At this moment, throughout the entire hall, all eyes fell upon the palace maid.

The Son of Heaven’s majesty pressed down from above.

For these people who had known since entering the palace that the Emperor held power over life and death, this was truly a powerful deterrent and terror. Everyone could see her face rapidly lose all color, while her palms pressed tightly against the ground clenched hard, as if she had fallen into immense struggle.

She kowtowed miserably on the ground: “In response to Your Majesty, this servant has no one ordering her from behind. It’s only that seeing Second Miss Jiang as merely a companion reader, after entering the palace she slandered and instigated the Grand Princess, deceiving Her Highness, demanding to be different from other companion readers in every way. We servants originally served wholeheartedly, yet when the Grand Princess came out of her room, she said we servants served poorly and that the Bureau of Palace Attendants mistreated her. This servant momentarily felt indignant, and upon hearing from another palace that Eunuch Wang was leading people to search the palace, in a moment of confusion devised this framing scheme. I beg Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager for forgiveness…”

“Crash!”

All the ornaments on the long rosewood lacquered table were swept to the floor!

Shen Lang had also experienced palace power struggles—how could he not see this palace maid was lying? He flew into a rage, saying: “Nonsense! Even at this point you still harbor evil intentions! Wang Xinyi, have someone drag her outside the palace gate for a flogging, beat her until she tells the truth!”

Wang Xinyi was about to receive the command.

But Empress Dowager Xiao frowned at this moment, glanced at the palace maid below, gently raised her hand to press her temples, and sighed faintly.

Wang Xinyi’s steps immediately stopped.

Shen Lang also looked at her: “Mother Empress, is something inappropriate?”

Empress Dowager Xiao said: “Beating and killing publicly outside the palace gate late at night—are all six palaces to come listen to her wailing? Will the consorts, palace attendants, and eunuchs still sleep or not? Just thinking about it gives me a headache. Originally we hadn’t identified who was causing trouble, but now that we’ve pulled out this thread, following the vine to find the root is only a matter of time. Even if we must interrogate her, don’t do it at the palace gate. Better to have someone take her to the Office of Careful Punishment.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xuening only found it ironic: now she suddenly couldn’t bear to see beating and killing? Not long ago the old hag had waved her hand ordering people to drag her down for flogging and interrogation, saying words identical to Shen Lang’s. How much time had passed before she’d forgotten completely?

Zhang Zhe’s brow suddenly furrowed slightly as he glanced at the Empress Dowager.

But Shen Lang came to his senses, saying: “This son was negligent, forgetting Mother Empress has just recovered from illness and should rest quietly. Wang Xinyi, instead throw this palace maid into the Office of Careful Punishment. Have them stay up all night questioning her thoroughly for me.”

“Yes.”

Wang Xinyi was half a master to Zheng Bao. Having mixed his way up to the position of Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, he’d long since become an old fox. His wrinkled eyelids lifted, and with some pity he glanced at the young palace maid, then waved his hand.

Attendants immediately came forward to seize the palace maid.

A cloth was immediately stuffed in her mouth. When dragged out, she didn’t make a sound, only futilely staring with terrified eyes.

Shen Lang looked down at Jiang Xuening from on high, saying: “Minister Jiang has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the state and court. Though today’s incident had its reasons, Second Miss Jiang has suffered considerable grievance. Wang Xinyi, tomorrow you personally go to the Bureau of Palace Attendants and have them issue rewards to ease her heart. When the Office of Careful Punishment extracts results through interrogation, you will certainly receive justice.”

Jiang Xuening then said: “This subject’s daughter kowtows in gratitude for Your Majesty’s grace.”

But in her heart she had a vague premonition that this matter ended here—this “justice” would likely never be recovered.

With the person sent to the Office of Careful Punishment for interrogation, results wouldn’t come quickly.

Cining Palace was Empress Dowager Xiao’s sleeping quarters, and she needed to rest.

At this moment there were first a group of eunuchs and palace maids, second the outer court officials summoned to investigate the case, and third the companion readers from Yangzhi Studio—personnel were mixed and chaotic. So Shen Lang said: “Today’s matter is temporarily concluded. Everyone withdraw.”

Everyone gave their farewells in unison.

The outermost eunuchs and palace maids withdrew first, then the group of companion readers from Yangzhi Studio, and finally Chen Ying and Zhang Zhe.

Just after leaving Cining Palace, everyone surrounded Jiang Xuening.

Fang Miao kept patting her chest: “I was so scared, so scared!”

Zhou Baoying’s eyes revealed admiration: “Sister Ning was so amazing in the hall!”

Even You Yue couldn’t help saying: “Truly not afraid of death…”

Chen Shuyi was coolly sarcastic: “Everyone else was fine, only you suffered disaster for no reason. Clearly you’re not good at conducting yourself normally, otherwise who would hate you enough to torment you like this?”

Yao Rongrong looked at this one, looked at that one, not daring to speak.

Yao Xi appeared listless.

Xiao Shu glanced at her, slightly frowning, only reminding everyone: “If there’s something to say, say it after returning to Yangzhi Studio. After such a major incident you still can’t control your mouths—how do you know disaster won’t come from careless words in the future?”

Everyone fell silent.

From beginning to end Jiang Xuening had kept her eyes lowered without speaking. Hearing this, she only raised her head to give Xiao Shu an extra glance.

She had matters weighing on her heart.

Having walked only two steps forward, she actually encountered Shen Jie and Shen Zhiyi hurrying from outside toward Cining Palace at this moment.

Shen Zhiyi’s face showed some panic. Seeing them from afar, she quickened her steps. Walking before everyone, she looked toward Jiang Xuening: “Is Ningning alright?”

She had clearly heard the news.

Shen Jie also followed behind, looking toward Jiang Xuening with considerable concern: “Is Second Miss Jiang well?”

The two siblings spoke almost in unison.

Jiang Xuening had originally intended to say some comforting words, but now didn’t know what to say. She could only reply dryly: “It was frightening but not dangerous. Nothing happened, all is well.”

Only then did Shen Zhiyi breathe a sigh of relief.

The worry in Shen Jie’s eyes as he looked at her ran somewhat deeper. Remembering everything that had happened outside the palace tonight and recalling Yan Lin’s instructions, he wanted to speak privately with Jiang Xuening about some matters. But seeing so many people present with so many eyes watching, he could only give up.

Shen Zhiyi turned to ask Xiao Shu: “Is Imperial Brother here?”

Xiao Shu observed the hurried appearance of these two siblings, looking as if they had snuck out of the palace and only now returned. She only said: “His Majesty came over half an hour ago and hasn’t left yet. He should be in Cining Palace accompanying the Empress Dowager in conversation.”

Hearing this, Shen Zhiyi lifted her skirts and quickly walked toward Cining Palace.

Shen Jie sighed heavily. In the end he still didn’t speak with Jiang Xuening, hurrying to catch up with Shen Zhiyi’s steps.

Jiang Xuening looked back, only seeing these two siblings, one tall and one short, walking along the long palace path when they happened to meet Chen Ying and Zhang Zhe coming out from behind.

The two stopped to pay their respects.

Shen Zhiyi and Shen Jie hastily returned the courtesy and left.

Yangzhi Studio was to the south, its location closer to the outer court, so Chen Ying and Zhang Zhe’s direction out of the palace was originally the same as the companion readers returning to Yangzhi Studio. But to avoid suspicion, when passing a fork in the road, the two turned toward another slightly more distant path.

Jiang Xuening gazed at that path, standing motionless.

Fang Miao asked strangely: “Second Miss Jiang?”

But Jiang Xuening was listening to that voice in her heart that kept growing clearer, kept echoing. When it stirred up her heart lake, raising waves, she suddenly made a decision, only saying: “If not for the two officials Chen and Zhang today, I, Jiang Xuening, would likely have lost my head. Such great kindness must be acknowledged with thanks. I’ll go thank them. You all go ahead.”

Fang Miao’s eyes widened.

Everyone’s eyes also showed alarm.

Yao Xi was even more startled, suddenly raising her head to look at her!

But Jiang Xuening didn’t look at anyone’s expression, much less had any intention of explaining herself. Having finished speaking, she turned around on her own and went directly toward the path Chen Ying and Zhang Zhe had taken.

Leaving everyone looking at each other in bewilderment.

The two officials Chen and Zhang had come out later and were originally behind them, walking unhurriedly. She quickly caught up.

The young eunuch carrying a lantern to light the way for them was the first to see her.

Then Chen Ying and Zhang Zhe noticed.

Jiang Xuening stood behind the two, bowed respectfully, raised her head and said: “I thank both officials for saving my life. This young woman has come forward presumptuously to personally express gratitude to Director Zhang.”

Hearing this, Chen Ying raised an eyebrow: “Thanking Director Zhang means this has nothing to do with me.”

This man was habitually shrewd.

Having already received Xie Wei’s warning earlier, he knew this Second Miss Jiang before him had some special circumstances. Moreover, calculating it, he had just been going through the motions. So he had no dissatisfaction whatsoever with Jiang Xuening’s words. With a smile at his lips, he said to Zhang Zhe: “Director Zhang, stay and chat. Chen will wait up ahead.”

Zhang Zhe said nothing.

But Chen Ying had already turned around and left with the young eunuch.

At this moment, Jiang Xuening felt it was extremely similar to her previous life.

Only at that time, the person who very tactfully and voluntarily walked away was Xie Wei.

Zhang Zhe wore official robes, wide sleeves and flowing garments, both hands clasped before him, looking at her.

The surroundings were somewhat dark, and his figure also appeared dark.

Seeing Chen Ying leave, Jiang Xuening stepped forward toward his direction. Unexpectedly, this palace path was rarely traveled normally, and one corner of the originally flat stone pavers protruded from the ground, tripping her toes squarely.

How could she react in such haste?

Her body immediately lost balance and fell forward.

In that moment, Zhang Zhe heard his heart tell himself not to provoke her. Yet his hand so naturally violated his will, extending completely instinctively, catching her.

Five fingers with distinct knuckles, somewhat calloused from years of holding a brush.

When gripping her arm, they were strong and powerful.

The faint warmth of his palm seemed to penetrate through the fabric, as if her skin could sense it.

Jiang Xuening nearly fell into his embrace.

Her forehead also inadvertently knocked against his lean, angular chin—hard, hurting a bit from the impact.

Zhang Zhe didn’t use fragrance. Between his sleeves was only the extremely faint clean scent of soap.

But standing there in a daze, covering her forehead, when she raised her head to meet his pair of black eyes, she felt an intense aura surrounding her, permeating upward, making her face burn. Only after a moment did she react, hurriedly stepping back to stand properly, pulling back to a proper, courteous distance.

—In her previous life she had acted recklessly. When first getting to know Zhang Zhe, she would always seize opportunities to tease him, wanting to see him embarrassed. Later, however, she both respected and loved him, instead not daring to be physically forward with him anymore. In this life she really didn’t want to leave too bad an impression on Zhang Zhe, making him think she was a frivolous person of loose behavior who would throw herself at others at every turn.

She was grateful the young eunuch had taken the lantern away and the lighting was poor. Otherwise, the embarrassing state of her flushed cheeks could probably not be concealed. Secretly steadying herself, she said: “My mind was unsettled today and I didn’t watch my step. Thank you, Director Zhang.”

A bosom of sweet, soft fragrance suddenly withdrew.

Between Zhang Zhe’s five fingers was emptiness. Cold wind passed through the gaps between his fingers. He slowly curled his grip, lowering his hand again, saying slowly: “These are all trifling efforts, matters within duty. No need for thanks.”

These words also sounded very familiar.

He really was just like in her previous life.

But ultimately it wasn’t her previous life anymore.

She hadn’t yet hurt him, hadn’t harmed him, much less implicated him in prison, causing his widowed mother to suffer and die. Everything could be a completely fresh start, and moreover, she hadn’t married Shen Jie and didn’t want to become Empress again.

Jiang Xuening carefully hid all secrets deep in her eyes, not letting them slip out. Only looking at his figure, she said: “The palace is treacherous, full of schemes. Even Vice Minister Chen entering the palace today merely went through the motions and evaded responsibility. Yet Director Zhang was willing to investigate the truth and return Xuening’s innocence, standing far above the world’s worthless officials.”

Zhang Zhe remained silent.

After a long while, he said: “This official is merely an outsider. Second Miss Jiang is within the situation—henceforth you must be extremely careful.”

He also called himself “this official” when facing her at this moment?

Jiang Xuening felt this person was truly modest.

She said: “That’s natural. Having to stay in this palace for a while yet, I’m terrified of dying—how could I let them easily harm me?”

“…”

Zhang Zhe’s fingers hanging at his side quietly clenched tighter.

She feared death and also feared pain.

Then at that time and place, surrounded by the palace’s heavy encirclement, the former Empress standing before his eyes—what courage must she have summoned to dare give up her own life to exchange for his?

She was completely unguarded toward him.

Zhang Zhe suddenly feared standing here looking at her too long would shake his original resolve. He lowered his eyelids, saying: “Good that Second Miss Jiang is on guard. The night is deep and late. It’s improper for this official to linger long in the inner palace. I’ll take my leave first.”

Jiang Xuening’s heart felt empty.

But turning her thoughts, being able to see him was already very good. She shouldn’t greedily seek more.

So she curved her lips, seeing him off.

Only unexpectedly, after walking two steps, Zhang Zhe’s footsteps paused and he actually stopped.

Jiang Xuening blinked: “Director Zhang?”

Zhang Zhe turned sideways to look at her, seeming somewhat hesitant whether to ask. But ultimately he still spoke: “Second Miss Jiang and Miss Yao together serve as companion readers for Her Highness the Grand Princess. I heard you once had a dispute over my matter. Miss Yao, after the broken engagement, thought of various methods—is this true or false?”

“…”

Her dispute with Yao Xi and You Yue in Yangzhi Studio had actually spread outside and was already known to Zhang Zhe?

Jiang Xuening was startled.

Immediately after, she thought that indeed there were no walls that didn’t leak wind in the world. It spreading out really wasn’t anything rare. Only, with Zhang Zhe asking now, should she answer or not?

That Yao Xi had thought of all sorts of methods, even wanting to throw dirty water on people, was all true.

But she after all had selfish motives. If she told him, it would seem like tattling on someone.

What if she concealed it?

The person asking her this question before her eyes was not just anyone—it was Zhang Zhe.

Jiang Xuening ultimately couldn’t lie to him, but the two words “it’s true” somehow wouldn’t come out. Perhaps it was that at that moment some speculation and expectation in her heart suppressed her, making her heart race wildly, forgetting what to say.

Seeing her expression, Zhang Zhe said: “I understand.”

Jiang Xuening was startled: “But Miss Yao doesn’t think that way anymore. Director Zhang, if you’ve read the letter she wrote in reply, you should also know. Why still ask?”

Zhang Zhe lowered his eyes, only saying flatly: “Breaking the engagement.”