~ TO WHAT EXTENT CAN IT BE CURED? ~
Yue Wang closed the book in his hands. “Yao’er, in my opinion, the Li family must have discovered issues with Qiming’s identity. But he shouldn’t be in immediate danger—they likely intend to use Yi Bao Xuan to divert suspicion and even criminal charges away from their iron trade.”
“Such grave charges would crush Yi Bao Xuan.” No matter how renowned, it was ultimately just a merchant establishment.
“But what about Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Lou? What about you and me? What about the Grand Princess Yi Dde herself?”
Mu Yunyao shuddered violently, waves of regret washing over her in an instant: “It’s all my fault. Things have gone too smoothly all along. I only thought of Qi Ming as the most suitable candidate to infiltrate Ling Wang’s inner circle for intelligence, forgetting entirely to consider the Li family’s presence. Li Qingzhou has stood unshaken in the court for years. He’s no ordinary man. Others might not uncover it, but he could see through the connection between Yi Bao Xuan and Ni Yun Fang. If this matter truly implicates my maternal grandmother, I...”
“Yao’er,” Yue Wang grasped her hand, his voice soothing. “ I’m merely speculating. It may not be accurate. Besides, even if my guess proves correct, shifting the blame won’t be simple. Iron trafficking involves too many layers. Neither the Imperial Aunt nor we are easily manipulated. The Li family fears being exposed outright, so they’ll need ample time to prepare. Now, it’s a race to see who can act first.”
Mu Yunyao drew a deep breath, repeatedly reminding herself that this was not her past life. Even if she made a mistake, she now had the chance to correct it. After a long moment, her wildly beating heart gradually calmed. A steely resolve then surged in her eyes: “Fourth Master is right. This is a game of strategy. Whoever survives to the end depends on how each move is played.”
“Yao’er, inform Imperial Aunt of this matter first. Let her prepare herself mentally. The Li family has already challenged Imperial Aunt’s authority. Fearing our retaliation, they will undoubtedly keep a close watch on the Palace’s movements from now on. Since your movements are restricted, inform me of any developments. My actions will draw less attention. As for Yi Bao Xuan, cease all contact for now. Should the Li family succeed at a critical juncture, abandon Yi Bao Xuan decisively. It’s merely a financial loss. Nothing that will cripple us.”
“Understood.”
Mu Yunyao returned to Yuhua Palace with a heavy heart. As soon as she entered, Poisonous Lady led her to a side hall. “Why did you leave the Palace today? It’s been quite the commotion outside. Imperial Concubine Li has fallen from grace.”
“Imperial Concubine Li? What happened to her?”
“Haven’t you noticed Imperial Concubine Li has been constantly making life difficult for Imperial Concubine Qi lately? Today, some Imperial Concubine Wu went to Imperial Concubine Li to complain. She claimed the fabrics delivered to her were defective and accused the attending maids of being negligent, even suggesting they had stolen something. Thinking she’d found evidence against Imperial Concubine Qi, Imperial Concubine Li confronted her. When interrogated, the girl stubbornly denied everything. Imperial Concubine Wu insisted something was missing, so they searched the Palace. They didn’t find the lost item, but they did discover powdered false pregnancy herb.”
“False pregnancy herb? Isn’t that Imperial Concubine Li’s method?”
“Yes. The powder was found in a roll of fabric. Imperial Concubine Wu claimed the fabric was a gift from Imperial Concubine Li, who naturally denied it. The matter escalated to the Emperor, leading to a full-scale search of the harem. That’s when Imperial Concubine Li was brought down.” The Poisonous Lady summarized the events with a particularly bright smile.
Mu Yunyao felt puzzled. “Why do I sense you’re unusually pleased?”
“Hehe, I’ll let you in on a secret—this whole affair was orchestrated by the Grand Princess. The false pregnancy herb powder found with Imperial Concubine Wu was provided by me. The Grand Princess even praised me for it!”
Mu Yunyao chuckled softly: “That truly is remarkable!”
“Of course it is. By the way, weren’t you supposed to leave the Palace to inspect your wedding dress? How’s the preparation going?”
“Many embroiderers are assisting, so it’s progressing smoothly. Oh, and could you do me a favor?”
The Poisonous Lady walked to the desk, poured a cup of tea, and handed it over. “Go on, tell me.”
“I want to find someone to treat Jin Wang?”
“Sure thing. How close to death should we get him?” The Poisonous Lady nodded readily.
Mu Yunyao nearly choked on her tea: “Not to kill him. It just temporarily cured him. I want to use him for something.”
“He’s crippled like that? What use is he?” The Poisonous Lady curled her lip, holding no sympathy for the man who’d blown up the riverbank without a thought for the people’s lives.
“Used right, he might surprise us.”
“Fine then. Treat him well for now. Once you’re done using him, I’ll have them finish him off.”
Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but smile slightly. “Agreed.” After speaking, she glanced at the medicine bottle she’d placed nearby. “What are you researching now?”
“Oh, that’s leftover False Pregnancy Herb. Do you need it? Take it if you want. It’s quite effective for punishing a person or two. If you don’t need it, it can still make you more beautiful.”
False pregnancy herb can indeed make a woman more beautiful, but the process is too long and comes with pregnancy-like symptoms. Just thinking about it made her stomach turn. “I’ll pass.” The idea of accumulating impurities and stagnant blood within her body like pregnancy, only to expel it all after nine months, was simply too much to bear.
“I’ve heard many noblewomen in the Northern Frontier use False Pregnancy Herb. It’s extremely rare. Most people can’t even get their hands on it. And here you are, wasting it.”
“Wait,” Mu Yunyao’s heart seized as a chill ran down her spine. She snatched the vial containing the false pregnancy herb powder and clutched it tightly. “This herb is scarce even in the Northern Frontier, usually hoarded by noblewomen, right?”
“Yes, why do you suddenly ask?”
“I’ve been puzzled why Imperial Concubine Li possesses false pregnancy grass.” When the imperial physician diagnosed Su Yuyi earlier, he mentioned that this herb came from the Northern Frontier. She hadn’t paid much attention then. After all, the Li family wielded considerable influence, making it easy for them to obtain such herbs. But now, learning of the Li family’s extraordinary ties to the Northern Frontier royal clan, this herb took on a whole new meaning.
“False pregnancy herb is rare, but it can be obtained through certain channels. Nothing unusual about that.” The Poisonous Lady refilled Mu Yunyao’s teacup. “What’s the matter? Planning to use this against the Li family?”
“No, that’s too far-fetched based on this alone. We’ll investigate thoroughly first.”
“Right. I’ve already sent people to investigate Li Qingzhou’s sons, but it’ll take time to uncover everything. Matters like this are usually kept extremely secret. To probe thoroughly without alerting the Li family requires extraordinary caution.”
Mu Yunyao nodded. “Understood. No rush for now. By the way, now that the false pregnancy herb has been identified, how does His Majesty intend to deal with The Imperial Concubine Li?”
“That’s still unclear. They’re still interrogating some palace maids. But with Her Highness Grand Princess involved, the Li family won’t have it easy.”
To support us, kindly donate through our website. Thank you. 💕
0 comments:
Post a Comment