"What about Han Jia?" Qing Luan asked. Han Jia is Ya Xiu Rong's daughter and Jun Yi Feng's only child.
"This is precisely the dilemma. Are you willing to raise her yourself?" Jun Yifeng asked Qingluan with some difficulty.
Qingluan hesitated. She was about to become Empress, and raising the princess herself was naturally the best choice. If the princess lived with Consort Ya in the Western Six Palaces, she would surely be looked down upon, which would be detrimental to her future. But to forcibly separate mother and daughter seemed too cruel…
Qingluan frankly expressed her concerns to Jun Yifeng, who said, "Since you are willing, then Hanjia will be your daughter from now on. She is not yet a year old and does not understand the ways of the world, so how can it be considered cruel? I will make sure that everyone in the palace keeps quiet, and she will never know that she has another mother. As for Ya Xiurong—she is a smart woman and knows that this choice is the best for Hanjia!"
☆、XIV、Clues
After intensive investigations, both overt and covert, the identity of the assassin who attempted to assassinate Jun Yifeng and Qingluan that day was finally revealed—it was none other than Linghu Ling! Linghu Hongyu was executed, the Linghu family was scattered and collapsed, and Linghu Ling lived a quiet and law-abiding life in the cold palace, but unexpectedly she had such thoughts!
Qingluan's eyes sharpened, and she said, "Didn't we send people to keep an eye on her? How could this happen?"
Qingxi and Zhi Qiu hurriedly knelt down to beg for forgiveness, their faces full of shame: "It was our oversight that led us to reduce the number of guards, seeing that she had been behaving herself. Please punish us, Lord!"
Qingluan knew they hadn't witnessed Linghu Ling's cunning before; hadn't she even fooled her back then? Her heart softened, and she told them to get up: "Alright, even I was fooled by her cunning, let alone you. But you mustn't repeat this mistake! Go to the backyard and kneel for three hours. You're not allowed to eat until the time is up."
Qingxi and Zhi Qiu knew that the landlord had decided to let them off lightly, and they felt ashamed and secretly resolved never to do it again.
Jun Yifeng also received the news and was shocked. He decided to interrogate Linghu Ling himself, and summoned Qingluan to go to the Cold Palace. Linghu Ling was locked in her own bedchamber. When Jun Yifeng and Qingluan arrived, she was sitting weakly on the edge of the bed, her eyes vacant. Hearing footsteps, Linghu Ling raised her unfocused eyes. Seeing that it was Jun Yifeng and Qingluan, her expression changed, seemingly filled with resentment yet also relief: "You've come!"
Jun Yifeng asked, "Why?"
Linghu Ling gave a bitter smile: "Why? Haha... You actually ask me why? You killed my father, enslaved my family, and you still ask me why?"
Jun Yifeng then said, "I have always treated you well. Your father's death was his own fault, but I did not implicate you. Why are you still not satisfied?"
"Hmph, you've treated me well? I was nothing more than a pawn in your game to control my father. If I'm not mistaken, your father's death was orchestrated by you. You spared my life merely to gain fame and reputation. You kept me alive so that the people would praise your benevolence. Your Majesty, you have such a deep mind! Now you don't need to wear that hypocritical mask on me anymore. Everyone else has been deceived by you, but I know your true colors. Haha... Kill me! I was already dead the day my father died. The only reason I've lingered on until now is because I have one unfulfilled wish. Now, the victor is king, the loser is villain; there's nothing more to say." Linghu Ling finished speaking and turned her face away, no longer looking at Jun Yifeng.
Jun Yifeng's eyes were clouded with gloom, and his face remained expressionless: "Since that's the case, I will grant your wish. Xiazi, bestow upon me a white silk ribbon."
Xia appeared in response, holding a plate in her hand, on which was a three-foot-long piece of white silk.
Jun Yifeng turned and left after speaking, and Qingluan hurriedly followed. A shrill laugh came from behind: "Haha... Murong Qingluan, you're going to be the empress! You're so pitiful, because you're a pawn too! We're all his pawns! He's a heartless man! Haha..." Linghu Ling had gone mad. The words carried on the wind sent a chill down Qingluan's spine, seeping from her body into her heart.
Jun Yifeng held Qingluan's hand and smiled at her; Qingluan forced a smile in return.
Back in the palace, Qingluan was still disturbed by Linghuling's crazy ramblings. Zhiqiu came up and whispered, "Lord, Steward Anwu has arrived."
Qingluan was puzzled. It wasn't even the end of the month yet, what was she doing here? Had something major happened? She quickly asked Zhi Qiu to invite her in.
Anwu was dressed as an ordinary palace maid, truly ordinary, if you didn't look into her eyes. Anwu entered, bowed to Qingluan, and then raised her head, her cunning eyes gleaming. Qingluan quickly asked, "Has something happened?"
Anwu replied, "Normally, these are minor matters that don't require your attention, I would handle them myself. However, this matter is somewhat special, so I have to report it to you."
It turned out that someone had paid to investigate Ye Zhanqing's background. Anwu knew that Ye Zhanqing had a close relationship with the Lord of the Pavilion, so she naturally couldn't take it lightly. Moreover, because the client was pressed for time, she specially came to the palace to report to Qingluan.
To say that they couldn't find out would seem deliberate, but if they told the truth, they wouldn't know the other person's intentions. If Ye Zhanqing's background were exposed, it would inevitably arouse the emperor's suspicion, including doubts about his motives for joining the army, and even more seriously, it might implicate her, Qingluan thought to herself.
After a moment, Qingluan said, "Give him a fake background. Say he's a commoner from the Xia Kingdom who lost both his parents in the war and is an orphan. You know what to say after that!"
Anwu understood and replied, "I know."
"Who is the person who commissioned this?" Qingluan asked.
"That person was wearing a bamboo hat and a light veil covering his face. I didn't know his identity, only that he was a young man. I sent people to follow him afterwards, but they were shaken off. Master, you also know the rules of Dark Night Tower: you can't ask about the identity and purpose of the client."
Qingluan nodded and said to Anwu, "Next time he comes, don't lose him again!"
Anwu agreed.
When the Dark Night Tower's intelligence system was first established, it was merely set up by the Nameless Taoist to facilitate his understanding of the world's affairs. However, as the Dark Night Tower gained fame, many people were willing to spend a fortune for a single piece of information. The Nameless Taoist felt that it would be good to have some funds to maintain the Dark Night Tower's operation, so he expanded this business, only stipulating that he would not accept commissions with ulterior motives or commissions that would harm others.
The Dark Night Tower's intelligence system has always been honest and straightforward. If they can find something, they find it; if they can't, they'll say so openly. They've never lied like this before. But who can blame them when the investigation this time involves General Ye, whom the Tower Chief treats like a younger brother? Dark Dance thought to herself, "You're just unlucky!"
The fake at the "Number One Restaurant Under Heaven" was, of course, flawless. Seeing the thick stack of ribbed paper filled with Ye Zhanqing's background, including where his ancestral graves were located, the person wearing a bamboo hat and a light veil paid and left satisfied.
The man took a step, and a shadowy figure followed lightly. This time, the one sent to track him was Jinlang, the most skilled in light-footed martial arts among the hidden men. The man tucked the folded paper into his pocket and strolled off into the street with an air of nonchalance! Jinlang dared not slacken his vigilance and followed patiently, keeping a respectful distance.
Zhi Qiu whispered in Qing Luan's ear, "Deacon An Wu sent word that he has found out the background of the client."
Qingluan remained calm, waiting for Zhiqiu to continue.
Zhi Qiu hurriedly continued, "Jing Lang followed him all the way to the palace. The man wandered the streets for half a day before finally entering the palace. Jing Lang dared not alert him, nor could he rashly follow him into the palace, so the trail ended there. All he knew was that the man was from the palace."
Qingluan continued combing her hair, nodding. In her heart, however, she wondered, who was it? Who wanted to find out Zhan Qing's background? Since the clues had gone cold, she could only keep quiet for now and wait for an opportunity to remind Zhan Qing to be careful.
☆、15、Jun Yilin
After much effort, the former dynasty was in a state of renewed prosperity, and the harem was almost completely tidied up. Jun Yifeng moved the remaining concubines to the Western Six Palaces. The coronation ceremony was held as scheduled, and royal princes from all over the country rushed back to participate in this grand event, creating a lively scene in the capital.
"My lady, the Emperor really dotes on you. This time, he's brought out all the treasures hidden away in the Imperial Household Department. Take that phoenix crown, for example. It's made from a single piece of pure gold from the South China Sea, absolutely unique in the world! And the luminous pearls inlaid on it—the most remarkable thing is that all twelve are the same size, and the one in the middle is actually purple! I've never seen a purple luminous pearl in all my life! Not to mention all the rare and precious treasures the Emperor has bestowed upon me!" Zhi Qiu exclaimed as she did Qing Luan's hair and makeup.
Qingxi glanced at her, handed her a phoenix hairpin, and said, "What's so special about money? It's just an external thing. What I really appreciate is that the Emperor abolished the six palaces for you, so you can live happily ever after!"
Listening to their argument with a smile, Qingluan was pleased but did not show it. She simply said, "Alright, don't say these things again, lest others think I'm frivolous!"
After finishing her makeup, Qingluan adjusted the golden phoenix hairpin at her temples, carefully checked that her makeup was normal, and then went to the Imperial Study to see Jun Yifeng.
Upon entering the imperial study, she saw Jun Yifeng chatting idly with a young man dressed in purple princely robes, looking quite pleased. Seeing Qingluan, Jun Yifeng quickly beckoned her in, saying, "Yilin, quickly greet your sister-in-law!" He added, "Qingluan, this is my only younger brother, Jun Yilin. He's two years younger than me. He spends his days traveling and enjoying life. If it weren't for finding him a wife, he wouldn't have come back!"
A figure dressed in light purple stood up, bowed and clasped her hands in greeting to Qingluan: "Greetings, Imperial Sister-in-law."
The lustrous purple satin, a tribute item, shimmered softly in the sunlight streaming into the imperial study, creating a comfortable and ethereal effect that perfectly complemented the figure's graceful form. The pale purple figure slowly raised her head, her hair piled high in a crown, long, flowing strands cascading smoothly down her back. A slight smile played on her lips—a breathtaking allure, a blend of nobility and wickedness! Two seemingly incompatible feelings were miraculously and harmoniously intertwined.
Qingluan was momentarily distracted, then quickly returned the greeting.
Jun Yifeng pointed to the seat next to him and asked Qingluan to sit down. Qingluan went over and sat down.
"Your Majesty is truly blessed with beauty! Your Majesty's wife is so elegant and refined; she will surely be the most stunning beauty on the day of the ceremony!" Jun Yilin stared at Qingluan with unrestrained arrogance.
Seeing his rudeness, Qingluan was quite displeased and immediately retorted, "How can a mere woman of humble appearance compare to Your Highness's moonlight?" The implication was clear: no matter how beautiful I am, I am not as beautiful as you!
Jun Yilin understood Qingluan's veiled sarcasm, but instead of getting angry, he laughed, his eyes full of amusement and surprise! Jun Yifeng, however, laughed: "Yilin, now you've met your match. Your sister-in-law is not someone to be trifled with, haha..."
Afterwards, Jun Yifeng told Qingluan that his younger brother had been mischievous since childhood, and even their father couldn't handle him, so he told Qingluan not to hold it against him. Qingluan simply treated him as a child who had never grown up and laughed it off.
The coronation ceremony was held as scheduled. Qingluan, dressed in a crimson phoenix robe meticulously woven by nineteen embroiderers over three months, adorned with a pearl-embroidered, crimson-gold phoenix crown, and holding a jade scepter from the East Sea, slowly ascended the steps. In the main hall, Jun Yifeng gazed at Qingluan with a smile, extending his right hand. Qingluan placed her hand in his, and the two stood side-by-side in the highest palace of the Zhou Kingdom, jointly receiving the congratulations of the officials. During the ceremony, Jun Yifeng decreed a general amnesty, and the people rejoiced!
Below the stage, a figure in purple gazed at the elegantly dressed Qingluan, his complex expression revealing nothing of his thoughts…
The zither and lute played in harmony, and the years passed peacefully. Several months had passed since Qingluan and Jun Yifeng's marriage. The newlyweds were deeply in love, their union described by Qingxi and Zhiqiu as "phoenixes flying together, their voices ringing out in harmony." During the day, Jun Yifeng attended court to handle state affairs, while Qingluan stayed by his side at night, adding fragrance to his life. In their leisure time, they would enjoy tea, listen to music, play chess, recite poetry, or discuss the state of the world…
Strangely, Prince Lin, Jun Yilin, suddenly lost interest in sightseeing and instead became interested in court affairs, frequently visiting the imperial study. As his visits increased, Qingluan also saw him more often. However, Jun Yilin was no longer as presumptuous and rude as when they first met; instead, he behaved properly, which put Qingluan at ease, and she accepted this younger uncle from the bottom of her heart.
On this day, Consort Xian sent someone to request an audience, saying she wished to see Qingluan. Because the inner palace was isolated from the Western Six Palaces, Consort Xian could not come to the inner palace.
Since Prime Minister Wei retired to his hometown, Consort Xian lost her support, and her brilliance in the harem dimmed. Although the other concubines dared not bully her, they were quite dismissive of her. Thinking of the cunning Linghu Ling, Qingluan felt a deep apprehension towards the people in the harem and usually avoided them whenever possible. However, Qingluan also felt a pang of guilt towards them, because of her, they would all have to live out their lives alone in the harem. With this in mind, Qingluan took Qingxi and went as promised.
"I heard you wanted to see me, is there anything I can do for you?" Qingluan felt a pang of pity when she saw the haggard-looking Consort Xian. Consort Xian's face was now pale, a far cry from the spirited and favored concubine she once was.
“Our Wei family has lost power. Although we still have the Empress Dowager, she is now nothing more than a powerless woman in the inner palace. The entire harem is in your hands! I only beg you to let me return to the Emperor’s side. I will not compete with you for his favor. It’s just that I am still so young. I don’t want to spend my life in this cold palace!” Wei Lanyi was relatively calm at first, but later she burst into tears and collapsed in front of Qingluan.
Seeing her pitiful appearance, Qingluan knew she couldn't soften her heart. Who wouldn't want their husband to only have eyes for them? Qingluan was no exception. She could only say softly, "I won't agree to your request, but I'll have someone improve your meals." Seeing the leftovers on the table, sensing her life might not be going well, she hesitated for a moment, then added, "If you want to leave the palace, I can help you!"
"Hmph, no need! I misjudged you back then. How could I not have seen that you were the most cunning among us? First, you bided your time, watching our struggles unfold from behind, and then you deliberately attracted the Emperor's attention at my birthday banquet. Although the Emperor demoted you to a palace maid, you successfully avoided the palace intrigues and seduced the Emperor. Now you're even the Empress, and he's willing to abolish the six palaces for you!" Wei Lanyi wiped away her tears, her resentful eyes sending a chill down Qingluan's spine. "Don't think I don't know. You instigated the Emperor to deal with my father, and you're the one who brought me to this state. You'll get your retribution!"
Qingluan suddenly had a bad feeling.
Wei Lanyi actually laughed, her eyes alluring: "Don't you think the fragrance here is wonderful? Do you really think I brought you here just to beg you? Your retribution is coming soon..." Her voice grew softer and softer until it was barely audible.
Qingluan's heart skipped a beat, as if she had thought of something. She wanted to call Qingxi at the door, but her consciousness grew increasingly blurred, and she couldn't utter a sound. Qingluan collapsed to the ground, wondering why Qingxi hadn't come in yet.
Wei Lanyi continued speaking: "Your Majesty, I misspoke just now. I shouldn't have talked back to you. Punish me as you please. As long as I can return to the Emperor's side, I'll punish you however you want..." But her hands were not idle. One hand pressed down on a protrusion on the edge of the bed, and a hidden door appeared. Wei Lanyi nimbly carried Qingluan inside, and the two disappeared into the darkness. Then the hidden door closed.
Standing outside the door, Qingxi heard no movement inside and sensed something was wrong. She quickly kicked the door open, only to find it empty. A chill ran through her, but the situation didn't allow her time to think. She pulled out a signal flare from her pocket and released it into the sky; the palace's secret agents would see the signal and come to her aid. Qingxi then entered the room, recalling that she had been standing at the door the whole time. The room had no other windows. Could it be—a secret passage?! Qingxi began to study the room's secrets.
Her consciousness gradually returned, but her body felt like it was on fire, a mixture of discomfort and a strange longing. Realizing her current situation, Qingluan's mind cleared instantly. Could it be an aphrodisiac? What should she do? Qingluan had been familiar with poisons since childhood, but she had never seen an aphrodisiac before. She slowly raised her head to observe her surroundings. It was an ordinary room, and she couldn't tell where she was.
A seductive female voice rang out from outside: "Listen, she's been drugged with aphrodisiacs. Once she wakes up, the effects will kick in, and she'll treat you like her favorite person. Go in and enjoy yourself! She's incredibly beautiful! Haha..."
"Thank you for your kindness, Madam, haha..." came a lewd male voice.
With a creak, someone pushed the door open and entered. Qingluan's consciousness began to blur again. She only saw a man walk in. His burning eyes looked her up and down, and his hand reached out to lift her chin and kiss her. Qingluan felt a surge of panic. From childhood to adulthood, no matter what difficulties she encountered, she had never been so panicked and terrified. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, but she couldn't make a sound...
"Wow, what a beauty!"
With a loud bang, the door was kicked open, and a commotion erupted at the entrance. A purple figure burst through the door and subdued the man in a few moves. When he saw Qingluan's tears, his eyes turned icy. "Whoever hurts her must die!" A flash of cold light, and the stench of blood filled the room.
In a hazy state, someone picked her up. Qingluan lay in a warm embrace, feeling very safe and secure, and then drifted off to sleep.
The man in purple cursed under his breath, "Damn it, how could it be Mei Yan? What are we going to do?"
It was as if she were in a long dream, a dream where Jun Yifeng brought Qingluan to a fairyland. Rare birds and exotic beasts flew in the sky, and the two lay in an endless sea of flowers. Petals gently enveloped Qingluan's jade-like body, and Jun Yifeng's tender kisses fell, captivating Qingluan's heart… Suddenly, they found themselves on a small boat, and a storm raged. Qingluan frantically sought Yifeng's embrace, and he held her tightly, repeatedly saying, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." They held each other tightly, as if trying to merge their souls into one…
With aches and pains all over her body and a splitting headache, Qingluan rubbed her temples. A deep, sexy male voice sounded: "You're awake?" Only then did Qingluan realize that there was someone lying next to her. When she opened her eyes, she was shocked to see Jun Yilin. Qingluan was startled, and everything from yesterday flashed through her mind. Her heart sank. Sure enough.
Qingluan pulled the silk quilt over her shoulders, sat up, and said calmly, "Thank you for saving me, Your Highness. But aren't you afraid of the Emperor's wrath for taking advantage of my vulnerability?"
"Hehe..." A few suppressed laughs. "You're really something else. Shouldn't other women be making a scene and threatening suicide at this time?" Jun Yilin got out of bed and didn't mind dressing in front of Qingluan. Seeing his handsome figure, Qingluan quickly turned her head to the side.
As Jun Yilin dressed, he said, "You're the one who should be worried! What man would tolerate his woman being touched by another man?"
Watching him calmly and methodically put on his clothes, Qingluan understood Wei Lanyi's intention. That's right, even if she was forced, it had already happened. Would he mind?
As if sensing Qingluan's thoughts, Jun Yilin's wicked voice rang out again: "I advise you not to test a man's tolerance. If he finds out, neither you nor I will have a good ending! Why not just treat it as a dream, and when we wake up, we'll both forget about it."
Jun Yilin sounded somewhat melancholy as he finished dressing and went out the door.
Qingxi entered immediately to help Qingluan dress. Qingxi's eyes were bloodshot, her hair was disheveled, and she was biting her lip so hard that blood seeped out. Qingluan knew she was blaming herself, but now was not the time to talk about anything else; they needed to figure out the situation first.
"What happened?"
"Reporting to the Lord, Consort Xian used her alluring charm to knock you unconscious, then led you into a secret passage. When I sensed something was wrong and went in, you were already gone..."
Qingxi recounted the events in general. Wei Lanyi had learned of the secret passage to the Western Six Palaces from the Empress Dowager and had also obtained the rare drug, Meiyan. She devised a plan to use the Emperor to kill Qingluan. The peculiarity of Meiyan lay in the fact that those who consumed it would die from blood surging and meridian reversal if they did not have intercourse with a virgin. This was why they hadn't sent Qingluan back to the palace for treatment. After Qingxi sent the signal that day, nearby secret agents rushed over, but unaware of the secret passage's intricacies, they were at a loss. Jun Yilin happened to be visiting the Dowager Consort and discovered their movements. Qingxi had no choice but to tell them the truth, thinking that Jun Yilin, having grown up in the palace, might know the secret passage. In fact, although Jun Yilin didn't know about the passage, he quickly figured it out. As soon as the hidden door opened, Jun Yilin rushed in to rescue Qingluan. The exit of the secret passage led to an ordinary house outside the palace, later discovered to be owned by the Wei family.
Fortunately, Jun Yilin arrived in time, otherwise… Qingxi thought worriedly.
"Where is Consort Xian?" Qingluan asked, wondering if the news had reached the palace.
Qingxi seemed to hesitate for a moment before saying, "He was killed by Prince Lin."