Chapter 134: Chapter 133: Framing Zhaozhao!
"Ling Shiqing!"
The Empress Dowager’s anger surged, and she directly scolded the concubine by her name.
Everyone knew that the absence of children was a lifelong pain for the Empress Dowager, yet the concubine brazenly stepped on her sore spot. How could she not be furious?
The concubine remained indifferent, smugly saying, "What? I’m just stating facts, and you’re already throwing a fit here?"
She couldn’t stand the Empress Dowager setting small traps for her and wished she could tear the Empress Dowager apart. Yet, she dared to show off in front of her?
The Empress Dowager’s chest heaved violently. She took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, "The matter of learning the rules can be set aside for now, but her practice of witchcraft, harming officials—this you cannot possibly be blind to, right?"
The concubine gently furrowed her brow, glanced at the innocent-looking Yu Nianzhao, and pressed her lips, saying, "The existence of witchcraft should be traced back to the period when the late emperor was still around. Zhaozhao is still young. Do you have any evidence?"
She was protective by nature; whether she liked Yu Nianzhao or not, since the emperor decreed the marriage, Yu Nianzhao was the future Princess Consort Su. She had to protect her. No one can tarnish her future daughter-in-law’s reputation!
"Indeed, everything requires evidence. Otherwise, rumors could destroy a life."
Emperor Anqing spoke sternly, "During the late emperor’s time, that cult was uprooted entirely. How can there still be witchcraft?"
The Empress Dowager curved her lips into a smile, raising a finger delicately as she calmly sipped tea, "Duke Luu, let’s hear the clues you’ve investigated."
"Yes!"
Duke Luu said, "Yu Nianzhao was found by the Pei Family six years ago. Before that, she was always wandering aimlessly. Though the Pei Family claimed she was raised in the countryside, the reports I’ve gathered tell a different story. According to the scouts, Yu Nianzhao showed signs of living at the frontier during her childhood."
Yu Nianzhao glanced at him, "Duke Luu really has good plans, already thoroughly researched me?"
Duke Luu responded blandly, "For the sake of the country’s welfare, no cost is too high. The frontier borders multiple countries. Who knows what country’s teachings she received since childhood?"
This sentence undeniably pushed Yu Nianzhao towards the direction of a national threat.
News arrived from Qingyun Taoist Temple overnight, surely driven by someone equally versed in mysticism from behind the scenes.
Their prime suspect was Yu Nianzhao, who had once fortune-told for Chu Wenyao. With the mindset of preferring to err on the side of caution, they were determined to drag Yu Nianzhao down.
Bang!
Xie Jiuxiao slammed the table, his eyes filled with icy fury, "Duke Luu, can you judge someone’s morality and fate merely with your words?"
Duke Luu chuckled lightly, "I wouldn’t dare. It’s just to provide assurance for everyone."
"It seems Duke Luu has thought through everything before entering the court?" Emperor Anqing’s voice was calm yet chilling in tone.
Duke Luu cupped his hands in salute, "I must beseech your majesty to allow Jing’an to witness it. I have invited Yong’an who prayed for the Empress Dowager’s blessings previously. If there’s any evil spirit on her, it will be evident upon inspection."
Emperor Anqing pondered for a moment, his cold gaze turning to Yu Nianzhao, "Yu Nianzhao, what do you think?"
Yu Nianzhao spread her hands, "I’m not afraid of anything, if my heart is upright."
"Good, upright indeed; then it shall be done."
Mr. Wang immediately went to announce it, and shortly after, both Daoists were already standing outside.
"Let’s go, to the Imperial Garden for a trial."
Xie Jiuxiao walked alongside Emperor Anqing, frowning, "Why did royal brother agree to Duke Luu’s proposal? Can the Daoist he invited be trusted?"
Emperor Anqing placated him, "Isn’t Jing’an present? Don’t worry, they’re not capable of any mischief. The key point is, that girl Yu Nianzhao emerged from Tomb Guard City and recently developed that Beauty Talisman which became popular in the harem. She indeed gives off a peculiar feeling. Aren’t you curious about where she learned her Taoist skills? Who taught her? You are my true brother; although I can extend love to those related, I also want peace of mind. If she has no issues, not only will I be at ease, but it can also silence their gossip. Isn’t this a win-win?"
Xie Jiuxiao pursed his lips, "Royal brother still doesn’t fully trust Zhaozhao, even though she saved my life."
Emperor Anqing retorted, "Can you trust her completely?"
"I can!" Xie Jiuxiao replied without hesitation, "Royal brother, you must know, those who dwell in darkness hold onto the slightest glimmer of light desperately."
Emperor Anqing was taken aback for a moment, glancing at Xie Jiuxiao’s stern profile, promptly saying, "Don’t speak like that, Ziyin. You’re making me out to be some traitor. The Empress Dowager and Duke Luu are persistent; this matter will become common knowledge soon. Military and civil officials will seize it as an excuse to speak more during court sessions, just to prevent this issue from spreading. I’m agreeing for that reason. Stay assured; I know whom to protect, and since Jing’an is here, you can be at ease. He is my man."
Xie Jiuxiao sighed deeply, his dark gaze fixed on Jing’an, who was garbed in white robes and carried an air of a transcendent Daoist.
It’s precisely because of him that I cannot be at ease!
"Greetings to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager!" Yong’an wore a friendly expression, holding a mirror in his hand. Although he lacked Jing’an’s ethereal aura, he emanated righteousness.
"Yong’an, be sure to catch the culprit who killed my son," Ms Chu sobbed, almost pointing at Yu Nianzhao accusingly.
"Enough talk, both you and Jing’an should use your skills to see if there’s any evil spirit on Yu Nianzhao. Although losing a son is pitiable, one shouldn’t wrong the young girl," Emperor Anqing supported the concubine to sit down, waving his hand to give orders.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Jing’an Daoist smiled, "Let Yong’an go first."
After faking a respectful gesture, Yong’an swaggered to Yu Nianzhao, muttering a few words, sticking a talisman on her, then holding a bronze mirror to shine upon her.
As the clouds dispersed, sunlight cascaded down, a bit glaring.
Yu Nianzhao picked up the talisman, casually tossed it to the ground, peered into the bronze mirror to adjust her appearance, and calmly spoke, "I wonder what the Daoist saw?"
Yong’an furrowed his brow tight, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes, "This girl shows no signs of evil spirit."
Jing’an calculated with his fingers, astonished, "Not only is there no evil spirit, but I cannot decipher the fate of this girl, truly curious."
Yong’an took a deep breath, calculating with his fingers as well, his face horrified, "Rare is a person like this who cannot be deciphered by me."
"Incomprehensible? Is this fortune or misfortune then?" Duke Luu pressed.
Yong’an suppressed the disdain in his eyes, gritting his teeth, "It’s hard to say, but if it’s indiscernible, it might very well be a variable affecting national destiny!"