Chapter 94 Weakness is a love of joining in the fun
Early morning, Yongshou Palace was filled with warmth.
Jiang Nan had just finished dressing up and was being served a bowl of bird's nest soup by a palace maid when Zhao Deyi bowed and came in to report.
"Your Majesty, there is a palace maid from the laundry department outside the palace gate named Xiaolian. She says she has an urgent matter concerning Your Majesty's safety and has been waiting for a while."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nan raised an eyebrow, put down the small white porcelain spoon in her hand, and spoke with a hint of amusement.
"Oh? Is there anything in this palace that could threaten my safety? That's quite strange."
Zhao Deyi quickly replied.
"This servant observed that the palace maid appeared fearful but not feigning it. She did not seem to be here to freeload or to make things up. She should know the rules of the palace and would not dare to deceive Your Highness. Therefore, this servant did not dare to delay and came to report to Your Highness."
"Since you're here, let's meet them."
Jiang Nan became interested and stood up.
"I'd like to hear what this momentous event is."
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Upon arriving at the main hall, Jiang Nan sat down in the main seat.
Then they saw a thin woman kneeling below, dressed in the rough clothes of a palace maid from the laundry department.
His head was bowed low, and his body was trembling slightly.
“Raise your head.”
Jiang Nan spoke, her voice calm yet authoritative.
"I am here. If you have any important matter concerning my safety, please speak frankly."
Xiao Lian looked up as instructed, her face pale, but her eyes revealed a resilient spirit.
She took a deep breath, her voice trembling but clear and articulate.
“Reporting to Consort Jin, I am Xiaolian, a palace maid from the Laundry Department. Last night, the old nanny from Yikun Palace secretly took me there and threatened me with the life of my only younger brother outside the palace, forcing me to…find an opportunity to assassinate Your Highness.”
"How dare you!"
Zhao Deyi, who was standing to the side, immediately reprimanded him sternly.
Chunlan's expression changed, and she subconsciously took a step closer to Jiang Nan.
Chang Shun's eyes sharpened, and he waved his hand.
Several eunuchs immediately stepped forward and subtly surrounded Xiaolian, instantly creating a tense atmosphere.
Jiang Nan waved her hand, her expression unchanged, her tone even carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Everyone step back and let her finish speaking."
Her first thought was disbelief.
Niohuru clan? She had observed that the woman showed her no ill will, and even seemed somewhat...envious?
How could she suddenly resort to such a vicious act? Was her acting so good that even she was fooled?
The others did as instructed and stepped back, but their eyes remained warily fixed on Xiaolian.
Jiang Nan leaned forward slightly, looking at Xiao Lian.
"Tell me in detail how Yikun Palace plans to assassinate me? When I travel now, I am heavily guarded, and ordinary people cannot get close to me at all."
Xiao Lian quickly kowtowed and continued to report.
"Your Majesty, that old nanny also knows this. She specifically told me that Your Majesty... has a lively personality, loves to join in the fun, and can't stand injustice. As long as we can find a way to arouse Your Majesty's curiosity, we might be able to get close to Your Majesty. She... she didn't teach me any specific methods, only that I should act according to the situation and find an opportunity to... make my move."
As she finished speaking, her voice grew softer and softer, filled with fear.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nan not only did not get angry, but instead sneered.
"Heh, Yikun Palace seems to know my temperament quite well!"
Her meddlesome and lively nature became a weakness in the eyes of others.
This struck her as both absurd and somewhat amusing.
She suppressed her smile and looked sharply at Xiaolian.
"Aren't you afraid that Yikun Palace will retaliate and kill your brother afterward?"
Xiaolian raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears, yet carrying a clear sense of reason.
"This servant is afraid, but this servant knows even more clearly that if I really do as they say, not only will this servant die, but my younger brother will also have no way to survive and will definitely be silenced. Only by telling the truth to Your Majesty and asking for Your Majesty's protection can this servant and my brother have a chance to live. Only Your Majesty can save this servant's family."
Jiang Nan nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.
"You're a sensible person, and your mind is clear. I believe what you say."
This kind of thing is easy to verify, and Xiaolian has no need to fabricate a lie that can be easily exposed in order to get herself killed.
Since the other party made a smart choice, Jiang Nan was not stingy with her reward and asked directly.
"Now that you have surrendered, I will protect you. What else do you want?"
Xiao Lian kowtowed again, her voice firm and resolute.
"This servant dares not ask for anything, I only beg Your Majesty to have mercy and allow me to stay in Yongshou Palace to work, even if it is as a lowly maid. This servant... this servant never wants to go back to the laundry department again, never wants to be threatened and have my life trampled on like an ant again."
Jiang Nan looked down at the palace maid below, who, though humble, exuded resilience and wit.
I did find myself somewhat interested.
The Yikun Palace wasn't in a hurry; they couldn't escape anyway, so dealing with them wasn't urgent.
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Jiang Nan suddenly wanted to test this girl.
"I can grant your request."
Jiang Nan spoke slowly, but then changed the subject.
"However, I have a question for you. If you were to serve in Yongshou Palace in the future, and someone outside were to use your brother's life to blackmail you into harming me, what would you do?"
Xiao Lian hardly hesitated, as if she had known all along that Jiang Nan would ask her this question.
"Your Majesty, I would never dare to do that. If that day ever comes, I will tell you the truth immediately and I will not dare to hide anything. As for my brother's life... if he cannot be saved, that is his fate, and I accept it. But I believe that with Your Majesty's abilities, you will surely seek justice for my brother and me."
These words were spoken frankly and decisively, demonstrating both loyalty and a clear understanding of the situation.
They placed all their hopes on Jiang Nan's protection and ability to exact revenge, rather than harboring any illusions.
Jiang Nan was indeed satisfied with her answer; she was a sensible person.
If she really has other intentions in the future, it won't be too late to get rid of her then.
Right now, it's just the right time to use her to confront Niohuru and her old nanny, to see what they have to say.
"good!"
Jiang Nan smiled.
"From this day forward, you are a member of Yongshou Palace, serving by my side as a first-class palace maid. Your monthly allowance and stipend will be paid according to the rules. Chunlan!"
She turned to Chunlan.
"Take her downstairs for some tea and let her familiarize herself with the rules of Yongshou Palace."
"This servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace. May Your Majesty be blessed with long life and peace!"
Xiao Lian wept with joy and kowtowed repeatedly.
Chunlan responded and stepped forward to help Xiaolian.
Jiang Nan watched Xiao Lian's retreating figure, tapped her fingers lightly on the table, and gave instructions to Zhao Deyi.
"Zhao Deyi, go to the Imperial Household Department and investigate Xiao Lian's background, especially her brother's situation. Go and come back quickly."
"Yes, sir!"
Zhao replied with satisfaction.
After Zhao Deyi left the main hall, Jiang Nan stood up, her eyes slightly cold, and spoke indifferently to Chang Shun, who was bowing.
"Chang Shun, you should also get ready. In a little while, you will take everyone with you to Yikun Palace. I want to see what Niohuru has to say. If she doesn't satisfy me, I will kill her."
Upon hearing the Empress's murderous words, Chang Shun's body stiffened abruptly, and his hands, hanging at his sides, clenched involuntarily.
He lowered his head even further, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and replied quickly in a slightly hoarse voice.
"Yes, Your Highness... Your Highness will arrange it immediately and will not dare to delay Your Highness's affairs."
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