Chapter 566 566 Abusing the Scum (First Update)
After Prince An remained in place for a full three seconds in a state of social death, Xiao Heng had Yu Ya'er bring over a bottle of wound medicine.
Prince An wanted to die even more...
After treating Mo Qianxue and Hua Xiyao's injuries at the clinic, Gu Jiao took her medicine kit and returned to Bishui Hutong.
Hua Xiyao was originally next door to Mo Qianxue, but in order to better monitor Hua Xiyao, Mo Qianxue had Gu Jiao bring the two of them into the same room.
It's not Gu Jiao's room.
Mo Qianxue didn't want anyone else to live in Gu Jiao's house.
Hua Xiyao lay on the small bed, feeling weak all over after using the muscle-relaxing powder. She could only glare coldly at Mo Qianxue on the large bed: "Mo Qianxue, you traitor!"
Mo Qianxue didn't speak. She sat on the edge of the bed, leaning against the soft pillow, silently weaving the red string she had learned from Xiao Jiangli.
Hua Xiyao chuckled and said, "What? You dare to do it but not admit it? The head of the household shouldn't have trusted you so much! The head of the household took you in! And in the end, you betrayed the young head of the household!"
Mo Qianxue stopped the red string in her hand, glanced at her, and said, "Hua Xiyao, what do you know?"
Hua Xiyao said coldly, "Then tell me, is there anything I don't know? Or did I say something wrong?"
Mo Qianxue paused for a moment: "You're not wrong anywhere. Yes, I betrayed the young master."
Sometimes, admitting something brings a sense of relief. She had previously refused to accept the fact that she had betrayed the young master, but now that she had come to this point, there was really nothing left to argue about.
She didn't carry out the young master's orders, and in everyone's eyes, she had betrayed him.
No one considered that she could have stepped forward to testify against the young master, but she didn't. She couldn't bring herself to kill Gu Jiao. She chose to escape or die, but she also couldn't push the young master onto the execution platform, since he was, after all, her master.
Mo Qianxue said softly, "Hua Xiyao, do you know? I almost died that night. In order to gain Gu Jiao's trust, the young master had someone do something ruthless. I almost lost my life."
Hua Xiyao smiled sarcastically: "Aren't you perfectly fine now? The young master knew that Miaoshoutang could cure you."
Mo Qianxue shook her head: "You don't understand. If she hadn't given me her blood, no matter how skilled she was, she wouldn't have been able to save her."
Hua Xiyao said dismissively, "It's just a matter of sacrificing a few drops of blood!"
Hua Xiyao wasn't a doctor and didn't understand that not everyone's blood type could be used for transfusions. Obviously, the young master of Xianleju didn't know either, so he really didn't care whether she lived or died back then.
Mo Qianxue said indifferently, "I'm too lazy to talk to you."
Women are generally like this: if they have a good, satisfying argument, that's fine, but this kind of argument that ends halfway through is like punching a bunch of cotton balls.
Hua Xiyao retorted angrily, "Hmph, our lives all belong to the young master. So what if we die for him? You're just a coward!"
Mo Qianxue took a deep breath, cleared her mind, and continued braiding the red string in her hands.
Gu Jiao knew she was an important witness, but Gu Jiao never forced her to testify against the young master, and never even mentioned this request.
If the young master knew that she had the opportunity to testify against Gu Jiao, would he care whether she was willing or not, or whether it would put her in a difficult position?
Definitely not.
She once believed, like Hua Xiyao, that the entire meaning of life was to dedicate herself to her master. She was not an independent individual; she was merely an appendage of her master.
Until he met Gu Jiao.
How could Hua Xiyao understand? She didn't want others to have what she didn't have herself, nor did she believe that others could have it.
No matter how much Hua Xiyao provoked Mo Qianxue, Mo Qianxue ignored her completely, driving Hua Xiyao to the brink of madness.
There have been quite a few cases in the capital recently, and they have been twisted and turned repeatedly. First, Xianleju colluded with the royal princess, but it was revealed that the mastermind was the Empress Dowager. The emperor wanted to punish the Empress Dowager against the will of the people, but then the Empress Dowager disappeared.
Minister Xing, as the Empress Dowager's henchman, was imprisoned in the Dali Temple. Vice Minister Li was rewarded for his report and temporarily took over Minister Xing's position. However, this was only temporary; to officially become Minister Xing, the Emperor would have to step in to close the case and issue an imperial decree, among other procedures.
The dynasty was in turmoil, and the people were restless.
Grand Tutor Zhuang also claimed to be ill.
The imperial edicts were piling up, and the pressure on the cabinet was entirely on the shoulders of Chief Minister Yuan.
Both of the vice ministers were confidants of Grand Tutor Zhuang. When this incident occurred, they were very passive. Fortunately, with Grand Tutor Yuan's methods, they were able to be kept in check.
It was a bit difficult to press down, and for the first time, Chief Minister Yuan had the idea of establishing a Junior Assistant Minister.
Under normal circumstances, the cabinet does not appoint a second prime minister. After the prime minister steps down, one of the two second prime ministers will be selected to become the new prime minister.
The position of Junior Assistant is only created when there are not enough Junior Assistants.
The interests of the Junior Assistant Minister conflict with those of the Second Assistant Minister and the powerful interest chain behind him, as it often faces strong opposition from cabinet ministers. However, it is indeed a new way of reform and thus has the emperor's support.
The emperor and his ministers engaged in a power struggle, eventually reaching a delicate balance—they agreed to establish the position of Junior Assistant Minister, but the position had many restrictions. First, the candidate could not be older than twenty; second, the candidate had to be a graduate of the imperial examinations in one of the two examinations; and third, the candidate had to have made significant contributions to the dynasty or have at least two years of experience as a Hanlin scholar.
These conditions are so demanding that no one has ever met them to date.
No, it's not that there isn't any.
Zhuang Yuheng, a twenty-year-old scholar, was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in two separate examinations. He was the second-highest scorer in the new imperial examination and once served as a hostage in the State of Chen in place of the crown prince, making great contributions.
However, firstly, he was a member of the Zhuang family; secondly, Chief Minister Yuan actually had another person he preferred.
"Unfortunately, the conditions were not met," Grand Secretary Yuan sighed regretfully.
...
Empress Xiao's two biggest headaches lately are the Emperor's illness and the whereabouts of Empress Dowager Zhuang.
The emperor was hit on the head and injured. The imperial physicians couldn't say for sure when the emperor would regain consciousness. As for the whereabouts of Empress Dowager Zhuang, there was no progress.
The city gates were guarded, and the city walls were incredibly high. How high were the walls of Renshou Palace? Empress Xiao didn't believe that Empress Dowager Zhuang had the ability to fly out of the imperial city, so Empress Dowager Zhuang must still be inside the city.
Empress Xiao ordered Commander Fu to intensify the search and arrest efforts.
In the past few days, Princess Ning'an has either stayed at Huaqing Palace to accompany the Emperor or gone to Kunning Palace to pay her respects to Empress Xiao.
Her actions were not surprising to everyone. One of her two major backers in the palace had been gone, and the only remaining emperor was unconscious. If she didn't curry favor with Empress Xiao, how could she maintain her foothold in the palace in the future?
And in the past few days, her son Huangfu Xian has stopped causing trouble.
He really knows how to adapt to the times.
In the afternoon, Princess Ning'an visited Empress Xiao's Kunning Palace again.
Empress Xiao was checking Qin Chuyu's homework in the warm pavilion. Qin Chuyu was reciting it haltingly and absent-mindedly, which gave Empress Xiao a headache.
Can you concentrate for a second?
"I want to see my father..." Qin Chuyu said, looking aggrieved.
"Didn't I already take you to see it?"
Qin Chuyu was the emperor's own son, so how could Empress Xiao not take him to visit the emperor? The crown prince was also taken along. The crown prince was an adult, so even if he was sad, he would only wipe away his tears secretly. But Qin Chuyu rushed over and started wailing like a banshee. Anyone who didn't know the situation would think that his father had already passed away and that he was mourning his father.
Empress Xiao dared not take him there again.
A young eunuch peeked in from the doorway. Eunuch Su went over and asked him a few questions before returning to report, "Your Majesty, Princess Ning'an has arrived."
Empress Xiao frowned: "Take the Seventh Prince to the study and have him memorize it properly. I will check it later."
"Yes." Eunuch Su led Qin Chuyu by the hand to the study.
Princess Ning'an stepped inside.
During her time recuperating back in the palace, she lived a life of luxury, no longer suffering the hardships she had endured at the border. Princess Ning'an's face had become fairer, and her hands had become much more delicate.
"How are your injuries?" Empress Xiao asked, giving a wink to a palace maid who then brought over a stool and placed it below Empress Xiao.
Princess Ning'an looked at her right arm and said with a smile, "It's nothing serious, thank you for your concern, sister-in-law."
"Please sit down," said Empress Xiao.
Princess Ning'an slowly sat down.
A young palace maid served hot tea.
Princess Ning'an took the teacup with her left hand, took a small sip, and asked casually, "Sister-in-law, is there any news about Mother?"
Princess Ning'an and Empress Xiao's relationship wasn't bad before, but they had become estranged after not seeing each other for many years. In addition, Huangfu Xian always bullied Qin Chuyu, which made Empress Xiao quite resentful of Princess Ning'an.
Now that Princess Ning'an has saved the emperor's life and is treated with respect and obedience, and given that Princess Ning'an is on His Majesty's side, the unpleasantness between Empress Xiao and Princess Ning'an has dissipated considerably.
Empress Xiao shook her head and said, "Not yet."
Princess Ning'an paused for a moment and said, "Sister-in-law, there is something I am not sure if I should say."
Empress Xiao said, "Speak."
Princess Ning'an said in a low voice, "A few days before the incident, I saw Lord Xiao in my mother's study. He came about the case of Xianleju."
Empress Xiao frowned slightly.
Princess Ning'an continued, "I don't doubt Lord Xiao's intentions, but the Empress Dowager and Lord Xiao have a very close relationship, wouldn't that..."
Empress Xiao's gaze suddenly darkened: "Could it be something? Are you suspecting that Xiao Liulang is involved in the assassination attempt on His Majesty, or are you suspecting that Xiao Liulang is harboring Empress Dowager Zhuang?"
A look of surprise flashed across Princess Ning'an's eyes.
Empress Xiao's goodwill towards Princess Ning'an, which had been built up over the past few days, vanished completely: "Xiao Liulang is the newly appointed top scholar personally promoted by His Majesty. He is loyal to His Majesty and would never collude with the Empress Dowager to harm His Majesty!"
Are you kidding me?
His Majesty is Aheng's uncle and maternal uncle!
Ah Heng would never harm His Majesty!
Princess Ning'an lowered her eyes: "Sister-in-law, please don't get agitated. I'm just too worried about my brother. I hope to find my mother as soon as possible. After all, she loved me dearly. I hope to persuade her to turn back from her misguided ways and return to the right path."
Empress Xiao said coldly, "In short, this matter has nothing to do with Xiao Liulang! I will not allow anyone to make insinuations against him! Don't mention such things again in the future, or I will not be polite to you!"
Princess Ning'an looked at the tea in the teacup, her tone timid but her eyes calm: "Ning'an will remember."
Empress Xiao pressed her aching temples and reached out to pick up the tea from the table.
Serving tea to guests and seeing them off.
Princess Ning'an tactfully handed the tea to a maid standing nearby, then rose and bowed slightly to Empress Xiao, saying, "Sister-in-law, Ning'an is going to visit my brother now. I will come to pay my respects to you again tomorrow."
"Hmm," Empress Xiao responded faintly.
Princess Ning'an was about to turn around when, as if remembering something, she said, "By the way, sister-in-law, several servants who served Xian'er at the border have arrived. The army left in a hurry, and they had to say goodbye to their families, so they were a few days late in setting off. I wonder if they could continue to serve Xian'er?"
Empress Xiao said casually, "You can arrange it yourself."
It's just a few servants; they can just register at the Imperial Household Department and that's it.
She wouldn't make things difficult for them, mother and son, over such a trivial matter.
Princess Ning'an glanced at the aloof Empress Xiao, but Empress Xiao didn't look at her directly again.
Princess Ning'an lowered her eyes, bowed, and took her leave, exiting Kunning Palace.
Surprisingly, she ran into Qin Chuyu, who had sneaked out, on her way to Huaqing Palace.
Because they had sneaked out, Qin Chuyu was the only one there.
Princess Ning'an narrowed her eyes as she looked at him, the image of Empress Xiao's arrogant and haughty demeanor flashing through her mind. She coldly curled the corners of her lips and walked towards Qin Chuyu: "Little Seven, what are you doing?"
"Aunt Ning'an," Qin Chuyu greeted her.
Although Huangfu Xian was annoying, Ning An never bullied Qin Chuyu.
Princess Ning'an laughed and asked, "Did you sneak out?"
Qin Chuyu said aggrievedly, "Yes, they won't let me come to see Father Emperor."
Princess Ning'an then asked, "Did anyone see you on the road?"
Qin Chuyu shook his head vigorously, like a rattle-drum: "No! I'm very careful!"
Princess Ning'an's smile deepened: "Are you sure?"
"Yes!" Qin Chuyu nodded, absolutely certain!
Princess Ning'an raised her hand and gently patted Qin Chuyu's head, saying tenderly, "Little Seven is truly a remarkable prince. No one noticed that you were here. It seems no one knows you've been here."
Looking at her gentle smile, Qin Chuyu felt a chill run down his spine for some reason: "Auntie, why are you smiling so strangely? I'm so scared."
Princess Ning'an pinched his chubby little face: "Don't be afraid, Auntie will take you somewhere."
Qin Chuyu resolutely refused: "I won't go! I want to see my father!"
Princess Ning'an said softly, "On the way to see your father."
Qin Chuyu thought for a moment and said, "Hmm... okay then."
Princess Ning'an took Qin Chuyu's chubby little hand and, expressionless, led him towards the pond.
The palace pond was not as deep as Taiye Pond, but people could still drown there.
Qin Chuyu became increasingly confused as he walked: "This is not the way to the palace."
“This is a shortcut.” Princess Ning’an stopped at the pond. “Do you see anything over there?”
"What?"
Qin Chuyu took a step forward.
Princess Ning'an stared intently at his back, then coldly reached out and shoved him hard!
"Mother!"
A demonic voice suddenly rang out from not far away.
Even if the owner of that voice turned to ashes, Qin Chuyu would still recognize him!
It's Huangfu Xian!
That annoying little cousin!
Ahhh!
Qin Chuyu felt a chill run down his spine as the fear of being bullied overwhelmed him.
He almost instinctively used his unique skill – the unparalleled running technique!
call out!
Qin Chuyu has disappeared!
Princess Ning'an hadn't expected the chubby boy in front of her to run away so suddenly. She tried to pull her hand back, but it was too late. She pushed at nothing, and her body lurched forward, plunging into the icy lake water with a splash.
(End of this chapter)
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