Emperor Kangxi knew about this earlier than Youqing. He naturally knew she was innocent, but he did not order anyone to do anything and let the rumors spread.
Luckily, Youqing didn't know, otherwise she would definitely have called him a dog emperor.
However, it didn't take long for the news to reach Youqing, the person involved. Youqing seemed alright, but Sangzhu was furious.
"Chengying, please help me comfort Sangzhu, don't let her get upset." Youqing said with a smile.
Cheng Ying remained silent, while Sang Zhu, looking exasperated, said, "Young Master, why aren't you worried at all? The rumors are spreading, and they're ruining your reputation. What are we going to do?"
She was genuinely worried, unlike Youqing who had a clear plan in mind. Even if she wasn't favored, Youqing didn't feel anything because she had the farm, which meant she had a way out. Youqing couldn't say she didn't value jewelry, fine clothes, and silks, but she valued freedom even more.
It may sound a bit sentimental, but although modern life may seem miserable, in this high-tech society, the scenery and lifestyle that an ordinary office worker sees and enjoys are no less than those of an emperor like Kangxi in feudal society.
Can ice and charcoal in the dead of summer and winter compare to an air conditioner costing thousands of dollars? Can the freshest lychees delivered from the south by express courier compare to those picked by hand at a farm stay? Can a horse-drawn carriage, no matter how fine the wood, match the smoothness and speed of a car costing tens of thousands of dollars?
Those in the palace who aspire to climb the ranks place great importance on their reputation; she is not among them, so why should she worry about it?
"The Imperial Noble Consort is in charge of palace affairs, so I'm sure she'll clear my name. It would be a shame for me to get angry over something so trivial."
Seeing Youqing's indifferent attitude, Sangzhu felt that this was a bit wrong, but since her mistress wasn't angry about it, she didn't say anything.
Chengying, on the other hand, found it very strange. She served by Youqing's side and naturally knew that the rumors were nonsense. If she cared, she could cry to His Majesty, and given His Majesty's attitude towards her, he would certainly not let the young mistress suffer such injustice.
But she let the rumors spread and had no intention of filing a complaint, which really baffled her.
"Is there any movement at Jiangxue Pavilion?"
"Your Majesty, Jiangxue Pavilion remains unchanged, with no disturbance whatsoever."
"That shouldn't be the case! The rumors have spread this far; if Consort Shu isn't deaf, she should have heard about them. How could she not have reacted?"
In fact, all the eyes in the harem were on Jiangxue Pavilion, but there was no movement at all.
Seeing that the rumors were about to get out of control, Consort Tong could not let them continue to spread. If they continued to spread like this, it would not only damage Consort Shu's reputation, but also her reputation for lax management of palace affairs. If such a reputation were confirmed, her position in the palace would be in jeopardy. After all, she was not the Empress, and her confidence was still insufficient.
The Imperial Noble Consort Tong punished several people with caning, and the rumors seemed to have subsided on the surface, but they were actually growing stronger behind the scenes.
Seeing that Youqing didn't react, Kangxi thought she was too calm.
"Your Highness, Chen Tian, the eunuch who sweeps Jiangxue Pavilion, has been detained by the head maid of Jingren Palace."
Cheng Ying remained composed as she spoke, but Sang Zhu, who was listening nearby, was extremely anxious and hurriedly asked, "What happened? Why was Chen Tian detained for no reason?"
"I don't know yet, my lady. What should we do now? It seems that the other party came prepared."
The way things unfolded made Youqing feel a sense of familiarity with the pattern: first, rumors and gossip would take the lead, then the people serving her would be targeted. Wasn't this just the kind of setup that happens in TV dramas?
Instead of suggesting what to do, Youqing asked Chengying, "Since the other party came prepared, there's nothing I can do. What do you think will happen if the 'crimes' on my head are proven?"
What will happen?
According to custom, they would be confined to their quarters for several months. During this time, the Emperor's favor would be shared with others. Once the confinement ended, the names of the former members of the palace would naturally be forgotten.
Of course, this is just a convention.
The reality is that His Majesty knows that the young lady is innocent, and as long as His Majesty is willing, the young lady will be like an evergreen pine tree.
Cheng Ying then said with great certainty, "Your Highness is innocent. I believe that those conspiracies and tricks cannot harm Your Highness in the slightest."
Youqing looked at Chengying and smiled.
"In that case, let's just wait and see." Whatever kind of demons or monsters they are, they'll eventually show themselves.
Sangzhu was extremely worried, but seeing the calm demeanor of the young master and Chengying, she wondered for a moment if she was making a big fuss.
Youqing knew from Chengying's two sentences that she would be fine, so why should she do anything more?
The worst outcome would be falling out of favor.
She did not refuse to have sex with Emperor Kangxi, but that does not mean she liked a green cucumber that had been used many times.
Not refusing was a compromise due to her lack of ability.
"My throat is a little sore. Chengying, go to the kitchen and get me some white fungus soup."
"Yes, my lord."
Previously, Sangzhu would do all these things, but now that Chengying has arrived, she takes over most of them. She is indeed more capable than Sangzhu in handling matters, and she has more experience, so she won't be bullied.
After Chengying left, Youqing took a cloth bag from a hidden compartment by the bedside and handed it to Sangzhu.
Sangzhu: "My lady, what is this?"
Youqing smiled and said, "Food."
The bag was bulging and looked quite heavy. Sangzhu opened it and took a look. It was full of dried fruit, including dried plums and dried dates that she had seen before, but there were many more that she had never seen before.
She then learned the origin of the dried fruit, which must have been given to the young mistress by the gods in heaven.
"This servant thanks Your Highness for the reward."
Youqing smiled and said, "Take it back quickly and eat it slowly."
What a silly girl! Youqing owns a farm, but she doesn't dare to be reckless, for fear of being discovered. So she can only sneakily eat some good food.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
