Go find Yan Lin?

With disaster imminent for the Yongyi Marquis Estate, and having already learned the news from Zhou Yinzhi, he was still rushing to make secret preparations. Who knows where he was right now? Not to mention whether it was appropriate for him to enter the palace at this time—even if he came, it would take a while. Heaven knows if by then Shen Jie would have already entered the palace and saved Zheng Bao.

Then what would any of this have to do with her?

But at present, she had no status. She hadn’t even met the Empress’s face yet, and she barely knew anyone in the palace. Forget about stepping forward to save someone—she couldn’t even employ more roundabout methods.

Standing behind everyone, Jiang Xuening already felt a headache coming on.

The people who had stopped walking ahead also appeared somewhat timid.

The young palace maid leading the way obviously hadn’t expected to encounter such a situation either.

The path before them was the shortest route to Cining Palace.

Those like her who had served in the palace for a long time had seen situations where palace maids and eunuchs were punished. Usually, they would just lower their heads and walk past without looking. However, leading this large group of study companions who all seemed frightened…

Still, Xiao Shu frowned. Not wanting to encounter any bad luck just after entering the palace, she said to the palace maid: “Everyone has just entered the palace and doesn’t dare look at such scenes. Let’s take a different route.”

Only then did the palace maid breathe a sigh of relief: “Miss Xiao is right.”

She retreated, waved her hand, and led everyone in a different direction along another palace corridor: “Please, study companions, go this way.”

Though Jiang Xuening’s face showed no expression, her heart was somewhat anxious. Yet she couldn’t think of a solution for the moment. Thus, though she felt that this opportunity once lost would not return, she had no choice but to follow the others’ footsteps and leave via another palace corridor.

As they turned, she looked back.

Zheng Bao still knelt in front of Kunning Palace, his spine held ramrod straight—nothing like the eunuchs in the palace who were accustomed to bowing and lowering their heads. His lowered, delicate brows and eyes somehow had a touch of resoluteness. Though he clearly heard people approaching, the movements of his hands didn’t pause for even a moment. He still gritted his teeth, slapping himself across the face again and again.

Because they had taken a detour midway, everyone arrived at the entrance of Cining Palace later than originally expected. A somewhat experienced matron stood waiting outside the palace gate. Seeing them, she asked: “Why are you only arriving now? Her Highness the Grand Princess has already arrived first and is inside accompanying the Empress Dowager in conversation.”

The young palace maid was so frightened she trembled.

However, Jiang Xuening’s heart suddenly stirred.

Xiao Shu glanced at the young palace maid and proactively spoke: “We took a detour past Kunning Palace, which is why we’re late. Please don’t blame her, Matron Xu.”

Only then did Matron Xu refrain from reproaching the young palace maid.

When working in the palace, one could guess at things by hearing only half of what was said. Taking a detour must have had its reasons. Moreover, the one speaking was Xiao Shu, so naturally she wouldn’t ask further questions. The originally stern and solemn face even broke into a smile as she said: “I see. Then please, all study companions, come in. Miss, it’s been quite a while since you’ve entered the palace. The Empress Dowager, upon hearing you were selected as a study companion, has mentioned it several times.”

After all, she was a matron serving by the old hag’s side—perhaps she had even watched Xiao Shu grow up. Naturally, she was familiar and had an amiable attitude.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuening sneered coldly in her heart.

Though her person had arrived here, her heart was actually still concerned about Zheng Bao. She only thought that the opportunity was right before her eyes, yet she might miss it because she had to come pay respects to the old hag. On the ledger of new and old grievances, she simply added another entry for this aunt-niece pair.

Though Cining Palace was the bedchamber of successive Empress Dowagers and had never been overly extravagant, it had changed appearance under this dynasty’s Empress Dowager. Many fine tributes from foreign lands and various provinces were sent to Cining Palace, claiming Shen Lang was filial and giving everything to Empress Dowager Xiao to enjoy.

Thus, the current Cining Palace appeared extremely magnificent.

Following Matron Xu through the palace gate, Jiang Xuening saw water lilies and koi fish raised in carved basins. Ascending the steps and entering the main hall, carved beams and golden bricks were above and below, gold and jade filled the left and right. Even the floor was covered with fine velvet carpets tributed from the Persian Kingdom across the sea.

After returning to the palace, Shen Zhiyi had changed into a light pink palace dress. At this moment, having come to Cining Palace, she was nestled beside Empress Dowager Xiao, accompanying her in conversation: “You didn’t see—Teacher Xie was so impressive, so impressive…”

Empress Zheng sat somewhat awkwardly to the side.

Matron Xu stepped forward: “Empress Dowager, Your Majesty, they have arrived.”

Shen Zhiyi, who had just been speaking animatedly, immediately stopped talking upon hearing this and turned to look.

Led by Xiao Shu and including Jiang Xuening, the eight study companions selected into the palace all dared not casually raise their heads to look around after entering the hall. When Matron Xu’s words fell, they all bowed in unison: “We subjects pay respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.”

Everyone’s etiquette had been strictly taught by Superintendent Su. Moreover, as this was their first time meeting the two most important women of the rear palace, they dared not be careless. Thus, virtually no faults could be found.

Generally speaking, after performing the courtesy, they would be told to rise.

However, unexpectedly, the voice carrying a smile from above completely ignored everyone else and directly addressed Xiao Shu below: “Shu’er has come. Quickly rise and let your aunt have a look at you.”

Everyone froze.

Xiao Shu sighed inwardly but couldn’t very well say anything. She rose and put on a smile, calling out: “Aunt.”

She walked forward.

Empress Dowager Xiao was forty-five or forty-six years old this year. She had borne the late Emperor two sons and one daughter—the eldest son was the current Emperor Shen Lang, the second son was the current Prince Linzi Shen Jie, and the youngest daughter was Grand Princess Leyang Shen Zhiyi.

Women who lived contentedly in the palace all maintained themselves quite well.

So she didn’t appear particularly aged. Though fine lines existed at the corners of her eyes, she also possessed the charm that only experienced women had. When the corners of her mouth curved in a smile, one could almost still see hints of her younger self. She merely took Xiao Shu’s hand and said: “Little heartless thing, last time you entered the palace you didn’t even know to come see your aunt.”

Xiao Shu replied: “Last time I entered the palace was for Zhiyi’s study companion selection. If I had come to see you then, I fear people would criticize me, saying Ashu could only remain in the palace because of her aunt. It wouldn’t matter if Ashu were slandered, but if it implicated others to think Aunt was showing favoritism, that would be Ashu’s fault. Now that I’ve already remained in the palace as a study companion, naturally it will be convenient to visit you in the future. I will certainly make proper amends.”

Empress Dowager Xiao had her sit beside her as well, examining her carefully and becoming increasingly satisfied. She said: “I told your father I wanted to keep you in the palace for an extended stay, but he insisted that wouldn’t be proper. This made it so Zhiyi didn’t even have a peer companion and had to go outside the palace to find study companions to enter—so troublesome! After all that fuss and bother, aren’t you still living in the palace? And living in Yangzhi Pavilion isn’t as comfortable as my Cining Palace. Really…”

The other study companions still kneeling in the hall, upon hearing these words, all kept their heads lowered, not daring to raise them.

Jiang Xuening understood the old hag very well. How could she not know she was saying that these study companions aside from Xiao Shu were actually unnecessary and couldn’t compare to Xiao Shu?

It was just that right now she wasn’t the Empress and couldn’t talk back to her.

The aunt-niece pair above chatted about family matters as if no one else was present.

Shen Zhiyi looked at her mother empress, then couldn’t help looking at Jiang Xuening still kneeling below. Though she wanted to speak, she was also familiar with her mother empress’s temperament and knew she wanted to give these study companions a show of authority, so she couldn’t very well open her mouth.

Maintaining a proper kneeling posture was quite exhausting.

After maintaining that posture for only a short while, Jiang Xuening already felt her knees aching. In her heart, she cursed the old hag a thousand times over.

Fortunately, Empress Zheng had a kind and benevolent heart. Seeing that the young ladies below weren’t very old and their forms were beginning to sway unstably, she hesitated, then still smiled and spoke as if casually: “With Miss Xiao here, Mother Empress finally seems a bit happier. However, while you’re chatting merrily, these young ladies are still kneeling below. Look, they’re about to collapse.”

Empress Dowager Xiao, who had been talking with Xiao Shu, stopped.

Beneath her brows and eyes congealed the authority of many years presiding over the rear palace. Hearing this, she swept a glance below, then her gaze fell back on Empress Zheng, saying with a half-smile: “You certainly know how to play the good person.”

Empress Zheng’s expression immediately changed. Rising, she was about to apologize.

However, Empress Dowager Xiao waved a hand at her, laughed once, and then addressed those below: “The Empress has the most benevolent heart and cannot bear to see anyone suffer. Since she has spoken, if you continue kneeling, it makes me appear unkind. Rise.”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager and Empress.”

Everyone, hearing this implication, felt somewhat alarmed. Trembling as they gave thanks, they finally rose again and stood respectfully below in proper order.

Jiang Xuening took the opportunity to glance at Empress Zheng.

This was also a pitiful person.

After marrying Shen Lang, not to mention being Empress for only two years—while she was Empress, she was suppressed by Empress Dowager Xiao and had no dignity whatsoever. After Shen Lang’s death when Shen Jie ascended the throne, Empress Zheng, as the emperor’s sister-in-law, was made Grand Empress, moved to Changning Palace, and with neither sons nor daughters under her, lived in lonely suffering.

Seeing Jiang Xuening stand up, Shen Zhiyi felt slightly more at ease. Pouting coquettishly, she said: “Mother Empress, you’re always frightening people like this. They’re all going to play with me and study with me later. Each one has a small heart—if you frighten them into illness, who will play with me?”

Empress Dowager Xiao was helpless: “I merely forgot to tell them to rise. How did it become frightening people?”

Shen Zhiyi huffed lightly: “Don’t I know Mother Empress?”

Empress Dowager Xiao laughed, then as if suddenly remembering something, cast her gaze downward and actually spoke: “I recall Superintendent Su saying that among the new study companions, there’s one you particularly like, named Jiang Xuening? Step forward and let me have a look.”

When Jiang Xuening heard the first half of the sentence, her heart sank with a thud. Sure enough, the latter part truly called her name. Though ten thousand times over she didn’t want to be exposed before the old hag, she still had no choice but to step forward. With an obedient appearance, she performed the courtesy again: “Subject Jiang Xuening pays respects to the Empress Dowager.”

Empress Dowager Xiao scrutinized her.

However, as she looked, her brows furrowed. She said: “Too glamorous and seductive, lacking in propriety, not dignified enough.”

“…”

Right now, Jiang Xuening had only one thought: Xie Wei, hurry up and rebel, chop up this old hag and throw her to the dogs!

This palace lady was born looking this beautiful.

Did I eat your family’s rice or something?

Of course, though she thought this in her heart, she dared not say such words.

Her life was more important.

She also knew Empress Dowager Xiao’s temperament—one absolutely could not argue with her, or else there would be hell to pay later. Thus, suppressing her momentary anger, she lowered her brows and eyes modestly: “Subject was told in childhood that my destiny had calamities, so my parents sent me to a rural estate to be raised in poverty. Only four years ago was I brought back to the capital. Thus, my literary knowledge is shallow, I don’t understand proper etiquette, and my conduct is frivolous. Today, having the fortune to see the Empress Dowager, I am deeply terrified and at a loss. Henceforth, I will strictly discipline myself. As a study companion to Her Highness the Grand Princess, I absolutely dare not be the slightest bit negligent.”

Empress Dowager Xiao was immediately taken aback, not having expected her to say such words. She looked at her with some new respect: “Your appearance is frivolous, yet your words are quite steady.”

However, looking at such a gorgeously glamorous appearance still made her uncomfortable.

She casually waved her hand, saying as if in jest: “Forget it, go stand back. I heard you’re that little Crown Prince from Yongyi Marquis Estate’s beloved. That entire household of old and young can’t stand the sight of me. If I make things difficult for you, who knows how they’ll gossip about it.”

The Yan clan of Yongyi Marquis Estate and the Xiao clan of Duke Dingguo Estate had even formed a marriage alliance over twenty years ago, yet now seemed to never interact until death, even somewhat hostile toward each other.

Everyone had heard rumors but didn’t know the reason.

However, they hadn’t expected to hear it stated so clearly by Empress Dowager Xiao today. For a moment, they all felt somewhat alarmed.

Jiang Xuening, standing at the center of this whirlpool, vaguely caught the scent of something ominous.

First, Xiao Shu publicly mentioned Yan Lin giving her a qin. Now, Empress Dowager Xiao spoke jokingly about the relationship between the Xiao and Yan clans—it seemed as if they already didn’t consider Yongyi Marquis Estate worth their attention.

She silently retreated and stood in place.

At this time, a palace servant outside announced that Eunuch Liu from the Imperial Household Department had arrived.

Empress Dowager Xiao raised a hand and had him enter, asking: “What matter is it now?”

That Eunuch Liu was fat-headed and big-eared with an extremely fawning and flattering appearance. When he entered to perform the courtesy, his waist nearly bent to the ground. He merely raised the brocade box in his hands high above his head, saying in that high, thin voice: “The Empress Dowager mentioned the other day that you broke a jade ruyi scepter. His Majesty heard about it today—isn’t he concerned about you? He specifically instructed this servant to find the jade ruyi scepter tributed from Qinghai last year and send it to you.”

A jade ruyi scepter tributed from Qinghai?

Wait…

Jiang Xuening’s eyelid suddenly twitched. In her heart, she was already crying out: She actually encountered this incident?!

“The Emperor is still so filial. Present the item for me to see.”

Empress Dowager Xiao’s brows and eyes had already relaxed somewhat. She merely raised a hand forward.

Eunuch Liu immediately bowed forward, eagerly presenting the jade ruyi scepter beneath Empress Dowager Xiao’s hand.

The jade ruyi scepter was made of red jade, entirely crimson red. Only the ruyi head was snow white, perfectly carved into auspicious cloud patterns—uniquely ingenious and rarely seen, truly precious.

Holding it in her hands, Empress Dowager Xiao was extremely pleased.

However, just as she said “not bad” and turned the jade ruyi scepter over to look at it, her expression suddenly froze. The smile that had been on her face instantly solidified, her two eyes staring fixedly at the back of the ruyi scepter’s handle. Her complexion abruptly turned iron blue!

Because emblazoned on the back were two lines of seal script characters—

Three hundred innocent children, what was their crime in dying so miserably?

A mediocre emperor without virtue, how dare he call himself Son of Heaven!

“Outrageous!”

Empress Dowager Xiao flew into a towering rage.

Others still didn’t know what had happened, but she had already furiously hurled the jade ruyi scepter down, smashing it to pieces!

The shattered red jade fell right at Jiang Xuening’s feet. She didn’t dare move even slightly, her scalp exploding with numbness—

It was this incident.

That opened the catastrophe befalling Yongyi Marquis Estate…