Chapter 40 Chapter 40 Liar, Fool
Although Princess Baozhen was brought here by force, she was not mistreated. On the way, she learned from a maid that Miss Lan had suddenly fallen ill and was in a critical condition. This had caused the Duke, deeply concerned and anxious, to vent his anger and accuse the others of the cause of the illness.
Seeing that she had just been questioned about who kept livestock, she felt as if she had been hit by a club. She realized that it was her own snow civet cat that had caused the trouble and brought upon her, its owner, this unprovoked disaster.
Although she had no idea that Miss Nalan was allergic to cat hair, nor did she notice when she had come into contact with cats, it was innocent to blame her. But now that things had come to this, Miss Nalan had indeed suffered greatly and endured great hardship. She was speechless after hearing about it.
She already felt a bit guilty about him, and now she felt even more ashamed. Where was her princess's temper? Even when she met her father and heard him angrily scolding Lord Linggong for going too far, she actually tried to stop him with a strange look on her face.
As the saying goes, a man will throw his crown into a rage for a woman he loves, and she had never expected to experience it herself today. Although this heroic and domineering outburst of rage wasn't directed at her, and she was even the culprit behind it, it didn't prevent her from feeling a certain admiration for the man she had always kept her distance from, Mr. Qin.
Prince Ren felt it was absurd to be implicated because of a cat, but as the saying goes, "One strength at a time weakens, and the third at a time it's exhausted." He was already weak, and his anger was only 70%; now that he knew it was his daughter's kitten that had caused the trouble, his anger subsided by another 30%.
The remaining 40% of anger was not enough to support him in demanding justice. He even regretted it. If he had known this would happen, he should not have hurriedly summoned the housekeeper to the palace to complain. Now, he was in a difficult situation and had to answer to him.
Inadvertently catching a glimpse of his daughter's expression, he immediately flew into a rage. Just as he was about to scold her by saying, "The cat you've raised for many years is in danger of its life today," he had just opened his mouth when he heard the servants outside the hall shouting, "Sir."
Looking up, I saw a man in black clothes, black hair, and a black jade and gold crown on his head walking into the hall in the scorching hot weather, making the already indifferent aura even more profound and unfathomable.
*
Inside the hall, Prince Ren and his daughter, along with nearly ten servants from the royal palace, were either sitting or standing, in total silence.
Qin Jingyao took a seat at the head of the table and drank the cold tea Tongze offered him before glancing up at the breathless and anxious Prince Ren and his daughter. His thin lips curled up slightly in a faint smile that made one's spine tense.
"Prince Ren has arrived. I apologize for not coming to greet you."
He addressed the man respectfully, but remained seated in his mahogany chair, unmoved, his manner haughty. Both of the other men in the room were of high rank, but one was too intimidated by his presence to dare raise his head, while the other, too weak and timid to bother.
The father and daughter were about to exchange pleasantries, but when they looked up, their expressions suddenly changed and they were both dumbfounded.
On that face of the man who was praised as the most handsome man in the capital, with the appearance of a banished immortal, every feature seemed to be carefully carved, with perfect and clear contours and a skin as white as ivory. Because of this flawlessness, the pink finger mark on the left cheek seemed particularly glaring, even abrupt!
He was a second-rank official in the current dynasty, the head of all officials, and undoubtedly second only to the emperor in the previous dynasty. Who dared to slap him? Who could slap him? How could he allow anyone to slap him?
Prince Ren was stunned, his anger instantly vanishing. Princess Baozhen, on the other hand, was observant and, despite her shock, even noticed the shape of the fingerprint.
The fingerprints were thin and long, clearly a woman's. Though they left marks on her face, they didn't break the skin, indicating the slapper had cleanly trimmed nails and no nail polish. Her eyes suddenly widened. Didn't the trembling hands holding the portrait that morning match these marks?
Considering the conflict between the two of them, who else could have slapped him but her?!
Miss Na Lan, with her delicate and sweet appearance and pure temperament, actually dared to slap an important official of the dynasty, and actually let her succeed?!
The incident was so horrifying that the two couldn't look away. It wasn't until that cold gaze swept over them that they both shuddered, as if awakened from a dream. Although they were still shocked, they didn't dare to look at it again.
With fingerprints covering half his face, Qin Jingyao remained calm and composed, showing no intention of concealing anything. The commotion he had caused today had exposed his true intentions with Prince Ren's palace.
Although the medicine was effective, according to Mo Chou, it would take several days for her to fully recover. She would inevitably suffer during these days. She was delicate and could not stand the pain. If he hadn't forced her to hold it back, she would have preferred bleeding to the momentary relief.
With his heart on her, he naturally did not want to waste time on useless polite greetings. He just glanced coldly at Ren Wang and never looked at the culprit from beginning to end.
"I think Your Highness already knows why I invited the princess to my house today. The princess's quick words first hurt people, and then she indulged in violence, endangering lives. Such arrogance and recklessness are truly unscrupulous."
"You must know that if a son is not taught well, it is the fault of his father. If Your Highness cannot teach the Princess what it means to be prudent in her words and actions, then I will spare no effort to discipline her."
For an unmarried woman, these words were extremely harsh. It was like a slap in the face in public, hitting both the father and the daughter simultaneously.
The first accuses the prince of failing to educate his daughter and allowing her to commit a crime. The second accuses the princess of her lack of moral integrity and conduct, which nearly resulted in a fatal accident. Every word is as sharp as a knife, exposing the family's flaws.
If these words were to be spread from his mouth, Princess Baozhen's reputation would be ruined, and her future good marriage would probably be ruined.
The father and daughter snapped out of their shock. Though they'd expected him to attack, they'd never imagined he'd be so ruthless. Their faces paled, then finally flushed crimson, their similar brows filled with the indignation and shame of being publicly humiliated.
All the servants of Prince Ren's mansion in the hall were trembling all over, wishing they could bury their heads in their chests, not even daring to breathe.
Princess Baozhen hadn't had time to react when Prince Ren, unable to contain himself, suddenly stood up, pointed his finger at him, and began to yell. However, the moment his eyes met his face, he quickly averted his gaze as if pricked by a needle, and resorted to forced scolding: "You, you, you! Qin Jingyao! Don't go too far! You've been so secretive and covert, and do you expect the entire capital to be your pawns, at your mercy?"
"How could my daughter know that this woman was your hidden guest? And how could she know that she was allergic to cat hair? As the saying goes, ignorance is not a crime. Even if this incident comes before the emperor, I am still right!"
Prince Ren glared at him, his voice growing more and more confident as he spoke, his voice shaking the roof tiles. "You allowed the palace guards to arrest innocent people in the street, and even broke into the Super-Rank Prince's Palace and kidnapped the princess personally appointed by the Emperor! You are so arrogant and domineering. Do you even take Prince Ren's Palace seriously? Do you even know how to write the word "imperial law"?
He was so angry that he was shaking all over. He pointed at the other person and said sternly, "Now you are even speaking evil words to my daughter. Your intentions are so vicious that you deserve to be killed!!!"
"Father, be careful with your words!"
Princess Baozhen, despite her own arrogant nature, knew that Lord Ling's words, though serious, were true. Regardless of the circumstances, Miss Lan had indeed nearly lost her life because of her cat. Not only would he be furious, but even if she were in his shoes, she would never let it go if her beloved suffered such a fate.
As Princess Baozhen, personally appointed by the Emperor, she had always been upright and honest. How could she lack the courage to take responsibility? She grabbed her angry father, stood up and walked into the hall, head held high and chest puffed out, showing the royal demeanor.
Princess Baozhen, who was personally appointed by the emperor, was upright and honest, and she was not so incapable of taking responsibility. She grabbed her angry father, stood up and walked steadily into the hall. She stood with her shoulders straight and her head held high, showing the royal demeanor.
He didn't dare look directly at her, but lowered his head slightly and knelt in greeting, his posture polite and sincere. "Today's incident is indeed my fault. I will have all the herbs and supplements given by the Empress delivered to your residence shortly, and I am willing to personally apologize to Miss Lan. If your Excellency still feels it is insufficient, I am happy to accept any request you may have."
"Baozhen, you--!"
Her words were so sensible and frank that anyone who heard them would have to change their view of this notoriously arrogant princess. Prince Ren, listening from the side, felt both distressed and relieved. Ultimately, he couldn't bear to hold his daughter back, so he could only snort coldly as he walked down the stairs without saying anything more.
Only Qin Jingyao, upon hearing this, became even more furious. How could these few words offset the deep grievances and pain he had endured today, as well as the ruination of his plans?
He didn't even bother to glance at the princess, and only cast his sharp eyes at Prince Ren.
"Since Your Highness has brought the case before the Emperor, I shall defend you to the end. Although the princess has acknowledged her fault, I wonder if Your Highness can fulfill his duty as a father and educate her."
The implication was that she wanted to force him to admit with his own mouth that he was a bad parent!
How could he allow his own daughter to be repeatedly criticized? Even at the cost of his throne, Prince Ren was determined to fight for this. However, before he could vent his indignation, his daughter had already bowed her head and admitted her fault.
"Don't worry, Lord Linggong,"
Princess Baozhen spoke in a clear voice and with a dignified demeanor, "I have behaved mischievously this time, and my father will certainly teach me a lesson."
Qin Jingyao turned a deaf ear, his eyes as cold as frost.
His daughter tugged at his sleeve, whispering urgings. Prince Ren remained in a stalemate for a moment, his neck veins bulging, his nerves clenched like an ox. Finally, he gritted his teeth and groaned, "If a son is undisciplined, it is the father's fault. I...will do my best to teach him."
"The Da Bao'en Temple boasts exquisite Buddhist scriptures and the monks possess high moral character. The princess will come here to practice asceticism for half a year, sharpening her mind and rectifying her words and deeds. By then, she will be reborn."
As soon as the words fell, the father and daughter hadn't responded yet. Lan Nongnong, who had been listening outside the door for a long time, could no longer hold back. Her throat was sore and she hurriedly shouted hoarsely, "Wait!"
Qin Jingyao immediately stood up to greet her, his eyes first glancing at Tongze, who was kneeling on one knee outside the door to apologize, before extending his arms and embracing her. He showed no displeasure at her rash words, but carefully examined the wound on her neck. Seeing that the injury had eased slightly, he lowered his gaze to look at her, his eyes filled with tenderness.
"Has Mo Chou prepared the medicine? Can I drink it? Are you feeling better?"
He stroked her cheek with his fingertips, his tone grave, "Why don't you just take a rest? But do you have something to talk to me about?"
Lan Nongnong, however, showed no appreciation for this. She put her arms against his chest and struggled backwards to free herself. When she looked up, she was suddenly startled by the red fingerprints on his face. Her heart trembled, and the emotions she had been suppressing suddenly surged, almost swallowing her up.
She hastily looked away, took a deep breath, and suppressed the unbearable bitterness in her heart. When she blinked and looked at him again, her eyes were full of anger.
"...I've already told you before that my illness today is entirely due to my own unique physical condition. It has nothing to do with anyone else, and certainly nothing to do with Princess Baozhen! If you're unhappy, just come at me. There's no point in taking your anger out on others!"
"Let me go!"
Lan Nongnong hated his touch, but she hated the disparity in their physical strength, which prevented her from breaking free. Even so, she still tried her best to retreat backwards, putting distance between them, not hiding her rejection of him at all.
She stood on tiptoe under his shadow, revealing only a small part of her profile. She gave Princess Baozhen a stiff but sincere smile: "Today's incident has nothing to do with the princess. The princess is not at fault. The fault is all mine. I should feel guilty for letting the princess be implicated because of me, right--"
"I'm glad Miss Lan is safe."
Princess Baozhen nodded in response, "It is true that I was too indulgent and unrestrained, and I was at fault first. It is understandable that you, Lord, blame me."
Everything that happened today, first he mobilized a large number of troops and caused an uproar in the city, and then he pressed the father and daughter step by step. All he did was to seek justice for the woman who was now firmly protected in his arms.
He was fierce and unkind the moment before, but the moment he saw her, he turned into a tender and caring person, as if the ice had suddenly broken, he was completely different.
Such blatant favoritism and cherishment, allowing her to make noises, letting her vent her anger, and not getting angry even when she offended him in public, and even seeming to enjoy being slapped by her.
With so many special things given to one person, how could Princess Baozhen deserve her apology?
Things will take a turn for the better. If you don’t seize it now, when will you?
Prince Ren immediately pulled his daughter up, hurriedly said that he would give an explanation, and left in a hurry.
He didn't even step out of the house before looking back once more. Once he boarded the carriage and the wheels started rolling, he shook his head with lingering fear, then suddenly sneered, gloating, "Evildoers will be punished! Although I haven't seen that woman's face, from her voice and actions, I know she's a strong-willed and sensible person. That Qin Jingyao tricked someone into having a mistress, and the slap mark on his face is most likely her fault. Haha, I'm going to see how he cleans up this mess!"
Princess Baozhen was still thinking about what had just happened. Miss Lan was protected very well by that man, so she couldn't see how sick she looked. But she could only hear her hoarse and unclear voice. It seemed that she was speaking with great effort and difficulty, which was completely different from the clear and crisp chirping of an oriole in the morning. It really made people feel pity for her.
And since she was so angry she slapped him, she must have known she'd been deceived. Knowing the man's identity, yet still daring to raise her hand against him, Miss Lan's courage and strong character are truly beyond my reach. Judging by her unwavering defiance in her words to him, I wonder what her future holds for her now that things have gotten this far...
Prince Ren, having enjoyed himself for a while, then instructed his daughter, "I'll deal with your snow cat when we get home. Have them pack up today. Stay in the temple for a while, away from the storm, and relax. Once the storm subsides, we'll put this matter to rest."
Princess Baozhen frowned slightly and nodded in agreement.
*
The people from Prince Ren's mansion had just left, and the servants outside the hall had also quietly retreated. Lan Nongnong didn't want to be alone with him anymore, but she was still thinking about what Prince Ren had just said. He had actually started a war and implicated so many people.
It was clearly her own fault, but it implicated innocent people, which made her feel like she had a thorn in her throat and could hardly suppress her guilt.
He had been evasive and perfunctory before, repeatedly lying and breaking his promises to her. Lan Nongnong had already lost all trust in him. Now she said coldly, "If others suffer because of my fault, I will suffer double the consequences--"
"I simply invited everyone who had contact with Nongnong today to come here and carefully investigate the root cause of your illness so that I can prescribe the right medicine."
Qin Jingyao spoke calmly, each word clearly, "After verifying that they had nothing to do with him, we sent him back safely. Even if it was Prince Ren, the princess's father who let the cat cause the disaster and caused you to suffer, and who reported my desperate act of breaking into the palace to the emperor, I did not pursue the matter further."
He stared at her suddenly stunned face and said slowly, "If Nongnong blames me, I have nothing to say. But words that hurt yourself must not be spoken."
At this moment, his brows were gentle, his tone was soft, and he spoke slowly, as if he had turned back into the handsome and elegant gentleman who had made her fall in love with him at first sight.
It seemed as if not long ago, the man who was as handsome as this but had cold eyes and a domineering aura was just an illusion of hers.
Lan Nongnong took a deep breath, and waves of pain came over her heart. She secretly warned herself not to be fooled by his appearance again. After several warnings, the trance in her eyes disappeared, leaving only a cold smile.
"You specifically told me that Prince Ren had brought a lawsuit before the Emperor. Do you intend to make me feel guilty and ashamed? Everyone knows that your Excellency was raised by the Emperor from a young age, and is better than a son! Even if you were sued, it wouldn't hurt you at all."
"Even if you are punished, it is your own fault for your arrogance. You planted the seeds of deception, and the consequences you are suffering today are well deserved! Ahem... "
Before she finished speaking, she covered her mouth and started coughing violently, her shoulders shaking slightly.
Lan Nongnong forcefully waved his hand away, steadied her breath, and glared at him fiercely with anger in her eyes: "Don't even think about putting the blame on me again! You've deceived me time and time again, and I won't believe a word you say again!"
Being scolded by her like this, Qin Jingyao only felt that her eagerness to distance herself from the matter, fearing that she would be deceived again, was particularly touching. He raised his hand without touching her again, and nodded with a smile in his eyes.
"Whether the emperor punishes me or not, it's all my own fault. It has nothing to do with Nong Nong, so you don't have to worry about it. Although I did hide something, it was only this. I have never lied to you in the slightest. From the beginning to the end, I never meant to hurt you."
Lan Nongnong was speechless for a moment, her words of rebuttal stuck in her throat. His pale defense only made her feel extremely ironic! He said he had no intention of hurting anyone, but this outright deception was the knife that stabbed her the most!
The pain in her throat hadn't subsided yet, and she didn't want to waste any more words, so she turned and left. As she reached the door, she caught a glimpse of Tongze standing a few steps away with his head bowed. Suddenly, she remembered how he had just been forced by her not to report the incident, and how he had been forced to kneel down and apologize. Her steps couldn't help but pause.
She turned around suddenly, her voice hoarse but every word clear: "Just now, I was the one who stopped them from reporting the news. If you want to blame someone, blame me. If you are angry, take it out on me. You take your anger out on others all day long. What kind of hero are you!"
As soon as she finished speaking, she turned and left like a shooting star. Qin Jingyao slowly walked to the corridor, looking at her graceful figure as she walked away, and the corners of his lips slowly curled up into a smile.
*
The news of the Prince's residence being forcibly stormed by a high-ranking official and guards spread like wildfire throughout the capital. This act was tantamount to a blatant slap in the face of the imperial family, not to mention the abduction of the Emperor's personally appointed princess in public—their arrogance was appalling.
On that day, an imperial censor entered the palace holding a tablet and bitterly accused Shangshu Ling Tan Jingyao of three major crimes: allowing his slaves to commit crimes and having no regard for discipline. Every word he said was so resounding that it shook the halls.
The summer heat had already fatigued the emperor from attending to state affairs. First, the Prince Ren's palace had sent a petition to the palace, and then the censors had repeatedly submitted memorials, which had already aroused the emperor's irritability.
Who would have thought that this dispute that caused such a stir in the city was actually just because of a woman.
Although Prince Ren subsequently entered the palace to try to calm the situation, the incident had already spread like wildfire. If the court simply let it go, what would become of the imperial family's dignity? Where would the emperor's majesty be?
Moreover, Qin Jingyao was renowned for his exceptional talent even in his youth, and had never made a single mistake in his ten-plus years as an official. He supported the nation with his gentlemanly wisdom, shouldering the heavy responsibility of assisting the state. How could he allow his personal affairs to derail important court affairs and compromise his wisdom as a minister?
"...She's just a woman, is she really worthy of your disregard for proper etiquette? As an important official of the court, personally conferred the title of Marquis of Cheng'an by me, you should set an example for all officials. Now, you have defied the royal family and abducted the princess in public. How can the people of the world be convinced of this? How will the people view you?"
"The Red Di king and his ministers have not yet left the capital! As the Minister of the Chancellery, a role model for all officials, you not only fail to be cautious in your words and actions, but you also tarnish your own reputation. Do you intend for the foreign tribes to see me as a laughingstock during my court appearance?"
The emperor's eyes darkened, and he slammed the memorial down on the imperial desk. "Do you know how many memorials from censors are piled on my desk today? I will punish you for every word!"
"I have high hopes for you, but you are so ridiculous!"
Behind the imperial case, the emperor stood with his hands behind his back, waving his arm in anger, his heartbroken. His Highness, Qin Jingyao, who had been urgently summoned to the palace, knelt on the ground with his back straight and his eyes lowered, his face still without a trace of remorse. When the emperor's angry rebuke had subsided, he actually raised his eyes and looked directly at the emperor, his gaze as clear and steady as the still water of a cold pond.
"I acted impulsively today and am willing to accept the punishment."
“…”
"What's this on your face?"
He had been keeping his head slightly lowered since entering the palace. The emperor was weak and frail, his eyesight failing, and though he was only a few steps away, he hadn't noticed. It was only then, when he raised his head, that the scarlet fingerprints on that half of his face suddenly caught the emperor's eye.
The emperor even suspected that he was dazzled. He did not care about his anger for a moment. He took two steps forward to hold the imperial desk, bent down slightly to take another closer look. The palm print that had turned purple was still clearly imprinted on his face.
Ru was finally convinced that the pillar of the country whom he had raised with his own hands, treated like his own son, and supported with all his efforts, the Shangshu Ling, who was a second-rank official and commanded all officials, was actually slapped in the face!
"presumptuous!"
The emperor flew into a rage, slamming his palm down on the imperial desk, shaking the pens, inkstones, and paper. His fury was several times more intense than when he had scolded him earlier!
The finger marks were delicate and small, and it was obvious at a glance that they were left by a woman. Seeing this, the emperor's anger intensified: "Could this wound on your face be caused by that woman? How could you be so foolish as to allow her to be so presumptuous? You can tolerate it, but I absolutely cannot!"
"Just because she dared to slap an important official of the imperial court, I can beat her to death!"
Qin Jingyao's eyes suddenly turned cold. He looked up at the emperor and actually contradicted him on the spot: "As your majesty said, I am willing to accept her slap, and I am afraid that my skin is too thick and I will hurt her hand. I have violated the rules today, and I will accept your majesty's punishment without complaint. However, even your majesty has no right to interfere in my personal affairs."
"Qin Jingyao, you are so outrageous!"
As the supreme ruler, the whole world submits to him. How could he have been contradicted like this before? He was so angry that he actually laughed, "Is there anything in this world that I can't intervene in? Not to mention your personal affairs, even if I were to ask about you, you would have to kneel down and thank God for His grace! Even if I insist on killing her, what will you do?!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Jingyao's eyes were like a cold blade, and every word he said was resounding, "If Your Majesty wants to kill her, please step over my corpse first!"
"How dare you!"
The emperor roared in anger, then his body lurched, and he stumbled backwards. If Qin Jingyao hadn't suddenly stood up and rushed forward with the imperial steward to support him, the king would have collapsed on the spot!
"This woman, this woman, what kind of drug did she give you that made you dare to contradict me?"
After all, the emperor's illness had not yet healed. After this outburst of rage, his blood and qi rushed to his heart, and his face suddenly turned as pale as paper, revealing his sickly appearance.
Qin Jingyao immediately ordered the imperial attendants to summon the imperial physician. He then helped the emperor to a semi-reclining position on the couch, rolled up his sleeves, poured tea, and presented it with both hands. After the emperor accepted the teacup, he stepped back, lifted his robe, and knelt, bowing his head and saying in a deep voice, "I have committed the gravest disrespect by disobeying Your Majesty and causing distress to His Majesty. I bear the blame even if I die. I only wish Your Majesty good health and a long life of blessings."
He raised his head again, his gaze calm and resolute. "It's not that I've been drugged, but rather that I've committed a terrible act, and I feel guilty about it. Everything that happened today was caused by my carelessness and anger towards others. I take responsibility for my own actions and am willing to accept any punishment, Your Majesty. I only ask that you not implicate innocent people."
After all, he was the child he had raised, and seeing him plead guilty so frankly, the emperor could not bear to criticize him any further. His eyes, though cloudy yet still gleaming with brilliance, stared down for a long moment before finally uttering a long sigh: "Get up."
After he thanked her and stood up, Fang spoke earnestly, "If you had been so wise earlier, why would I have been so angry with you? You are the Minister of the Chancellery, with outstanding achievements. What kind of evil could you possibly do with a woman?"
"Even if there were some inappropriate things, since I've taken her in and given her wealth and honor, she should be respectful and grateful. How could she harbor resentment?"
The emperor's expression softened slightly, his tone growing graver. "Since you are so devoted to protecting her, I will forgive her this time. But you must remember that as an important official of the court, you are committed to the well-being of the country. You must not lose your mind and neglect state affairs because of a humble woman!"
Qin Jingyao naturally lowered his head in agreement.
After finishing his private business, the emperor rubbed his forehead and said again in a deep voice: "If it were just an ordinary servant, no one would dare to criticize you. But you should never, ever send the palace guards to trespass into Prince Ren's palace! Now the whole city is in an uproar, and everyone knows about it. The whole capital is talking about you, Lord Qin, who was so angry for the beauty he loved. You are really so powerful."
Qin Jingyao bowed his head and raised his hands to his forehead. "I dare not do that, and I have no excuse. I only ask Your Majesty to punish me fairly."
The emperor glanced at him, then heard the imperial physician arrive outside the palace. Finally, he sighed, "Although today's incident was caused by Baozhen's evil animal, ignorance is not a crime. Now that the animal has been slain, Baozhen has requested to enter the temple for spiritual repentance and atonement. Although your actions were disrespectful, they were ultimately justified, and you sincerely repent... Considering this is your first offense, I will impose a light punishment and a heavy warning."
After a brief pause, he continued, "If Prince Ren does not pursue the matter further, I will fine him three months' salary as a warning to others."
Qin Jingyao immediately bowed and accepted the order: "Your Majesty, I accept your order and thank you."
Prince Ren had already compromised, and everyone in the government knew it. This punishment, compared to Qin Jingyao's salary, rewards, and even his vast wealth, was a drop in the bucket. It was clearly a case of thunder and lightning without any real impact.
After the imperial edict was issued, the dignitaries of the capital sighed in regret, but were not surprised. Since the victims had already settled the matter peacefully, it was reasonable to refrain from punishment. As for the servants and commoners implicated, their voices were weak and powerless, making them unworthy of mention.
The incident was ultimately resolved with no one severely punished. Compared to the previous aggressive actions of the palace guards who were arresting people everywhere, this incident seemed to be more noise than action, even reaching the imperial court. However, it was actually a clear announcement to the world that this woman was Qin Jingyao's Achilles' heel.
If anyone touches him, even if he is a royal relative, he will never let it go.
The next morning, when he bravely entered the main hall with the woman's palm print, now purplish-red on half his face, the court erupted in an uproar, then fell into a dead silence. By this point, everyone had learned a lesson about the woman they had long heard of, and from then on, they kept their distance, no one daring to even slightly disdain her.
*
The day's constant turmoil, the sudden revelation of the truth, the breakup with him, and the relapse of her acute illness, the itching and swelling in her throat and neck. All the suffering came flooding back, almost like a joke, accumulating all at once, overwhelming Lan Nongnong.
She deliberately put aside all distracting thoughts and stopped pondering them. She locked the doors and windows, applied the medicine, took off her shoes, went to bed, and fell into a deep sleep. This sleep lasted from the afternoon until the moon was at its highest point in the sky.
The deepest pain always gnaws at the heart when all is quiet. The pain, anger, regret, and unwillingness suppressed during the day surge back like a tidal wave, almost swallowing the person completely.
Lan Nongnong could no longer resist, and in an instant she collapsed, tears streaming down her face. The doors and windows of the house were locked, and the servants dared not disturb them. The candles were unlit, and the surroundings were pitch black and silent.
This complete darkness and silence made her let down all her guard and cry without any restraint.
As passionate as her former love was, her current hatred was as piercing. She hated him for weaving lies from the very beginning, luring her into this quagmire step by step. She hated him even more for claiming to love her while pushing her into this unbearable situation.
But Lan Nongnong hated herself even more. She hated herself for not being cautious enough and for trusting others too easily. She hated herself for not listening to her aunt's advice and insisting on having her own way. She hated herself for having clearly harbored suspicions, yet still deceiving herself and willingly indulging in delusion!
She hated his selfishness and shamelessness! She hated how he had no regrets after his true face was exposed, how he refused to leave her with even a shred of dignity, forcibly imprisoning her here, insisting on dragging her into the quagmire, forcing her to bear the condemnation of her conscience, to be condemned by thousands of people, and unable to escape!
"Liar, liar, liar!"
"Fool, fool, fool!"
Lan Nongnong curled herself up tightly, her heart as if crushed into pieces and thrown into a raging fire. The burning pain suffocated her, the scorching heat nearly causing her to collapse. She cried uncontrollably, and the hatred and regret in her heart grew stronger with each blood-curdling curse.
The lights in the entire mansion were out, and all was silent except for the bright moon, still hanging high in the sky, casting its light quietly and gently. The moonlight stretched out its full strength, quietly penetrating the veil, gently enveloping the slender figure curled up on the couch, trembling and sobbing, as if offering silent comfort.
Outside her couch stood a four-panel screen depicting a sleeping crabapple. Qin Jingyao was standing quietly behind it, his hands behind his back. Just a quarter of an hour ago, he had been sitting beside her couch, gazing at her sleeping face.
Since he returned home and learned that she had fallen asleep, he has been guarding here. He sat and watched her for as long as she slept.
He heard every word of her sobbing and raging, every word clearly. Yet, he felt no regret at all. If he did, it was only for his momentary weakness in allowing her to leave, which had ruined everything.
Lan Nongnong didn't know how long she cried until she felt dizzy, exhausted, and unable to shed another tear. She lay motionless on the couch, her eyes open but empty, her mind drifting away.
She felt like she was holding a silent memorial, letting the scenes of their past together flow before her eyes. The initial throbbing of her heart at first glance, the uneasiness when she confessed her feelings, the stunned disbelief when he responded, then all turned into overflowing joy, her heart blossoming.
From the initial awkwardness and caution when they first got along, to the gradual opening of their hearts and the deepening of their affection, they became so deeply connected that there was no longer any gap between them.
From the first time he smiled softly at her, the first time he whispered her name, the first time he was startled and surprised when she held his hand, to the later time he calmly and confidently held her hand tightly in his palm...
When I was first ordered around by her, I was flustered and awkward, but later on, she would take care of everything without my asking. From being surprised at her complete trust and wild ideas at first, to calmly and smilingly accepting all her whimsical ideas and indulging her every bit of unbridled freedom,
When she laughed, he indulged her laughter. When she was angry, he tolerated her temper. He calmly accepted all her various temperaments, never contradicting a single word. Gentle as water, considerate, tolerant as the sea, and reliable as a mountain. In her eyes, he was an omnipotent being.
The first time she kissed him, he was shocked and surprised. When she was seriously ill with a high fever, unconscious, and at her most vulnerable and helpless, he suddenly appeared like a god, becoming her only support, comforting and caring for her day and night, never leaving her side.
The reluctance to part, the deep longing when they were separated by a long distance without any news, the throbbing joy of exchanging letters, and her courage to go against the world just to be with him...
The long and arduous journey, the unwavering faith that can't wait, the homesickness when approaching the meeting, the excitement and ecstasy of unexpected reunion in the dim light when looking back, the inseparable love after reunion, the deep affection that accompanies each other day and night,
The gentle, attentive look on his face when he gave her the token of love, the quiet embrace he shared with her as they watched the sunset, a feeling of eternal love. Her menstrual pain was so severe, his eyes filled with heartache, as he painstakingly studied massage techniques and meticulously cared for her. The extreme care and patience he showed while piercing her ears, even the first time he kissed her...
"Yao Jing, why aren't you the real Yao Jing..."
Lan Nongnong suddenly let out a long and broken sob, closed her eyes tightly, pressed her aching head tightly with both hands, and refused to think about it anymore.
From the moment she confirmed that he had deceived her, from the moment she knew that he already had a wife, all the sweetness of the past had turned into arsenic, and every thought of it was filled with disgust!
He held the power of life and death and had once ordered the extermination of nine generations of a person's family. Whether or not he acted in accordance with the order, it had nothing to do with her fear of him.
Lan Nongnong shuddered uncontrollably at the mere thought of that bloody scene. She bit her lip tightly until it broke and bled. Her lips were saturated with salty flavor, and she swallowed the hint of blood. She took a few deep breaths to suppress her fear and slowly opened her eyes.
fortunately,
Fortunately, I have seen the truth today. Otherwise, if I really waited until he deceived me into marriage and lost my virginity, I would still be foolishly trapped in the lie, thinking that I had found a good match, but in fact I became someone else's concubine who was not allowed to see the light.
That's truly horrible and utterly pathetic!
Fortunately, there is still time.
*
Qin Jingyao closed his eyes, his heart still trembling slightly at her unconscious whisper. In the silence, the rustling of clothes on the couch was particularly clear. He suddenly opened his eyes, held his breath, and quietly disappeared into the deeper shadows.
Under the cold moonlight, her slender figure was cast on the screen, as beautiful as ink and a painting.
Lan Nongnong hadn't considered there was another person in the room. Although she'd slept for a long time, she felt exhausted, both physically and mentally. The itching from her allergies was still unbearable, but bearable. She simply wanted to feel better quickly. She had to take care of herself, apply and take her medication on time, and force herself to eat even if she had no appetite.
She gently pressed her swollen and sore eye sockets, took a deep breath, stood up, put on her clothes and shoes, lit a candle, walked to the door and removed the bolt. The moment the door opened, the originally dark courtyard and hall suddenly became brightly lit, as if it were daytime.
Biyu, who had just been released, led several maids and waited outside the door with their heads bowed, holding toiletries and food boxes in their hands. When she opened the door, everyone knelt down and saluted.
Biyu stepped forward and whispered, "The young lady hasn't woken up yet, so the master has ordered the kitchen to keep the dinner warm. The medicine has also been prepared, and Doctor Mo specifically instructed that the interval between taking the medicine should not exceed three hours. The young lady should eat first and then take the medicine, so the timing is perfect."
Lan Nongnong took a half step back, avoiding her support, but her eyes carefully scanned her and the maids behind her, her voice slightly hoarse: "Biyu, have you been punished?"
Biyu was visibly startled, unconsciously clenching her palms. She forced herself not to look behind her, but bowed humbly and gratefully, smiling, "Thank you for your concern, young lady. We haven't been punished. The young lady had a sudden emergency during the day, and her condition was critical. Your Excellency was so concerned that you sent us in to question her. We have returned after reporting the truth."
Lan Nongnong didn't believe her words. She suddenly reached out and grasped her wrist, her eyes fixed on her face, not wanting to miss even the slightest change in her expression. Seeing that there was only confusion in Biyu's eyes, and no hidden pain, she felt a little relieved.
She was still worried, so she lifted her sleeves to check, and then whispered, "Excuse me!" and gently opened the collar of her neck to examine her skin. Seeing that there were no scars, she checked the other maids she knew well, and found nothing unusual. Only then did she relax completely.
But he lifted her sleeves to look, and said sorry to her, and looked at the skin on the back of her neck, and found no injuries at all. Then he looked at several maids she knew in turn, and saw that they were all the same, and then he completely relaxed.
"Thank you all,"
She lowered her skirt slightly, and said in a soft but firm voice, "I can handle these things myself. You all should go back and rest."
Biyu was about to speak when she suddenly saw a subtle signal from the inner room. She immediately swallowed her words and replied "yes" as ordered. She instructed the maids to put the items aside and was about to lead the others to leave when she was suddenly stopped.
"Wait a moment."
Lan Nongnong abruptly turned and headed back inside. Her steps were hurried, and in the dimness of the room, she didn't notice a scrap of clothing disappearing quickly into the shadows. Her bag was still on the table, but in her haste to pack today, she hadn't had time to carefully count the money inside.
During the day, I lost a lot of money while my mind was wandering, and now I think there is not much left. Now I am trapped in this situation, with no income at all, and every penny I spend is a penny less.
He hurriedly untied his purse and examined it, and he could not help but breathe a sigh of relief. After a moment's thought, he took out a banknote and walked out quickly.
"Miss Jade,"
Her voice was low but every word was clear. "I'm very grateful for your care in the past. But from today on, you don't have to bother looking after me anymore. Just keep two of the light dishes and remove the rest. In the future, if you have time, I hope you can help me with my meals and medicine."
As he spoke, he gently handed over the banknote: "As a reward, I will pay the wages. However, I have limited money on hand now, so the meal does not need to be sumptuous, simple porridge and small dishes will be enough."
Lan Nongnong had hired someone to take care of her when she was in Yuqing, so she was well aware of the market price. Knowing that land in the capital was expensive, she only added 10% to the original price and placed a 100-liang silver note in Biyu's hand without hesitation.
"I don't know if this is enough, but please don't refuse. If you don't accept it, I would rather not eat or drink this food and medicine."
Her eyes were clear and her words were firm: "If you are willing to accept it, please do not pretend to obey and take more than this reward. And there is no need to lie to me. I am a common woman. I can distinguish the good from the bad and know the real price of grains."
Lan Nongnong wasn't exactly a spendthrift; she had her own thoughts on how to spend the money she had. The medicinal materials she was using were of premium quality and had significant efficacy, so they must be worth a fortune.
Although Biyu and the others were servants, they served an extraordinary family and their monthly wages must have been generous. With this calculation, the one hundred taels of silver was probably not enough.
Biyu had been a maid in the palace for many years, and from the day she began her training, she had ingrained all the rules into her bones. Naturally, she knew that in some official residences, and even in the palace where the Empress had lost her heart, she often had to pay for her food, clothing, and other expenses out of her own pocket.
But this Miss Lan in front of him has been pampered and loved by the master since she entered the mansion. All her necessities are more exquisite and sophisticated than those of the main wife. Why should she need to spend a single copper coin on her daily life?
However, she knew that the grudge between the two masters had not yet been resolved. Although she felt that the banknotes were very hot, seeing that the master did not show any sign of stopping her, she just lowered her head and agreed, carefully put the banknotes away, and did as she was told.
"I will obey your orders, young lady."
Everyone had left, leaving only a plate of stir-fried lotus root tips and lily bulbs, a dish of simmered choy sum in broth, a bowl of steamed chicken with ginseng fruit, a bowl of glutinous rice, a bowl of yam and pigeon soup, and a plate of peeled diced fresh peaches. A single, condensed pill rested on a celadon dish nearby.
Lan Nongnong paused at the table, then looked away. Fortunately, the portions of each dish were small, so it was just right for her.
Although Qin Jingyao didn't show up, he remained hidden in the shadows, watching her slowly eat, obediently take her medicine, wash and go to bed. Only when her breathing became even and she fell asleep did he quietly appear, gently lift the gauze curtain and sit beside the couch. Only when dawn was about to break did he get up and leave.
*
On August 27th, a carriage with a green canopy and white curtains drove into the capital.
At the exact time of 9:00, a torrential downpour came, and the hot and noisy weather that had lingered for several days was finally completely drenched by this hearty summer rain.
Lan Nongnong walked to the corridor and looked out at the continuous rain outside the eaves. The crackling sound of the rain was regular and continuous, forming a natural rhythm. The mist of water vapor covered her clothes, bringing an indescribable coolness and comfort.
She took a deep breath and felt as if all the turbidity in the world had been washed away, even the itch lurking under her skin was forced to temporarily not dare to show up.
In the courtyard stood a magnolia tree, in full bloom, its graceful branches supporting pink petals and red stamens, proudly in full bloom. Now, battered by the torrential rain, the tall branches drooped as if unable to bear the weight, and the petals fell in a scattering, some burying themselves in the mud, some drifting across the water.
When the rain eased a little, the branches that had been bent down suddenly bounced up, and there were still flowers and buds stubbornly lingering on the twigs. When the rain became heavier again, the branches were once again bent down, but they still stood up stubbornly when the rain stopped.
This cycle repeats itself relentlessly.
The torrential rain continues, and though the delicate flower is pitiful, it remains pliant and unbreakable. A senseless flower tree, a delicate bud, can still stand firm and persevere in the fierce wind and rain, and continue to thrive.
As human beings, we are endowed with infinite wisdom and endless potential. We can choose our own paths and strive hard. How can we become depressed and lose our temper because of a temporary setback?
Lan Nongnong let out a long sigh, gathered herself, and returned to the house, sitting down at her desk. She gathered up all the messy papers she had scribbled on since getting up early and being stopped from going out, and then spread out a new plain paper and picked up her brush and dipped it in ink.
I need to write to my aunts to let them know I'm safe and sound, and draw new designs for Sister Wen Niang. My savings are running low, but there's still a lot of time to go, so I need to earn money steadily, live seriously, and most importantly, live happily and openly.
The tip of the brush lingered in mid-air, unable to fall. Perhaps because her wrist had been suspended for too long, her knuckles trembled slightly. A drop of thick ink suddenly fell onto the paper, staining the whiteness, just like her once pure and flawless love.
Lan Nongnong was once again dragged into the vortex of memories. Her breathing suddenly became disordered, tears suddenly filled her eyes, and her hand holding the pen trembled like chaff sifted by the wind. Ink dripped uncontrollably, and the entire white paper was already in a mess.
In her heart, she berated herself for thinking about it again, for being so weak, yet she couldn't help but feel sorry for herself. Human hearts are made of iron, and love is something that pierces the heart and bones. How could she not think about it? How could she not feel pain and hurt? How could she wake up one night and just treat it as a passing cloud, everything over?
But now that things have come to this, how can I indulge myself in regret and pain? I clearly let myself cry and vent last night, determined not to linger, not to look back. I should completely spit on him! Hate him!
The most important thing to think about now is how to get out of this situation, how to leave! This is the only thing she should be thinking about right now!
Outside, a sudden downpour had just subsided, and the garden was covered with fallen magnolia petals. A servant came to sweep the ground, brushing away the accumulated water and the remaining petals.
The clouds parted and the sun rose, the sky was full of light, and on the magnolia tree that had experienced wind and rain, the buds were quietly blooming. The raindrops condensed into clear glass, flowing brilliantly in the skylight, looking lifelike.
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