Capítulo 896: Chapter 896: Leverage
Hope filled Lian Hua’s eyes, and she eagerly looked at the Emperor and Su Ran, her excitement evident on her face.
Su Ran saw that Lian Changhe and the others were truly disappointing, attempting to dote as in the past and showing signs of giving in. This was ridiculous in the presence of the Emperor, an act of folly without regard for the gravity of the situation.
She ignored those who didn’t have the potential, making a quick decision that the time was about right to take her leave.
The crowd suddenly lost the lingering sentiment of departure, saying their farewells in just a few words. They rushed to bow to the Emperor, following Zhang Qing hurriedly as they left. Lian Hua stood there for a long time, unable to recover, dazedly watching them disappear into the distance.
The Emperor watched amused, witnessing how Little Concubine was pampered by her family. He could imagine how, in her childhood, Lian Changhe, Lian Wanzhen, and others must have spoiled her, tenderly caring even when she frowned. Fortunately, her mother-in-law had kept a sense of control, thankfully so.
After a while, Lian Hua came back to her senses and turned to the Emperor angrily, “My Lord, I just wanted to think of solutions for my family, I hadn’t even figured anything out yet, why did my parents leave so quickly?” She had a lot more to say.
The Emperor’s expression remained unchanged, and he pondered, “Hmm… didn’t you give your brother’s gift to your parents? The day is still young; perhaps they are eager to see your brother.”
“Oh, I see. It is indeed important to go early.” With that, it was clear; they had to quickly visit her brother, who was pitifully alone, recovering from his injuries.
Thinking of something, Lian Hua wondered with anticipation, “My Lord, do you think my elder brother would commend my calligraphy after seeing it?” Earlier, her writing received much praise, and even her mother rarely complimented how she had improved.
The Emperor glanced at her and said, “Yes, he will.”
The Lian family men each adored his Little Concubine. How could they not praise her? Even if her writing still resembled a scrawl, Lian Musu would find ways to compliment her, which he’d seen firsthand.
He finally understood why his Little Concubine was so adept at flattering others and enjoyed being praised – it must be hereditary…
Lian Hua’s mouth curled into a smile, her eyes squinted with joy. She turned back and watched Lian Changhe and Su Ran’s figures gradually disappearing. Her heart was full, feeling very content.
The Emperor curiously said, “Why? During the past days when you saw your elder brother, you were so sad at parting. Why are you so happy now?”
Lian Hua embraced the Emperor’s arm, happily saying, “My Lord, my mother said they are settling down in the capital, not returning south.”
There would be many more opportunities to meet; they had a lifetime. She would have children, and her brothers would marry their wives. Everything would take its time, and she was in no hurry.
Lian Hua nestled beside the Emperor, feeling completely secure.
The Emperor smiled and pinched her face, “Let’s go back; Nanny Qi is still waiting.”
“Yes, yes,”
The two walked hand in hand slowly towards Canglan Court.
…
In the darkness, someone sat in a peony-carved sandalwood chair, their face hidden in shadows.
She parted her thin lips, “Your father was addicted to alcohol, and your mother came from a background of prostitution. When you were nine, your mother conducted an illicit affair, fearing discovery, and conspired with her lover to kill your father, later selling you as a palace maid. You witnessed your biological father’s murder yet dared not speak up for him, unfilial and unjust.”
A palace maid knelt on the ground, swallowing nervously, “This servant, this servant doesn’t know what Your Highness is saying.”
Under the shadow, that brilliant face with bloodthirsty, fevered eyes continued, “A few years ago, to enter Huaqing Palace, you shared meals with Liu Shuangquan from the Bureau of Palace Attendants, thereby getting chosen. Afterwards, you reneged on the relationship and, troubled by his pestering, you killed Liu Shuangquan a year later, pushing him into the hidden well. Cai Xia, am I right?”
Cai Xia’s face instantly went pale, collapsing in shock. Once she regained herself, she crawled forward, “Your Highness, Your Highness, have mercy…”
Xue Wanjun laughed softly, “Ha, not until seeing the coffin do you shed tears. I thought I’d have to say much more before you’d admit it.”
“This servant doesn’t dare, this servant doesn’t dare…” Cai Xia hastily kowtowed, without attempts to plead her innocence, knowing Xue Wanjun never waged an unprepared battle; since she spoke it, she surely held solid evidence.
Xue Wanjun slowly curled her lips, “What, Aunt Cai Xia won’t seek new prospects elsewhere? Without your handle, how could I dare to use you? Although I am not what I once was, disposing of a mere palace maid is still as easy as turning a hand.”
Those who relied on her, she held their handles more or less. If she fared poorly, others should not expect any better.
Thinking of this, Xue Wanjun’s eyes glinted with cold malice.
Cai Xia trembled all over, crawling to Xue Wanjun’s feet, crying, “Please, Your Highness, be merciful. This servant’s heart was clouded by lard, and will never dare again…”
Cai Xia’s mention referred to her attempt to leave Huaqing Palace for another palace.
The matter seemed simple; upon hearing of the Xue Family’s downfall winds, Cai Xia developed misgivings. When Zhang Qing came with the Emperor’s decree demoting Noble Consort Xue, restricting her to Huaqing Palace, it reinforced her decision to seek new options.
Yet having been in Huaqing Palace for years, she knew Xue Wanjun’s means well. Though having a thief’s heart, she didn’t dare, and since everyone in the harem knew she was a senior palace maid at Huaqing Palace, without a Letter of Challenge, she couldn’t leave.
Initially, hesitating, she viewed Xue Wanjun’s increasingly unpredictable behavior in recent days, akin to a bloodthirsty madwoman, her eyes changeable, greatly unsettling her.
There was a night when Xue Wanjun’s headache struck, her eyes bloodshot, in extreme agitation. A little palace maid went to serve and accidentally broke a bowl, causing Xue Wanjun to scar her face with shards, shocking Cai Xia.
Later, Cai Xia trembled as she served medicine to Xue Wanjun, only after which she was calmed after much effort.
After seeing the little palace maid’s fate, Cai Xia was uneasy; previously frequenting Xue Wanjun’s presence, now she avoided unless called, even then making excuses.
Not only that, she sought connections outside when seeing outsiders but hadn’t made any progress as the days were short.
Today, Xue Wanjun tried to break free from Huaqing Palace, using a diversion tactic, but it was Cai Xia’s negligence that led to early exposure, failing to meet the Emperor.
Her behavior didn’t deceive Xue Wanjun, leading to this encounter tonight of coercion.
At the moment, as Cai Xia voice quivered from fear, Xue Wanjun satisfied, raised her hand, gripping Cai Xia’s chin tightly, “Do you know Nanny Chen’s fate? Sparing you isn’t impossible, yet I must see your loyalty…”
Sharp armor dug deeply into Cai Xia’s face. A little more force could break the surface and pierce the flesh.