Chapter 58 Jin Azhu: Get out! I don't want any of it anymore (melodramatic)...
Jingshou Garden
Emperor Xuanpei, who had originally gotten up to leave, hesitated for a moment and then sat back down steadily.
He glanced at the two sisters standing before him, then looked at the sachets at their waists and said, "You two are so alike, even your embroidery skills are equally exquisite?"
Unexpectedly, after Emperor Xuanpei asked this question, both Shu Yunhui and Shu Yunhui blushed slightly.
The two sisters exchanged a glance, and Yunya was the first to reach out and untie a sachet from her waist.
With a blush on her face and slightly trembling hands, she presented it to Emperor Xuanpei.
On the other side, Yunhui lowered her eyes, took off the sachet, and gently presented it to Emperor Xuanpei.
Emperor Xuanpei actually reached out and took it.
Upon closer inspection, it is indeed the same as the dark pattern on Ah Zhu's sachet.
"Your Majesty..."
Junya's face was now flushed like a peach blossom, and she looked at Emperor Xuanpei with a hint of shyness in her eyes.
"The trees in the human world are intertwined, yet they are said to be a pair."
This obvious hint sent a chill down Emperor Xuanpei's spine, who had been smiling.
The young ladies of the Shu family were shy, but Empress Dowager Shu, sitting at the head of the table, was already smiling broadly.
"Look, isn't this a match made in heaven? These sachets were a coming-of-age gift from the Marquis of Chengen's mansion to these two sisters."
"Since the Emperor likes them so much, why not let them stay by his side forever?"
The gift from the Marquis of Chengen's residence... Yes, he had forgotten. Emperor Xuanpei nodded. These so-called aristocratic families and high-ranking households always liked to use specially made, intricate patterns to highlight their different statuses.
Everyone inside the hall laughed.
Empress Dowager Shu, secretly pleased with herself, knew that no one could resist these two sisters, and smiled triumphantly.
The two beautiful women who personally presented the sachets smiled shyly.
Even Emperor Xuanpei was laughing. The veins on his hand, which was tightly gripping the sachet, were bulging, and it seemed to be trembling slightly from laughing.
Seeing that Emperor Xuanpei had accepted the sachet, Empress Dowager Shu, feeling she had done a good deed and was satisfied, finally agreed to set off.
Emperor Xuanpei exited the inner palace first.
The two sisters from the Shu family were still serving Empress Dowager Shu from the left and right as she got up.
Having received the order, Eunuch Chen hurriedly left, his heart trembling. He lowered his head and went to carry out his task without saying a word.
*
At this moment, A-Zhu also came out of Songxiuxuan.
Considering the constant flow of people in the main hall, they seemed to take every opportunity to stare intently at her—
They were either putting on airs of being concerned about the country and its people, shaking their heads and sighing at her while hesitant to speak, or exchanging glances and whispering among themselves about gossiping about her and saying rubbish... Ah Zhu deliberately dragged things out.
Seeing that it was still early, she didn't even take a sedan chair, but just walked slowly, leisurely enjoying the scenery along the way.
As they walked toward Qinde Hall, they encountered other female relatives.
Ah Zhu is now a proper empress in the palace.
No matter which noble lady in the capital met her, she would naturally only be able to bow to her.
"The daughter of the Lu family of Songyang... pays respects to Consort Jiang."
Looking at the maid who had once knelt at her feet to serve her, Lu Yinyue curtsied.
May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune and endless happiness.
Having only heard the four words "Lu Clan of Songyang," A-Zhu stood there dumbfounded. A familiar, sharp pain surged through her head, but this time it was different—
That thing that seemed to want to burst her head with a sharp, piercing buzz, that thing that appeared and disappeared unpredictably and brought her misfortune every time it rang, that sinister thing that haunted her like a ghost, made a clear sound.
"Beep—!"
[“Host Jiang Zhu has been detected again, identified as a candidate for the imperial concubine selection. The Palace Intrigue Achievement System is in the process of binding…”]
[“Buzz buzz buzz—The detection system is already bound to the original host 'Jiang Zhu' and cannot be bound to the host Jiang Zhu again…”]
"Please verify again."
The pain gradually subsided, far less intense than the first time... Wait, when was the first time I had such a severe headache?
It seems that it's also because of the Lu family of Songyang?
It was at the entrance of the Wang family's residence that I heard those words.
Seeing that A-Zhu was standing there blankly without saying a word, while the Lu family's girl was still curtsying, Qing Liu quickly and gently tugged at A-Zhu's sleeve.
"Your Majesty, the time is almost up. Let's go into the palace."
A-Zhu nodded blankly, and then was surrounded and walked a few steps forward.
Lu Yinyue straightened up, but Lianxin, the maidservant behind her, looked somewhat dissatisfied.
"Our young lady was walking along peacefully... but for no reason she wouldn't let people rise when they asked her to. This Consort Jiang is really..."
"Lotus Heart." Lu Yinyue felt a slight pang in her heart upon hearing the name Consort Jiang. Her face darkened slightly. "One must not speak ill of a noble person."
Lianxin lowered her head and replied, "Yes."
Seeing that Consort Jiang looked difficult to get along with, Lu Yinyue and her servant Lianxin decided to take a different route.
Before they had taken more than a few steps, they suddenly heard a shout behind them—
"stop!"
Seeing that it was Consort Jiang returning in a menacing manner, Lianxin's face turned pale instantly, wondering if the consort had heard her mutterings.
Lianxin was trembling with fear. Lu Yinyue patted Lianxin's hand, then took a small step forward and stood in front of Lianxin.
The beautiful and dignified Lu Yinyue remained calm and nodded slightly to Azhu: "Consort Jiang."
"I wonder if Consort Jiang has any instructions for returning?"
"You may all leave. I have something to say to Miss Lu."
Qingliu, who was supporting Azhu, did not leave immediately.
When they arrived, Qingliu and Lüfu made sure to get to know the noble ladies who were attending the banquet so that they could remind them of the Empress's presence.
Lu Yinyue is the granddaughter of Wen Ge Lao.
The Emperor has bestowed great favors upon this Grand Secretary Wen, sending gifts to his residence during festivals and holidays.
"Your Majesty, this is Grand Secretary Wen's granddaughter, who recently arrived in the capital..."
Hearing about Lu Yinyue's illustrious identity, Azhu repeated it again without hesitation.
"All of you, get out."
Qingliu dared not say anything more.
She led the palace servants away, and Lu Yinyue told Lianxin to wait aside.
After a moment of silence and eye contact, A-Zhu and Lu Yin-Yue walked together toward the Wang-Lin Pavilion not far away.
......
The setting sun in the twilight seemed to be tinged with blood, the golden and red colors so intense they were almost blinding.
Standing in the pavilion, A-Zhu had no time to appreciate the magnificent scenery of Jinling Hill; she was staring intently at Lu Yin-yue.
That wicked thing who almost killed Ah Zhu the moment she entered the palace—Ah Zhu dreamed of getting rid of it, but...
It felt like a hand had squeezed into A-Zhu's mind, churning and stirring her thoughts into a jumbled mess, while a persistent, dull ache kept pulling at her attention.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Ah Zhu hesitated, wanting to ask but not daring to. He turned and left, but he was unwilling to give up.
Despite having so much to say, Ah Zhu couldn't utter a single useful word.
Lu Yinyue also looked at Azhu.
Before entering the capital, Lu Yinyue never imagined that one day she would see that timid and drab girl again in this kind of situation... Well, it's alright.
She needs far too much to clear the Jiang family's name.
Lu Yinyue was the first to smile at Azhu.
She said with some emotion, "Da Ya, I never imagined that you would be an empress by the Emperor's side now."
!!
This is like a bolt from the blue, a devastating blow.
Looking at the composed, elegant, and dignified Miss Jiang, A-Zhu couldn't help but tremble.
What was bound to happen has finally happened.
The real Jiang Liu Guniang will always be someone A Zhu needs to look up to.
A-Zhu was jealous of Jiang Liu-Guniang; that jealousy was like tiny insects burrowing into her heart, gnawing at her day and night.
When she first stepped into the Jiang family mansion as a child, she was envious of the wealthy and powerful families there, with their luxurious clothes, fine food, embroidered beds, and exquisite delicacies.
She dreamed of becoming such a noblewoman and living such a wealthy and comfortable life.
Later... she actually got the identity that others didn't want and achieved her wish.
No matter how many times she secretly deceived herself, A-Zhu always knew that Jiang Shi was ultimately not her true identity.
She was just a maidservant born to a wet nurse in the village... and even her mother abandoned her to protect Miss Jiang Liu's safety.
Even within the palace, initially, the emperor issued the decree to let Jiang enter the palace because of her.
It was only because of her status as the last surviving member of the Jiang family that she was allowed to serve before the emperor out of pity... All the glory she enjoyed under this identity was stolen.
Even the ghostly thing in her mind, because she was fake, tormented her relentlessly for so many years, hoping for her misfortune and death every moment... When she met the real person, even with people in between, it was able to speak clearly.
Do people who habitually grovel and fawn have any pride or courage?
No.
The audacity of a dog relying on its master's power is ultimately futile.
Ah Zhu clenched her fists tightly.
It's as if, with that bit of hypocritical, petty shamelessness, they've managed to cling to what little courage and dignity they have left.
"I am Consort Jiang, personally appointed by His Majesty."
At this moment, Ah Zhu was like a toad with its belly bulging out, desperately trying to muster its thin layer of courage and put on a show of bravado.
"I have never, never seen you before!"
"Lu, how dare you be so presumptuous and disrespectful! You, you, you are outrageous!"
Lu Yinyue laughed at Azhu's bluster and cowardice.
She looked calmly and leisurely at A-Zhu, who was "flailing his teeth and claws" in front of her.
When A-Zhu first entered the manor, he was as timid and greedy as a little mouse.
Born into a humble family, she had a narrow perspective and lacked courage. As a result, she was filled with envy and longing for the wealth and status of the mansion, but dared not make any rash moves and could only secretly watch with her eyes.
This was true in the past, it is true now, and it will likely be true in the future.
She is not a member of the Jiang clan.
She remains the same as always.
She only knew how to use this identity to flatter and fawn, becoming a femme fatale who bewitched the emperor... bringing shame upon the Jiang family.
Lu Yinyue took a step toward Azhu, and Azhu subconsciously took a step back.
"If Your Majesty has never seen me before, why have you repeatedly asked me to stay?"
Seeing this, Lu Yinyue sighed softly.
She looked at A-Zhu, her expression serious as she spoke her true feelings.
“Da Ya, I was young back then, and when disaster struck, I was completely lost and could only cry in my panic.”
"They never asked me about any of the decisions they made."
"I was just caught up in this escape without really understanding what was happening, but now I can make my own decisions..."
Ah Zhu clenched her fists tightly, feeling dizzy and her throat filled with a metallic taste.
Looking at Lu Yinyue's solemn expression, Azhu's face twisted in a way that was hard to tell whether she was crying or laughing.
“You couldn’t make decisions before, hahaha, you couldn’t make decisions, so you could just walk away.”
"Now you're back, and a noble lady at that... Why did you come back?"
Why did you come back?!
Her calm demeanor was completely shattered, and Ah Zhu's eyes were bloodshot and filled with rage. She tried to suppress her voice, but it trembled uncontrollably.
She has nothing left.
She has held onto this identity and persevered for so many years.
But now that Miss Jiang has everything, she still wants to come back and compete with her!
“You are already a noblewoman of the Lu family, and you even have a grandfather like Grand Secretary Wen. With this status, what kind of life can't you have?”
Why did you come back to fight me for it?
Why did you come back?!
"For the sake of the Jiang family!"
Tears welled up in Lu Yinyue's eyes as well.
She looked at A-Zhu, who was so agitated that he was almost out of control, and instead of moving forward, she retreated.
Why did you come back?
"It is all for the sake of exonerating the Jiang family and restoring their glory."
"In order to comfort the spirits of the Jiang family in heaven, and to kneel before the memorial tablets of the Jiang family members, to openly and honestly worship them and offer incense to them."
And what about me...? What have I been all these years?
At this moment, the selfish and self-serving Ah Zhu was only thinking of himself.
Through her teary eyes, she glared hatefully at Lu Yinyue and laughed in a hoarse voice.
Ah Zhu said fiercely, "If you want to go burn incense, then go ahead. You can burn it for three days and three nights and no one will care!"
"I've suffered so much for so many years because of my status as a slave of the Jiang family... and now you just say you want to change it back?"
"Don't even think about it!"
"I'm telling you, you're dreaming!"
"I won't give it up, I absolutely won't give it up to you!"
Lu Yinyue looked at Azhu, who was baring his teeth like a "mad dog" and seemed inhuman, and slowly wiped away her tears.
“Da Ya, your mother has always thought about you all these years.”
"Over the years, she's been secretly crying at night, until her eyes are ruined. Before she came, she asked me to check on you..."
Don't mention her to me!!!
"Okay, let's not talk about it."
Lu Yinyue nodded readily, then looked at Azhu and asked calmly, "What about the red mole on your waist? Is it still there?"
"Your habit of vomiting every time you ate fermented bean curd melon is cured now?"
"You always... at night."
"Shut up!"
Already consumed by hatred, with blood surging through her veins and teeth clenched, Ah Zhu roughly interrupted Lu Yin Yue's words.
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
"I want to say that we are all in the same boat."
Lu Yinyue answered Azhu clearly.
“I’m not the only one in this world who knows your background. Da Ya, you know it yourself: the imposter and the imposter are equally guilty.”
It was as if all my strength had been suddenly drained away.
A-Zhu staggered back a few steps, unable to stand steadily, and slowly squatted down on the ground and began to cry.
"What...what exactly do you want?"
Looking at A-Zhu, who was squatting there, crying pitifully, Lu Yinyue felt helpless and sorry for the stupid and foolish person.
She shook her head and squatted down in front of Azhu.
"It's all for the sake of the Jiang family, Ah Zhu. I've said it before, I want to clear the Jiang family's name."
"In this life, I have only one wish, and I will spare no effort, even if it means being shattered to pieces!"
“I have to consider the reputation of the Jiang family. I must stay by their side and observe mourning for them openly and honestly.”
“Da Ya, in this life, my life belongs to the Jiang family.”
"I'll repay you in my next life."
......
Qinde Hall
A-Zhu was unwell and had to go back to rest, so he was unable to attend the hunting banquet. Not only Emperor Xuanpei received the news.
Empress Wang received the news without any surprise.
In fact, Empress Wang received even more information.
Upon hearing Nianqin say that Emperor Xuanpei had sent Eunuch Chen to inquire, Empress Wang slowly smiled.
Empress Dowager Shu bossed her around, pointing fingers and scolding her at every turn.
And that wretched maidservant, Jiang, not only dared to threaten her in public, but also bullied her wantonly by taking advantage of her position...
They are all vicious dogs that bite, and today we will settle accounts with them all!
Empress Wang smiled gently as she raised a glass of wine.
"After casting the net for so long, letting these little fish and shrimp jump around right under my nose, it's really annoying."
"Since the time has come, let's close the net."
"yes."
Nianqin smiled and nodded, then quietly withdrew from the hall.
When the hunting banquet began, the fifth son of the Marquis of Chengen's mansion had to feign illness due to a leg injury and was unable to attend.
Emperor Xuanpei, sitting high above, had a slightly enigmatic expression.
But when they saw the emperor drink several cups of wine, and even some deer blood wine, everyone assumed that the emperor was in a good mood. They were all laughing and chatting, toasting each other, and the banquet was quite lively.
Perhaps it was because of the flickering candlelight, but when I looked at him in a daze, I could vaguely see that Eunuch Chen's face looked somewhat pale.
......
Songxiuxuan
Feeling weak and disoriented, A-Zhu declined the hunting banquet and went back to rest, citing her leg injury as the reason.
Seeing that Ah Zhu was only willing to give this reason, Qing Liu and Lü Fu were also uneasy, so they quickly summoned a female physician, thinking of having someone carefully examine Ah Zhu's injury to see if there was anything wrong.
The person who delivered the message was naturally Chunyan, whom Azhu had praised for her skillful hands.
Seeing Ah Zhu wave his hand listlessly, Qing Liu and Lü Fu had no choice but to retreat.
"My leg injury is nothing..." A-Zhu moved her lips and said to Chunyan, who looked worried and wanted to examine the wound carefully, "Just deal with it casually, let me have some peace and quiet."
Hearing that Ah Zhu's leg injury was nothing serious, Chun Yan breathed a sigh of relief, but then she became somewhat hesitant and uneasy, and her expression became somewhat anxious.
"girl."
A-Zhu turned his head and looked at Chun-Yan with a faint gaze—at this point, what could be worse news?
Despite her devastated emotional breakdown, Ah Zhu managed a forced smile and nonchalantly asked Chun Yan about her purpose.
"Is there something you want to tell me?"
Yes, there really is.
Azhu watched as Chunyan pulled an old, crumpled letter from her bosom.
"girl."
"Having reunited with you today, young lady, I went back home and found the things that Madam had hastily given to my mother years ago..."
As she spoke, Chunyan handed the letter to Azhu with great shame, whispering, "It should have been given to you, Miss, back then..."
Oh~ Is it for that Miss Jiang Liu?
Ah Zhu chuckled, took the letter, and then opened it without hesitation.
It's called a letter, but it's more like a petition to clear one's name and some evidence.
There is only one thing in the whole story—
The matter concerning the Jiang family... was falsely accused by the Marquis of Chengen's family. Their family has never colluded with Crown Prince Chongde to plot a rebellion.
Honestly, I can't bring myself to empathize with the Jiang family and speak out for them in their current emotional outburst. I don't even care whether the Jiang family is truly innocent or not.
A-Zhu only cared about one thing—the Jiang family's affairs were reported by the Marquis of Cheng'en's mansion.
The Marquis of Chengen's residence... is related to Empress Dowager Shu by marriage.
So, was this case of treason instigated by Empress Dowager Shu, or... by the Emperor?
Ah Zhu didn't really master much.
She had a surprisingly simple way of looking at things—if Crown Prince Chongde hadn't fallen from power back then, would Emperor Xuanpei have been able to ascend the throne?
What kind of innocent, compassionate, and benevolent person could become an emperor?
A-Zhu's hand holding the letter trembled slightly.
Would an emperor who overthrew the crown prince and ascended the throne over countless corpses risk jeopardizing his throne and insist on exonerating the Jiang family?
Hahaha, what a huge joke!!!
Suspicion arose in Azhu's mind, and she also thought of her previous "miscarriage" - during those days, she vomited repeatedly, had no appetite, and her period was late... all of this was real, not something she was faking.
Even the palace maids who served her believed that she was really pregnant... But is it really true?
Ah Zhu stared blankly as she clutched her lower abdomen.
It was only because the emperor didn't want the bloodline of a criminal slave that the imperial physician denied it outright.
The emperor only wanted to keep her, but no matter how much medicine she drank every day, she couldn't get rid of the "bastard" in her stomach.
Later, seeing that she had miscarried in the Shou Kang Palace, the emperor readily accepted the matter...
She was a ridiculous, obsequious, and despicable fool.
In order to please the emperor, he also confusedly denied it.
As for the emperor using empty words to coax her when he's in a good mood... isn't that perfectly natural?
He was still infatuated with her and enjoyed her obedience and flattery.
It's just empty talk. Even if the emperor doesn't acknowledge it in the future, what can A-Zhu do?
Perhaps in the end, this seductive and treacherous woman, this sinful slave who has committed countless crimes and bewitched the emperor's heart... will be discarded by the emperor who has grown tired of her and will obey the greater good, and order her to commit suicide.
Thinking of how Emperor Xuanpei toyed with her day and night, his venomous, cold hand clutching her lower abdomen, while constantly talking about their child and making solemn promises about the future, she wished he could get rid of her as soon as possible... Ah Zhu lay by the bed and vomited with a "whoosh".
"girl!"
Azhu pushed Chunyan away and looked at her coldly.
"After so many years of struggling and escaping death in the palace, I don't trust anyone, and I can't trust anyone."
"Regardless of whose side you are on, I only ask you, is what's on this list true?"
Seeing Chunyan about to shake her head with a wronged expression, Azhu gritted his teeth and said fiercely, "Think it through!"
"If you dare to lie to me now, then no matter what happens in the future, I will not believe a single word of this!"
"I don't care if I'm being used as a pawn, nor do I care who wants to target the Marquis of Chengen's mansion. I only care about the truth of this matter, and I only care about the grudge against the Jiang family!"
Chunyan, who had been looking flustered, was now calmly kneeling on the ground.
"I dare not deceive Consort Jiang... This matter is indeed true."
"If Your Majesty is interested, you may go and find out the truth."
"If you don't want people to know, then don't do it in the first place. Back then, the Marquis of Cheng'en's family, in order to protect themselves, used their kinship to frame Lady Jiang, and their actions were not very thorough. In fact, several Grand Secretaries were present when they dealt with this matter..."
Look, there's another liar standing next to her.
"go out!"
A-Zhu threw the letter in his hand directly at Chun-Yan's face.
"Now that the message has been delivered, there's no need for any more insincere platitudes to disgust people. Get out!"
Chunyan hurriedly took the letter and left.
A-Zhu, feeling a chill run through her body, couldn't hear what Qingliu and Lvfu were saying as they rushed over.
Even her anger seemed to have become light and somewhat bewildering.
It turns out everyone knew, everyone understood... but no matter what, she was always the one who was abandoned.
The emperor treated her like a plaything, holding her in his palm, constantly making her struggle and fawn over him, teasing her with great interest, and then cutting off her future.
Not only did Madam Qian knock her unconscious to take the blame for Miss Jiang, but she also told Miss Jiang everything in detail, so as to threaten and control her.
......
In the end, she was still a fool.
When Emperor Xuanpei arrived, Azhu did not get up. She just stared blankly at him, her expression somewhat wooden.
Emperor Xuanpei, reeking of alcohol and seemingly filled with hatred from the journey, threw the sachet he had been clutching tightly, crumpled into a tattered mess, in front of Azhu.
"Jiang Zhu!"
Thinking of He Rongxu, who had feigned illness to avoid the banquet, Emperor Xuanpei took a deep breath.
He struggled to suppress his rage, trying to calm himself down. "You'd better... give me a clear explanation."
Faced with the enraged Emperor Xuanpei, Azhu, who used to be anxious about such things, didn't care at all what was on his mind.
"Your Majesty."
Ah Zhu's voice was light and airy.
"Have you ever truly thought about exonerating the Jiang family?" Have you ever really thought about giving her some hope, about truly lifting a finger to spare her life?
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanpei was so angry that he laughed instead. He approached Jiang Zhu with a hoarse laugh.
"The Jiang family? The Jiang family?! Are you now admitting that everything you've done with me... was for the sake of the Jiang family?"
Perhaps fueled by the alcohol, Emperor Xuanpei, who usually only liked to put on airs, asked a question that was not appropriate for someone of his status for the first time.
"Jiang Zhu, have you ever been even slightly sincere towards me?"
Is this another attempt to make her subservient and obedient?
Then, he condescendingly played with her, telling her some jokes and coldly watching her struggle desperately for those jokes.
"No."
Ah Zhu laughed.
She raised her head, looking fearlessly at Emperor Xuanpei, shook her head, and said softly yet clearly, word by word, "Never even a fraction of it."
At this moment, A-Zhu had never felt so relaxed.
She was alone from beginning to end.
She wanted too much, and in the end, it all came to nothing.
She doesn't want it anymore.
She didn't want any of them.
All these demons and monsters, all these monsters and spirits, all this Jiang family, all this Sixth Miss, all this emperor, all this blood feud inside and outside the palace... all this bullshit wealth and glory, she's not going to play along!
......
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Author's note: Finally, this dose of melodrama has arrived. (covering my face with a pot on my head)
Hugs to my little cuties, thank you all for your support, lots of kisses!
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