despite being exiled. They found relevant clues in the room, and thus, Li Lin brought up the old account, using the case of the burning princess as an excuse to force Xuanyuan Haonan to return home.
The case continued to be investigated. During this period, that is, more than ten days later, Yin Banluo completed his mission in Le'an Town and returned to Qiankun Kingdom.
Yin Banluo found Li Lin and Chen Yin as soon as possible.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Emperor and the Empress. Your Majesty, I have already given you the information. In addition, there is a special matter to be reported in Le'an Town. People from the Imperial Palace are buying and selling official positions from all over the country. All of these buyers are civilians who are nowhere to be found. And each of them possesses a token from Concubine Yan Xian's family residence."
Chen Yun and Li Lin instantly sensed the complexity of the situation. They exchanged glances, and then Li Lin pressed the issue, "Do you have a list? Also, who gave you the token? Report everything truthfully."
"Yes, Your Majesty. The list is with me. As for the token, I'm currently unable to determine who gave it to me. I didn't investigate closely for fear of alerting the enemy. I only know that the person who provided the token is someone in the palace and someone who can travel anywhere."
Li Lin leaned back and sighed to the sky, "Oh, I thought I could finally get rid of Xuanyuan Haonan and put an end to this matter. I didn't expect all kinds of problems to arise and I have to deal with them!"
"Right now, Concubine Wei's family and a number of generals are still staying in Qiankun Country as militia. Why not make use of them..."
Li Lin refused: "You cannot use relatives in this matter. Forget it, Concubine De has made great contributions. How do you want me to reward you? Or do you want me to favor you?"
Chen Yun's expression was visibly gloomy. Yin Banluo's lips curled up helplessly, thinking, "Being a talented woman is my dream, but Your Majesty, by doing this, doesn't it mean I'm dependent on men?" She stepped forward and refused, "Your Majesty, I will never marry or have children, and I will not take away the Empress's beauty. The Yin family has been loyal to the Emperor for generations. I wish to carry on my father's wishes and assist in the administration as a woman."
Li Lin's face was as dark as ink. He looked at Chen Yun beside him and said, "Are all the concubines like this under the Queen's rule?"
Chen Yun immediately stood up, lifted the teapot from the coffee table, and poured tea for Li Lin. The tea rippled in the white jade cup. "De Fei has lofty ambitions and even went to Lingnan to help Your Majesty and me resolve the Le'an Town issue. She is truly a rare talent. But how can anyone in this world be completely independent? Your Majesty still has me to share your worries, but if De Fei were alone, who would serve her medicine when she was sick? Who would comfort her when she was tired?" She paused, her fingertips tracing the rim of the cup. "Besides, a woman in power doesn't necessarily have to follow men's example of having three wives and four concubines, but being alone will only lead to regrets in the future. This isn't directed at women, men are equally affected."
Yin Banluo stepped back slightly and bent down. "I apologize for my words. I am not rejecting your majesty's favor, but I hope your majesty will consider more uses for me."
Chen Yun said, "Everyone has their own aspirations. There's nothing wrong with that. But please be kind to yourself. Don't be too ambitious when you're not capable enough, and don't just focus on enjoying the present moment. If Concubine De has no objection, please serve His Majesty well tonight."
"Alright, Concubine Yin De, please step back first."
Yin Banluo: "The Queen is right. Then I will take my leave."
Walking out of the door, Yin Defei shook her head helplessly and sighed.
The soldier at the door whispered, "Concubine Yin De, why don't you flatter His Majesty more? Except for Concubine Yang Shu, the other concubines take the initiative to visit His Majesty every day."
"Huh? Why?"
The soldier looked around and whispered closer, "De Fei, you may not know this, but His Majesty promised the concubines a dozen days ago that whoever solved the Yan Mansion token case would hold the Phoenix Seal for a year and be granted an additional wish."
After hearing this, Yin Banluo's eyes lit up, and then he stomped his feet on the ground in regret.
That evening, Zhen Yin comforted the child, then walked out the door and muttered to herself, "Jiancheng... Hong'er... Xi'er... Lianhua'er... Why did they all end up dead? Is there cause and effect in this world? Or is faith... completely useless..."
The maid said, "My Lord, you are drunk again. If you want, don't be patient. You act like a madman every night... You scare the servant."
Zhen Yin picked up the letter, her hands trembling uncontrollably. After a long pause, she finally spoke, "Don't you want to endure it? Yes, then I'll become a demon. Even if I feel guilty towards my husband and children in the afterlife. I'll seize the throne, destroy Li Lin, and avenge Jian Cheng and the others."
Zhen Yin turned around and said to the palace maid, "By the way, we've learned that the murderer who slandered General Yan was the Flower and Bird Envoy in the palace. You spread the news to the other three concubines. What we need to do is get the other concubines to help us find actual evidence, and then push the Flower and Bird Envoy out."
Next, the news spread by Zhen Yin alarmed the three concubines.
Wei Ningshuang followed Li Lin's plan and convicted and imprisoned the cavalry generals who entered the palace, but without approval, she secretly bribed the wives of officials to summon the Flower and Bird Envoy.
Yan Ruoxi hid the flower and bird envoy from the official's wife.
Yin Banluo surrounded the house of the Flower and Bird Envoy and sent threatening letters to Wei Ningshuang and Yan Ruoxi.
Since the arrest of the cavalry generals, all civil and military officials have been dissatisfied with Wei Ningshuang's behavior. Du Rufei was so angry that he went to the imperial study to meet Li Lin in person.
Du Rufei complained bitterly to Li Lin and Chen Ying in the Qianqing Palace.
"Your Majesty! Queen! I've made it very clear. No need to think twice. Just release the generals. Don't let the generals get discouraged!"
"Royal brother! Lord Du, the Minister of War, can represent the generals."
This sentence came from Li Changyan outside the door.
"Changle, if you don't know so clearly, don't get involved."
Li Changyan heard Li Lin's words and quickly said, "Isn't it because of the Yan Mansion? There must be people who slandered it, but it is absolutely impossible for the generals to have any need to slander the Yan Mansion."
Chen Yun thought, "Li Changyan's earlier hesitancy must be related to this matter. I'll push it a little, hoping to make things clear." So Chen Yun said, "Let's not talk about whether there's evidence or not. Why is the Yan Mansion token outside? It's because they want to annex us. If they have any dissenting intentions, they should be killed. No, they should be killed as soon as possible."
Li Changyan frowned and said, "They won't get the token!"
"Why?" Chen Yun pressed on, hoping Li Changyan would tell the truth: "Didn't they just dig up the cemetery, steal all the burial objects and take them to another place?"
Li Changyan's fingers kept turning, and she looked speechless but unable to explain Chen Yun's questioning.
"Speak! Otherwise, I will kill these people now!" Li Lin threatened.
Li Changyan quickly waved his hands: "No! My Royal Brother, please don't!" Then he lowered his voice and said: "It was... Changle who stole the token because there were spies in the palace. Changle didn't want Qiankun Kingdom to be destroyed by spies, so he sent people to different countries to place the token. I didn't expect you to..."
Chen Yun and Li Lin laughed.
Li Lin said, "I never thought that the once unruly princess would actually think for the country! Everyone, don't worry. Concubine Wei only detained the cavalry generals because I was investigating the token issue. Now that the truth is revealed, I will release them."
"Royal brother, where is the truth? Your dear concubine, they have imprisoned the Flower and Bird Envoy! And the Flower and Bird Envoy is most likely a spy."
Chen Yun suddenly understood. "So the whole problem, first of all, is that the Fifth Princess dropped tokens into Yanyou and Tufan. This act deceived the other vassal states, which is why they rebelled. Why did they dare to rebel? Because they could coordinate internal and external affairs. Why could they coordinate internal and external affairs? As Concubine De's investigation revealed, it's because domestic spies bought official positions for people from their own country."
Chen Yan snapped his fingers, and one of the Anbu members walked out.
"Imprison Consort Wei, Consort Yang, Consort Yinde, and Consort Yanxian in their bedrooms. They are not allowed to leave! Take all their personal maids and the Changle Gate's personal maid Zhenyin and interrogate them to find out the whereabouts of the Flower and Bird Envoy. After the interrogation, send them to the Ministry of Music. Madam Ming, arrange for the four concubines to wait for their personal maids."
In the evening, the four concubines all requested to summon Chen Yin.
Chen Yun went to the bedrooms of the four concubines to talk, the content of which is unknown. After the talks, he found the Flower and Bird Envoy.
Through the confessions of the four concubines and Li Changyan, the evidence of the flower and bird envoy's treason was finally confirmed, and he was executed immediately.
On this day, Chen Yun and Li Lin were walking on the road in the palace and welcomed the first snow.
"The Yan Mansion case has come to an end. I've already sent a letter to Yanyou Kingdom to give them an explanation. By the way, I'm curious what the Queen said that day that made them so obedient?"
"The most controversial character is Zhen Yin. She's been trying to kill both of us from the beginning."
Chen Yun sighed, exhaling white air. "I've solved the problem of those four. It's like I've cut off their path to success. As others say, cutting off someone's financial resources is like killing them and setting them on fire! They hate me to death."
"Ah? What do I hate you for?"
"Ningshuang, ever since you delegated power, you've been recruiting officials' wives to organize your forces. Didn't the generals ask you to send troops to the vassal state? That was the result of Ruoxi's private communication with the eleven cavalry generals. Panluo didn't explain the contents of his private collection clearly, protecting the Flower and Bird Envoy's family, so he couldn't convict his subordinates. Zhenyin spread the Flower and Bird Envoy's problems, and more importantly, he was ready to kill the two of us at any time. What I want to say is that these four people are hiding something, whether it's ambition or ulterior motives. Do you still want them?"
Li Lin sneered, then said: "Concubine Wei needs me to control the front court and the harem, Concubine Yan Xian needs me to take power, Concubine Yin De needs me to revive the family, and Concubine Zhen Shu wants revenge. They all cannot do without me."
Chen Yun immediately stopped and looked at Li Lin: "Concubine Zhen Shu? Zhen Yin?"
"She took the initiative to obey under the name of Zhen Yin, the daughter of a merchant."
"It seems that Your Majesty is surrounded by a den of wolves and tigers."
"It's the Queen's fault for taking care of these people."
"It's not hard. Because the only one who can be the master of this harem is me."
At this time, Wei Ningshuang, Zhen Yin, Yin Banluo and Yan Ruoxi arrived from different places.
Wei Ningshuang thought to herself, "Changsun Yin, I won't fight for your position as queen. But the power of the harem must belong to me, Wei Ningshuang."
Zhen Yin thought to herself, "Even if I have to face public condemnation, I will slowly devour you two. Especially you, Chen Yin."
Yin Banluo thought to herself, "I am the most capable woman, even if it's you, Changsun Yin."
Yan Ruoxi thought to herself, "You are the one who made the decision to turn the palace upside down. So I will definitely do it."
The four concubines saluted together: "Greetings to His Majesty the Emperor, Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress." Little did they know that behind their words, the four of them already had their own ulterior motives.
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