Un joven errante

Capítulo 31

I saw that Consort De's face was even paler than usual, but her expression was completely indifferent, without a trace of panic. Upon hearing the Emperor's words, she closed her eyes and said, "Your Majesty, I have nothing to say."

Kneeling beside her, Shen Qing did not flinch under the emperor's burning gaze, but said with shame, "Your Majesty, I have failed your trust. I am willing to die. Please spare Consort De. It is all my fault."

Sima Rui's gaze turned cold, and he said in a chilling tone, "Shen Qing, do you think you still have the right to negotiate with me?"

"Ah! Shen Qing—" A woman suddenly cried out. Seeing so many eyes looking at me, I realized that I was the one who had just made the sound.

"What's wrong, my beloved concubine?" Sima Rui looked at me with concern, but I felt there was something in his gaze that I couldn't understand.

I opened my eyes wide and said innocently, "I think I've heard Father mention this name before. Before Aunt entered the palace, she and Shen Qing were childhood sweethearts, inseparable since they were little—" Seeing Sima Rui's increasingly gloomy face, I hurriedly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, I misspoke."

"Childhood sweethearts?" Sima Rui couldn't help but look at Consort Huan, earning a smile in return. Watching their unspoken understanding and the warmth flowing between them, I felt a pang of sadness, and my smile became forced. He really did care about her.

But seeing that the two men showed no remorse even in the face of death, Sima Rui coldly said, "Guards, drag them away immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Several guards entered and led the two away.

Just then, Consort Huan suddenly stood up, bowed to the emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, it is late at night. You have had a long day and should rest. I will take my leave."

Seeing that Consort Xian had spoken, all the concubines present rose to express their respects. I also rose to take my leave. Consort Wang lingered there, reluctant to leave. Just as I was about to depart, the Emperor suddenly said, "Consort Xie, please stay. You will serve me tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty." I smiled knowingly. I had just noticed that the Emperor's gaze was growing longer and longer. The white gauze robes in the night, and the crimson lips, were infinitely alluring.

Lying in bed, Sima Rui held me, gently kissed my lips, then let out a deep sigh and murmured, "I'm so tired. I'm very disappointed in your aunt."

I gently comforted her, saying, "Your Majesty, your aunt must have some unspeakable reason. Otherwise, she wouldn't have done such a scandalous thing."

"I hope so. Go to sleep. I'm so tired tonight." He hugged me tightly, and soon I heard his even breathing.

I never imagined that this oversight would change my fate so drastically.

In the imperial prison.

I looked at the filthy prison, reeking of a foul stench, with the echoes of prisoners shouting "Innocent!" It was all rather eerie. However, this feeling reminded me somewhat of going to an underground bar these days—a little thrilling, a little creepy and terrifying, but as long as I wasn't actually inside.

I walked to the two rooms specially prepared for my aunt and Shen Qing. Although they were not as clean as the rooms they usually lived in, they were much cleaner than the rooms where the other prisoners lived.

I felt something was off about Shen Qing the first time I saw him in my aunt's Pingyi Palace. Besides, I've never liked his somewhat gloomy personality. From the moment I first met him when I met my brother Sima, I've never had any good feelings towards him. I never expected that my aunt, who has always been so pure and aloof, would risk her life for him.

It turns out their love was deeper than I thought. I thought if they got caught, my aunt would put all the blame on Shen Qing, but it turns out they shared the responsibility. I really misjudged my aunt's cruelty and selfishness.

Reaching the cell door, I took the basket from Xiao Quanzi's hand and said to my aunt, who was resting with her eyes closed inside, "Auntie, look, what did Wei Ying bring you?"

When Consort De opened her eyes, they were bloodshot, indicating that she hadn't slept all night.

She said coldly, "What are you doing here?"

“I couldn’t bear to see my aunt suffering like this, so this morning I begged the Emperor to let Wei Ying come and see you.”

“I don’t need to pretend to be kind.” She was a little tired, but she still had that innate pride: “Stop pretending, Xie Weiying.”

I chuckled, not angry at all, and said lazily, "This time, Aunt really misunderstood Wei Ying."

"Do you think I don't know what you're thinking?" She laughed angrily. "That old man made you treat us this way. Now that I'm in your hands, do with me as you please."

I stood up and gave her a cold smile: "What courage! I admire Wei Ying quite a bit, but," I moved closer to her face and smiled wickedly, "you think this is the end of it?"

In her eyes, which were red with hatred, I saw resentment, but I still asked casually, "I wonder if Aunt's children, my lovely nephews, have someone else as their father, hmm?"

Volume 2, Chapter 55: Observing the Smallest Details

"Xie Weiying, I guarantee that if you lay a finger on them, I will haunt you even in death!" Consort De finally broke down and shouted.

"Really?" I feigned a regretful expression. "Unfortunately, I've never believed in ghosts. You know, when people die, they turn into a pile of dust and become nothing. My aunt, I'll wait for you to come back to me as a vengeful ghost." I smiled brightly, left the basket behind, and prepared to leave, led by Xiao Quanzi.

Consort De finally dropped all pretense and cried out, "Xie Weiying, you don't even spare children! You are truly heartless and cruel! You, you will die a horrible death!"

I stopped and turned to her with a nonchalant smile, as if her words were utterly ridiculous: "Me, heartless? Me, cruel? What a joke, the most ridiculous and pathetic joke I've ever heard." I moved closer to her, staring directly into her eyes, and almost cruelly reminded her: "Who killed my mother back then? Who pushed me into the lake even after knowing I was cowardly and foolish? Who didn't even spare a child? Have you forgotten? The 'Soul Severance' you cast left me hovering between life and death for a month, my dear aunt."

When she shook her head, telling me not to continue, I wouldn't let her go. I pulled her forward and whispered gently in her ear, "Auntie, I wonder how your little auntie died back then, hmm?"

Her face turned deathly pale, even her ears and neck went completely bloodless. She stared at me blankly, muttering, "Demon, demon—" She screamed frantically, "Demon—"

I patted the hem of my clothes, made my signature bowing gesture, and said with a smile, "Thank you for the compliment, my aunt."

Didn't I say this was just the beginning?

When the whole thing comes together, I've long suspected that my aunt's death wasn't an accident, but rather a deliberate act. It's hard to say whether someone killed her knowing she knew, in order to protect their relationship with their lover. What happened just now was merely a test; I didn't expect her reaction to be so strong. My premonition was right. Now, all I need to do is find a few of the old palace maids who served my aunt back then and ask them some questions.

Xiao Quanzi next to me seemed to have been holding back for a long time, and his face turned red from holding back some question. I couldn't stand it anymore and asked bluntly, "Spit it out if you have something to say."

"Is it true that Master said he won't let the little princess and the little prince go?" His expression was so serious that I couldn't keep up the act anymore.

I chuckled. "You really believe your master is such a cruel person? I just didn't want to let her off so easily. At least let her worry herself sick for several nights, unable to sleep at night and unable to eat during the day. Let her suffer some punishment. Children are innocent; the sins of adults shouldn't be passed on to the next generation. How could I bear to harm them?" Sigh, originally none of this concerned me, but now that I've become the owner of this body, now that I've become Xie Weiying, I feel obligated to avenge that poor little girl's mother, and even avenge her. I know she can be with her mother now. I hope they can be happy together.

I'll take on the task of seeking revenge and being the bad guy.

"Master, it is Shen Qing who has failed your trust. Shen Qing is willing to die."

Sima Rui looked at him indifferently and said coldly, "You deserved to die anyway."

Shen Qing looked ashamed, but finally gritted his teeth and said, "This sinful subject knows that he is guilty of a grave crime, but this sinful subject dares to remind Your Majesty that Consort Xie is not as simple as she appears on the surface. I urge Your Majesty to pay more attention."

"Um?"

Shen Qing lowered his head, not daring to look any longer, and continued, "I once took advantage of His Majesty's trust to put poison in the medicine given to Consort Xie. I thought that the incurable medicine would surely kill her, but she was as if nothing had happened and showed no signs of poisoning. His Majesty also saw Consort Xie swallow the medicine herself that day, and I still don't know why."

"Yes. I know that." Sima Rui replied calmly.

"The Emperor knew? And yet he personally fed Consort Jieyu?" Shen Qing exclaimed in surprise. For the first time, he began to re-evaluate this emperor. Unfortunately, he didn't have much time left.

"I originally wanted to see what kind of show you would put on for me. But I didn't expect there to be something I didn't know. Consort Jieyu is not with you, which makes me somewhat puzzled."

Shen Qing suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with resentment: "We hate him."

"Whom do you hate?" Sima Rui finally looked at him properly.

Shen Qing gritted his teeth and said, "Xie Yushi." He closed his eyes and finally told the old story: "Consort De and I were childhood sweethearts, growing up together since we were little. We loved each other and secretly pledged our lives to each other. But Xie Yushi, for his own interests in court, forcibly separated us and sent Cheng'er to the palace. This sinful subject could not sever his feelings and entered the palace. It was all my wishful thinking. Consort De did not agree to my request and told me not to have any illusions. I beg Your Majesty to spare Consort De."

"Is that so?" Sima Rui seemed to know everything all along, but he didn't expose it: "You will set off tonight. Consort De has been with me for so many years, I will naturally give her a chance."

Moved to tears, Shen Qing knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly: "This sinful subject thanks Your Majesty. Your Majesty's kindness and virtue are immense. Shen Qing will repay you with a thousandfold gratitude in my next life. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Sima Rui said into the darkness, "Chen Wen, let's go."

Then a dark figure flew out and followed him expressionlessly, walking outwards.

Inside the Imperial Palace.

Sima Rui leaned back in his recliner and asked casually, "Chen Wen, what do you think of this matter?"

Chen Wen looked troubled: "This subordinate dares not make a rash decision."

"Speak. I want to hear the truth."

Chen Wen forced a smile and said, "Master, I think that Consort Xie is behaving strangely. She is not simple."

"Is that so?" Sima Rui closed his eyes and remained silent. Chen Wen stood respectfully to the side, saying nothing more.

In reality, Sima Rui was not as calm and composed as he appeared. On the contrary, he was shocked.

The strange feeling of that night remains unforgettable. He had no desire whatsoever, simply holding her as they slept peacefully. Yet, why did he still experience the memory of their passionate lovemaking, so real and tender as ever? Sima Rui couldn't distinguish between reality and dream. He couldn't possibly be mistaken. Upon waking, filled with suspicion, he even deliberately examined her body while she slept, but found no suspicious kiss marks or blemishes. This only deepened his confusion over the next few days, leaving him utterly bewildered. He considered summoning her again to his bedchamber to test the waters, but then felt it was absurd. Perhaps that night was just a dream, but was the dream truly so real? So real, as if it were always so intoxicating.

Who exactly is Xie Weiying? What kind of person is she?

More and more questions arose in Sima Rui's mind. For the first time, he felt that he could not control a woman, and for the first time, he felt curious about a woman, just like he had been addicted to Xiao Jin. He could not quit.

Xiaotiao Palace.

"Your Majesty, do you want me to get close to her?" Consort Huan asked with a smile as she looked at Sima Rui, who looked troubled.

"You don't need to make fun of me. I just can't figure her out."

"Can't figure her out?" Consort Huan laughed even harder. "I never expected there would be someone you can't figure out." This was the first time she had seen him take a liking to a woman. In the past, when he came here, he only talked about that boy, An Jin.

"I—" Sima Rui felt a little guilty under her gaze and didn't know how to begin.

"I promise you, Your Majesty. It would be my honor to do something for you," Consort Huan said sincerely.

"You're not allowed to belittle yourself like that. You know, to me, you're different."

"I know," Consort Huan smiled happily. "I'm so glad. Really, you've started to care about women."

Upon hearing her words, Sima Rui's eyes suddenly dimmed, filled with sorrow: "It's a pity, she's not Xiao Jin."

"Rui, when one is blinded by worldly desires, I hope you won't let your eyes be clouded and fail to see your own heart," Consort Huan said with heartache.

Volume 2, Chapter 56: Nightmare

"Damn it, how do you walk?"

I lowered my head in fear and stammered, "I'm sorry, sister."

Consort Wang glared at me hatefully and said arrogantly, "What, you've gotten used to being so arrogant because Consort De always has your backing? You slut, if Consort De can seduce men, you're no better. Today I'll teach you a lesson so you'll know your place." With that, she slapped me.

I sneered, intending to turn my face away so the slap would make a crisp sound, satisfying her vanity while allowing me to avoid it unintentionally, minimizing pain. But before my hand could even reach mid-air, it was stopped by a pair of slender, fair hands.

Consort Huan glanced at Consort Wang indifferently and said calmly, "Sister, what's the big deal that makes you want to fight each other? There's too much trouble in this palace. It's better to avoid trouble."

Consort Wang angrily withdrew her hand, gritting her teeth as she said, "My sister isn't as fortunate as my sister, who has always been favored by the Emperor. Nor is she as detached as my sister—" As she spoke, she glanced meaningfully at the string of Buddhist beads hanging around Consort Huan's neck.

"You flatter me, sister." Consort Xian showed no anger, her face as calm as the Buddha statues I had seen in temples. I secretly admired her composure and magnanimity.

She possessed an ethereal, otherworldly quality. Looking at her refined face, I suddenly understood why Sima Rui treated her so specially. In the palace, everyone fawned over him, the monarch, for money and status; only she remained quietly by his side, offering him support and her deepest love. I felt a sense of admiration for this woman. In this era, such a woman was truly a great woman.

They, of course, had no idea of the many thoughts running through my mind. Seeing Consort Xian present, Consort Wang couldn't lash out at me. She said to me, "You got off easy. Humph," and then swayed away, her waist twisting at a 180-degree angle. Yunying, following behind her, glanced at me worriedly. I smiled slightly at her, reassuring her.

Seeing that the troublemaker was gone, I rubbed my wrist, which had been scraped and scraped when I bumped into her, and then respectfully thanked Consort Huan, who was standing to the side smiling at me, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness, for helping Wei Ying out of that predicament."

"It's nothing. It was just a small favor." As she spoke, she glanced at my arm with concern and said with heartache, "You hurt yourself, didn't you? I happen to have some excellent wound medicine with me. Come with me to Xiaotiao Palace, and I'll apply it for you."

I quickly replied, "It's alright, it's alright. There's no need to trouble Your Highness. I'll just have the eunuch apply some medicine when I get back."

She maintained her calm tone, but her smile deepened: "What, are you afraid I'll eat you up?"

"No, no, Wei Ying didn't mean that." I just wanted to go back and have Qing Ci find some medicine for me to rub on it. I'm not that kind of delicate woman. But since she said so, I couldn't refuse. After thinking about it, I finally compromised: "Alright then, thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty."

"What are you saying? We're sisters, no need to be so polite." I felt her smile was unusually ingratiating, making me feel embarrassed to look at her. Normally, Consort Huan wouldn't be here at this time. And yet, for the first time, she'd intervened and helped me out of this predicament. This was quite a strange occurrence in the palace; I was a little overwhelmed with gratitude.

We chatted and laughed all the way to Consort Huan's Xiaotiao Palace. Actually, we were mostly talking about Buddhist principles, and Consort Huan seemed only interested in this topic. Luckily, I had specifically studied Buddhism to please her for Ya Ya's sake. Then, I made a slip of the tongue and blurted out some points from the famous Western work, *Divine Comedy*, which she immediately took to heart. She became very interested. After treating my minor scratch, she kept pestering me to tell her about hell, purgatory, heaven, angels, and demons, making me quite miserable. We didn't take our leave until the moon was high in the sky.

As she left, she smiled and said to me, "Come visit me again when you have time."

I had no choice but to nod.

As I reached the door, I was puzzled as to why I hadn't seen Ya Ya all day. I casually asked the steward who had been sent by Consort Huan to escort me out, "Hey steward, why haven't I seen Consort Yu? I heard she's been studying Buddhist principles with Consort Huan."

He hesitated for a moment, but finally whispered to me, "Your Highness, Consort Xian did indeed favor Consort Yu in the past, often teaching her Buddhist principles. However, I heard that one day Consort Yu told someone that Buddhist principles were too dry and boring, and that eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist prayers every day was very dull. Consort Xian overheard these words and sent Consort Yu away. Your Highness, I dare to speak to you today, but please do not take it seriously."