Chapter 52 Falling into a trap?
Xiao Tao quietly approached Yun Zhao's back and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito: "Shangshi, shall I follow the King of Qin?" She was pointing in the direction where Xiao Yan left.
Yun Zhao used the action of adjusting his sleeves to cover his lips and whisper, his gaze still fixed steadily on the banquet table: "Watch secretly and don't reveal anything. Have Su Die inform Xiao Guizi immediately, be smart."
"Yes!" Xiaotao's figure slid into the crowd like a swimming fish and disappeared in an instant.
Wu Lingyu quietly took a half step closer, her voice low and full of insight and solemnity: "Shangshi, whatever your plans are tonight, I dare to advise you... to hold off. The fifth rank is far from being as solid as a rock."
Yun Zhao glanced sideways, a faint, cold smile forming at the corner of his lips. "Wu Sishan, you followed me closely tonight, and I didn't leave even a single step. You are the best witness, aren't you?"
Wu Lingyu felt a chill in her heart, and lowered her head and replied, "Yes, this servant has always been by your side."
"Don't worry," Yun Zhao's voice was low but full of unquestionable strength, "I will live a long, long time. This Shangshi Bureau will only prosper."
"With your words, I feel at ease." Wu Lingyu took a half step back and stood with her hands hanging down again, but her tense shoulders revealed her inner unrest.
The palace lady Wu Lingyi had quietly walked up to Yun Zhao without anyone noticing.
She had just returned from the Empress Dowager's visit, and her face wore her usual condescending gaze. "Mister Yun's banquet today was perfectly arranged to the Emperor's liking. Even the Empress Dowager praised her thoughtfulness."
Yun Zhao knelt slightly, smiling modestly, "Mrs. Wu, you are so kind. This is my first time taking on such an important responsibility, and I only hope to avoid mistakes and not take credit for anything."
A faint sneer curled up the corners of Wu Lingyi's lips as she glanced at Yun Zhao, whose attire, though a court lady's uniform, still managed to conceal its nobleness. "Mrs. Yun is different from the rest of us who rose from humble beginnings. You are the daughter of a noble and honored daughter of the Duke's mansion. Now that you've 'condescended' to become a palace maid, it makes those of us who came from humble backgrounds and toiled day and night to earn our current position seem even more... unworthy of the stage."
Words are like needles, a needle hidden in cotton.
Yun Zhao's smile remained undimmed, but his eyes were like a frozen lake. "You're too kind, Lady Shang. In terms of power and position, who in the entire palace can surpass you, the 'Head of the Six Concubines'?"
"The Shang Gong Bureau handles paperwork, personnel matters, and oversees supervision. The futures and lives of the palace maids and eunuchs depend on your will. The other five bureaus, while each has its own responsibilities and complements each other, ultimately rely on the Shang Gong Bureau for coordination."
"For example, tonight, the Imperial Food Bureau prepares meals, the Imperial Ceremonial Bureau manages music, the Imperial Clothing Bureau manages crowns, and the Imperial Merit Bureau manages supplies... Which of these departments could be separated from the leadership of the Imperial Palace Bureau? You, the Imperial Palace, are the one who truly controls the lifeblood of the six palaces. How dare we compete with you?"
Wu Lingyi's face darkened slightly at these seemingly flattering but actually sharp words, and a cold gleam flashed in her eyes: "Yun Shangshi is indeed young and full of vigor. In another ten years, you will know that the turmoil in this deep palace cannot be quelled by eloquence. But you are right about one thing," she raised her chin slightly, with a look of arrogance, "Among the six palaces, the Shang Gong is the most powerful, and no one can surpass her!"
After she finished speaking, she snorted coldly, flicked her sleeves and turned around, her sharp eyes scanning the busy palace servants like a searchlight, searching for any mistakes that could be found.
Yun Zhao stopped looking at her and focused all his attention on the food and drinks in front of him.
No matter how turbulent the dark world is, as long as the things under her control are safe and sound, she will be invincible.
This is the bottom line of her duties and the cornerstone of her life.
…
About an incense stick later, an unfamiliar palace maid lowered her head and hurried through the crowd to Yun Zhao. Her voice was deliberately hurried, "Mrs. Yun, His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin wants to see you. He said he has something important to discuss. Please wait in the side hall of Ci'an Palace."
Yun Zhao didn't even raise his eyelids, concentrating on examining a newly served soup: "Can't you see I'm busy?"
The maid stepped closer, her voice lowered to a whisper, "I was just delivering a message. His Highness said... he wants to break off the engagement with you!"
Breaking off the engagement? Zhao sneered in his heart like an icy blade.
It's such a clumsy bait, aren't they even bothered to cover it up?
It seemed the other party could no longer hold back. A cold glint flashed in her eyes, but her expression remained impassive. Instead, a faint, knowing, and resolute smile appeared on her face. "Oh? Since it's about an engagement... then I really have to go."
She tilted her head and instructed Wu Lingyu in a clear voice, "Wu Sishan, I'm going to Ci'an Palace. You and the four officials in charge must keep a close watch over this place! Before the banquet is over and the emperor leaves, no one from the Shangshi Bureau is allowed to leave their post! If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible!"
"Yes! I obey your command!" Wu Lingyu and the other three seal holders responded in unison with solemn expressions.
Yun Zhao said no more and followed the palace maid, quickly leaving the noisy banquet area and disappearing into the depths of the dimly lit corridor.
The palace maid led the way, and at first they were heading towards Ci'an Palace.
However, when they reached a fork in the road, the palace maid turned and headed towards a more secluded, dimly lit path. "Shangshi, this is closer, it's a shortcut."
Yun Zhao stopped abruptly, her figure casting a long shadow under the dim palace lanterns. She coldly gazed at the slightly flustered figure of the palace maid before her. Her voice was low, yet its chill pierced the stillness of the night, "Enough of the drama, isn't it? Tell me, who sent you here? What exactly do you want to do?"
The maid's body suddenly stiffened, and she turned back with forced composure: "This servant... This servant does not understand what the chef means! This servant is only following orders to lead the way..."
"Heh." A very light sneer.
Before he finished speaking, a precise knife strike struck the palace maid's neck with lightning speed.
The palace maid collapsed limply before she could even make a sound.
Yun Zhao quickly dragged her to the shadow behind the rockery and hid her.
Without any hesitation, she turned around and took the so-called "shortcut".
The path was lined with lush trees and flowers, appearing shadowy in the night, exuding an indescribable eerie feeling. She walked silently, alertly sensing the movements around her.
Sure enough, not long after walking, I could hear faint voices coming from the corner ahead, and the light of swaying and jumping torches.
A shrill, boastful voice pierced the silence. It was Xiao Guizi's voice: "Your Majesty! Right over here! I saw it with my own eyes. It was the Imperial Concubine and His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin who entered the warm room up ahead!"
Yun Zhao's heart sank suddenly, and his feet froze in place! It was indeed Xiao Yan and Su Mingli!
And at this moment, she has stepped into the edge of this carefully laid trap!
She made a quick decision and turned around to go back the way she came. However, the moment she turned around——
“Swish! Swish! Swish!”
The sound of heavy footsteps and the collision of armor suddenly came from the direction of the path she had just walked!
Several imperial guards holding torches and wearing long swords at their waists emerged from the ground and quickly blocked the retreat route.
The flames danced, illuminating the cold, murderous faces. More Imperial Guards were silently closing in from all directions, encircling the small area. The light from the torches instantly illuminated the area as bright as day, clearly illuminating Yun Zhao's lone figure trapped in the center.
The cold iron armor reflected a chilling light, and a murderous aura filled the air.
Yun Zhao took a deep breath, and the cold air pierced his lungs.
She stood there, her back straight, like a plum blossom standing proudly in the snow. Her gaze swept across the surrounding imperial guards, finally settling on the warm room. A cold rage surged within her: "Kill two birds with one stone!" Even I've become a pawn in this game! These demons and monsters... they all deserve to go to hell!
It’s best if this matter has nothing to do with you, Xiao Jin!
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