Chapter 45 reveals "My dear, you sit high on the platform, and you don't need to dirty your hands."
Qingzan was also a little surprised that the emperor would let her sit next to him.
As they walked towards the emperor, the amusement in Ming Zhaoyi's eyes and the jealousy on Zhen Jieyu's face were all caught in Qingzan's peripheral vision.
Concubine Zhen threw the Hu Bing in her hand back into the crystal plate.
It turns out that he is not incapable of showing excessive pity to others, but that person is not her!
Concubine Zhen was filled with jealousy and could only urge the palace maid in a harsh voice, "Why don't you speak quickly?"
The palace maid hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "The last person the master saw was Concubine Ying. When she returned, her face looked very unhappy, as if she had been upset by something. She got on her horse and rode away, not allowing me to follow her."
These words were tantamount to pointing the spearhead at Qingzan, the person sitting closest to the emperor at the moment.
Concubine Hui later added, "The man hasn't been found yet, but the horse has. It nearly escaped the hunting palace when the guards stopped it. It had a number of wounds on its body. An examination later revealed burns from nettle juice."
Nettles are found in the mountains, but nettle juice is not something that should be on a horse's back.
Perhaps thinking of their master's plight, the palace maid became agitated. "Besides hunting, the master has only seen Concubine Ying all day! Who knows what Concubine Ying said to the master on purpose!"
Ying Cairen does not hold a high position and is usually low-key. He lives a secluded life and has few friends. Since he has no enemies in the past, the only possible culprit is the person he recently met.
Concubine Hui looked at Qingzan and said softly, "My dear, is there anything you want to say? What did you and Ying Cairen say?"
Qingzan's eyelashes drooped. She could feel that everyone's eyes were on her even more wantonly.
When everyone saw that she was speechless for a moment, they thought she was thinking deeply about a solution.
Little did she know that someone had quietly reached into her sleeve, where no one else could see, and suddenly and affectionately pinched her palm.
It seemed like he was telling her that he would support her.
But hasn't he always liked to watch the show with a cold eye, and liked to see her fight and struggle hard when she was trapped and had no way to defend herself?
Qingzan couldn't even pull her hand away.
He had no choice but to resist the interference of the faint heat in his palm and asked the palace maid in a normal voice, "What's your name?"
With just this one sound, the palace maid became even more confused. Was this really someone she could just bite at will?
No, I'm not just making random accusations. The master has been grieving over Concubine Ying's affairs these past two days, and he only has conflicts with Concubine Ying!
She managed to calm down and replied in a clear voice, "Your servant Zhuyan."
"Zhu Yan." Qing Zan called the person's name seriously, and said slowly: "If what you just said is true, shouldn't the last person your master see you be you?"
Zhuyan was extremely shocked.
How can you throw dirty water on someone like this!
She felt wronged and impatient, her eyes red: "How could a servant harm the master?!"
Qingzan curled her lips.
She was just retaliating in her own way, stating the facts in the same way as the palace maid.
But it never hurts when the knife is stabbed at others, but once it is pointed at yourself, you will feel panicked and wronged.
Qing Zan continued to recount her "inference": "She is a master who lives a life of luxury. She must have enslaved you a lot on a daily basis. She might even have disregarded your feelings. You might be holding a grudge against her, right?"
This is clearly all groundless!
Zhu Yan shook her head desperately and spoke incoherently: "No, the master is very good to this servant and has never oppressed me... This servant swears to be loyal to the master until death!"
Qingzan stood up and walked in front of Zhuyan.
The Chonghua Hall was simply furnished, and the floor was paved with solemn black bricks. There was no need for a gavel, and it felt like an office for handling cases and trying people.
But as time passed and things changed, she became the one who looked down on others.
"But—who else but you could have rubbed nettle juice on a horse? Your master and I were not holding the horse when we spoke. I had no opportunity, but it doesn't mean you didn't."
"What... How could it be me? I am innocent!" Zhuyan never expected that she would become the most suspected person. She was so anxious that tears rolled down her face, her blood rushed forward, and she almost hit her head on the ground.
She had no time to think about Qingzan's words. She just searched her stomach and tried her best to prove her innocence: "Yes, at that time, the nettle juice was on the master, not on me! It couldn't have been me!"
When one is busy taking care of oneself, of course one cannot consider trivial matters such as preserving the reputation of the master.
Someone in the room laughed sarcastically.
Concubine Hui also came over at this time: "Are you saying that this is the nettle juice prepared by Ying Cairen herself?"
Only then did Zhuyan realize what she had said.
However, it was too late to take back what she had said. She hesitated for a moment and said guiltily, "I don't know where the master got it from, and I don't know what the master wants it for..."
As if she knew her words were pale, she grabbed the hem of her clothes and didn't dare to look up for a long time.
Qingzan lowered her neck slightly in front of her, and her cloak flowed to the ground, with the hem spreading out in a lotus leaf shape.
The woman wrapped in the cloak stood tall and graceful with a calm demeanor.
Although she was so delicate and graceful, Concubine Zhen felt at this moment that Concubine Ying looked like a human being for no reason.
A tall, imposing, cold and strong man.
She glanced at the emperor in disbelief.
Then Qing Zan asked again: "Since it is your master who wants to talk to me, and the nettle juice was prepared by your master himself, why do you think I am trying to harm your master? Isn't this called confusing right and wrong?"
Zhu Yan's mind had already broken down: "I, I..."
Qing Zan didn't give her a chance to breathe. "Besides, her life or death is uncertain, so how can you be so sure that your master has been in trouble? Although the hunting palace is full of hidden beasts, and finding them later will increase the danger, it is not impossible to return safely."
Zhu Yan wanted to refute immediately, but unfortunately, the words were extremely difficult to say, and she couldn't say anything: "Because Master, Master..."
Qingzan could see that there was indeed some master-servant relationship between Zhuyan and Ying Cairen.
Even if it was far from the point of swearing allegiance until death as she said.
She softened her tone and said, "It looks like the horse got spooked, causing Ying Cairen to fall off. Perhaps she's unable to return because of mobility issues. Do you know which enclosure she entered? Perhaps she's still there."
Concubine Hui's heart was already pounding, but she was surprised by the man's calmness and lack of tears or fuss. Hearing this, she said, "I've asked the guards guarding the enclosure, and they all said they saw nothing. I've also sent people to follow the tracks of the horse's charge, but it's getting late, so the search is going to be difficult. At the latest, we'll have a clear answer tomorrow."
What Concubine Hui didn't say directly was that whether the body was seen or not, the outcome would be clear.
She had already sent people to search the six enclosures provided for the concubines, but they found nothing despite a full-scale search.
The remaining eighteen enclosures were infested with ferocious beasts. Even if men went in to hunt, they had to be accompanied and protected by a team of guards. If Ying Cairen went in alone, unarmed, he would surely be in great danger.
In contrast, if you accidentally fall into a valley stream, you still have a chance of survival.
How could Qingzan not know how dangerous this stage was for Ying Cairen, and how he was almost dead.
But he still said naively, "One night is too long. If we can find it now, there is a chance of survival. Wild animals in the mountains always like to move out at night."
When Zhuyan, who collapsed on the ground, heard this, his eyes lit up, like a person in a rapids grabbing a piece of driftwood.
"Is there any possibility of survival?"
Compared to the master's life, the fear that others will think that the master has brought it upon himself is a trivial matter.
Is it possible that the master is actually okay...?
"The four enclosures that the master should be heading to are Tiandi Xuanhuang!"
Zhuyan's tone was firm.
Concubine Hui, however, was suspicious and asked, "Why would Lady Ying go there?"
Zhuyan immediately shrank back, glanced at Qingzan, and then tremblingly said, "The master said that if we hunt bears, wolves, tigers and leopards, our reputation will be spread. If the results of the hunting competition still favor Concubine Ying, the public will give her justice..."
The chief guard, who had been kneeling beside them, remained silent until now, finally speaking out, "They definitely didn't enter through the main gate! Aside from the Consort Ming, who was granted special permission by Your Majesty, we have never allowed any other concubines to enter. However... the Dizi enclosure backs onto a valley, and there is a small path that can't be blocked!"
Concubine Hui immediately said, "What are you waiting for? Go find it!"
The guard glanced at the emperor sitting above him, only to see the emperor nod indifferently, his emotions unidentifiable.
But, the mood should not be bad.
*
As the autumn night began to darken, when Qingzan came out of Chonghua Palace, the solitary moon had already disappeared into the horizon, leaving only the pair of paper lanterns in front of the palace casting a clear and white light on the ground.
She stood under the double eaves of Chonghua Palace.
The concubines left one after another. Qingzan waited for a while before she saw a slender woman in a lotus-colored dress: "Selectwoman Yuan."
Consort Yuan showed no surprise on her face, she just stopped and saluted.
Her manner was gentle and modest, and her every gesture was impeccable. "May your Excellency Ying be well. Would you like to walk with me for a while?"
Qing Zan: "Please."
The maids of the two men lit lanterns together and walked in front to lead the way.
Consort Yuan seemed to have no idea why Qingzan had called her, so she could only chat aimlessly: "Thanks to your Excellency for being willing to speak to me. Your Excellency is now in such a good position. If I had taken the initiative to get close to you, I'm afraid it would have seemed like I was trying to curry favor with you."
The steps were steep, and Qingzan walked slowly, but she spoke without hesitation and got straight to the point: "What do you think of the selection of concubines regarding the talented person?"
Concubine Yuan was slightly surprised, but still didn't think Qingzan could get anything out of her.
She had no involvement in this matter.
At most, it can only be regarded as a move of words and instigation of Ying Cairen.
She didn't mind telling her some of her guesses.
He said in a nonchalant tone, "When a poor horse sees the Beast King, it's frightened and inevitably stumbles. Ying Cairen is truly foolish. Even if it's to defeat my sister, he shouldn't take such a risk."
After saying this, she heaved a long sigh, not knowing whether it was out of sarcasm or regret for Ying Cairen's actions.
Qing Zan's eyes tilted slightly. "I heard that the Selected Consort has been hanging out with Consort Ying more these days. Why don't you try to persuade her?"
Seeing people blaming her for this, Consort Yuan remained expressionless, saying, "Everyone has their own heart. What's the point of trying to persuade them?"
Qingzan stopped in front of a cluster of strange bushes in the mountains. The maid holding a lantern in front of her was unaware of her master's sudden stop and had walked quite a distance without realizing it.
The lights are also far away.
Concubine Yuan could not see Qingzan's eyes, but only saw a striking snow-white cloak, the aggressive white highlighted by the night.
Perhaps thinking about the current momentum of the people around her, who could turn a tiger into a tiger with just one word, Yuan Xianshi actually felt a rare sense of guilt and fear.
She actually felt a little regretful. The reason why Concubine Ying was able to lock onto her so quickly was simply because this time was different from the time with Zhao. Her interaction with Concubine Ying was too brief and eye-catching.
It appears to have a purpose.
If she had not suddenly reached some kind of agreement with Concubine Hui to help her save people, she would not have to be so anxious to deal with her.
But I have never done it myself, and this is my biggest reliance. If I haven't done it myself, how can I leave any traces?
So, there is no need to be afraid.
Qing Zan smiled faintly and said, "First, Concubine Zhao was confined to the palace, and then Concubine Ying disappeared into the woods. If the people around the Concubine could have some of your wisdom and intelligence, perhaps there would be less suffering in this world. However, from this perspective, it seems that those around the Concubine cannot escape bad luck."
Seeing the palace maid walk away, Consort Yuan considered for a moment, then lowered her voice, her tone drawing out the words coldly: "Sister, don't say anything without evidence."
Qing Zan was not frightened at all, but laughed out loud: "Why can't we just talk nonsense? Words can kill people. If we say too much, it might become evidence, don't you think?"
Just as Consort Yuan was about to respond, she caught a glimpse of a candlelight approaching from the mountain.
His thoughts turned secretly, and his voice suddenly became clearer: "I firmly believe that this matter has nothing to do with your sister, but even if you are in a hurry, you should not drag others into it."
Upon hearing this change, Qing Zan laughed, "What if it's related to me? Thinking about it carefully, what I said just now about selecting concubines really didn't make sense. Zhao Cairen and Ying Cairen both seemed to have gotten into trouble after having conflicts with me. Perhaps this is the result of offending me?"
Concubine Yuan didn't expect her to say that. It was simply an unexpected surprise.
But as soon as this joy was born, it was extinguished without leaving any trace.
The emperor's robes and boots arrived as expected, and he spoke:
"I have something to say to Lady Ying."
The emperor clearly heard what they said, but he did not show any anger or blame.
Concubine Yuan was stunned for a moment before she realized that the emperor was trying to drive her away.
This was the first sentence the emperor said to her.
But not a single word of it had anything to do with her.
Fortunately, people will not be disappointed by things they never hope for. Although only imperial power can allow her to climb up, that person does not have to be the emperor himself.
Consort Yuan left quickly.
Qingzan didn't expect the emperor to come out. Wasn't he going to sleep in Chonghua Palace tonight?
Xiao Fang embraced the person very naturally, but the wide cloak was a bit of a hindrance.
"Don't you know how to wait for me?"
Qingzan just gave the emperor a confused look.
The emperor naturally explained:
"The mountain road is difficult to walk on. I don't want to let you walk alone again."
*
Before daybreak, the searchers found traces of horses running rampant in the paddock.
Ying Cairen's belongings, such as clothes and hairpins, were also found, but they were scattered everywhere, in a dilapidated state, and accompanied by bones with the flesh peeled off.
Hearing that something good was going on, the concubine rushed to the scene, and after just one look, she vomited uncontrollably.
Shortly afterwards, a small empty bottle that had once contained nettle juice was found not far away.
However, at this point, no one could be sure whether the horse was frightened by encountering a ferocious beast hiding in the forest, or was accidentally splashed by nettle juice and lost control and threw its owner away.
Some people also say that this matter should ultimately be attributed to Concubine Ying.
He did not kill Bo Ren, yet Bo Ren died because of him.
If Ying Cairen had not wanted to win the first place and knew that he could not compete with the favored Noble Lady Ying, he would not have taken the risk and sneaked into the Dizi enclosure alone.
But soon there were different voices.
Many people have seen that Concubine Yuan has been in close contact with Concubine Ying recently. When they think about Concubine Zhao’s vicious and evil deeds back then, they speculate that Concubine Yuan has an ominous background. Once she gets close to her, she will easily be influenced and take extreme actions.
He also said that only by cultivating a steady mind like Concubine Hui could one avoid disaster.
Anyway, since it is something that cannot be verified, it cannot be disproven either, so everyone speaks in a very convincing and serious manner.
The emperor has been resting in Mixue Pavilion these days.
Everyone outside of the family would say that Lady Ying was timid, and when something like this happened, they had to accompany and comfort her for a while.
Even Xu Delu didn't believe this. He thought that Concubine Ying was timid and was trying to fool people!
He was able to ride horses and hunt after just a few days of learning, and he even dared to keep Songtsen. He was even braver than him.
Anyway, when the emperor wants to favor someone, rain or shine can be a reason.
As for Ying Cairen's case, after confirming that it was an accident, the emperor did not order any further investigation. He only ordered the collection of her remains and burial according to the standards for a concubine.
However, on the mountain road that night, he had asked Qing Zan whether she was related to the Yuan family.
Some accidents, although accidents, may also be human-induced.
After talking with Yuan, Qingzan was 90% sure and agreed.
The emperor then asked, "Do you want me to help you solve this problem?"
For such insignificant and insignificant people, he never minded helping them to save them some effort.
Qing Zan, however, had a plan: "I can still handle it, so please sit on the high platform and don't dirty your hands."
Although he knew she was just trying to fool him, the emperor's face still brightened up for the whole day because of these words.
When she really wanted to coax him, this clever mouth could be sweeter than anyone else's.
He let go of her hand and watched her movements.
On the day when rumors finally reached Qingyan Palace, Xiao Fang, in the second-floor bedroom, pressed someone against the back window and said, "What a murderous word! You've caused such rumors to spread throughout my palace. What's your punishment?"
Qingzan always felt that something was wrong in this corner.
Perhaps because it is aloof and secluded, it seems not to be upright enough, but it makes it easier to steal.
She feigned composure and proudly begged for praise: "I was just thinking that after this incident, fewer people would be willing to get close to Yuan, and they would no longer be tempted by her. Isn't that kind-hearted?"
"It's kind-hearted. If it were me—" Xiao Fang smiled faintly, "What about Songzan? Didn't it bother you when you didn't bring it out?"
Qing Zan gently tugged at his collar, and said jokingly, "Your Majesty is not kind enough. If Your Majesty had directly promoted me to the rank of concubine without any competition, the talented woman would probably not have died in vain."
The truth is always told in jokes.
"How can such a good thing happen in the world?" As if he saw through her thoughts, he laughed and pinched a strand of her hair, letting the slender and smooth strands slip through his fingers.
"There are not so many perfect solutions in this world. Please don't be angry with me."
"Moreover, there is no need to blame yourself."
"I don't..." The moment she opened her mouth, someone blocked her mouth and her shirt was pulled down and hung on her arm.
In an instant, the snow shines brightly and the world becomes hot.
The snowy light seemed to be shattered and condensed again and again, with a thousand changes and myriad shapes, all shaped by human hands.
The emperor chuckled contentedly, "I don't want to hear you say you don't dare."
"If you don't want to, then no."
Qingzan bit the strand of hair with trembling hands and could not utter a complete word.
My worries just now turned out to be correct.
But, it wasn’t a case of stealing...it was clearly her who was stolen and her who was touched!
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