amaotonovel Chapter 200
Chapter 200
Still reeling from the shock, Yun Wan couldn't help but worry. "This is your secret. Isn't it... inappropriate for you to tell me just like that?"
This world was harsh on women. Having a premarital affair would ultimately ruin Concubine Hui's reputation.
Understanding her concern, Concubine Hui merely shrugged. "Even if I didn't say anything, His Majesty would have told you sooner or later."
Given Emperor Jingxuan's protective affection for Yun Wan, if she simply asked, he would undoubtedly spill every detail of Concubine Hui's youthful misstep of being deceived by a scumbag.
Rather than letting that happen, she preferred to be open and honest herself.
Yun Wan was the only person Concubine Hui had truly opened her heart to in her decade-long stay in the palace. Although her initial interest was partly just to watch the drama unfold, the more they interacted, the more she genuinely considered Yun Wan a friend from the bottom of her heart.
There were no tangled interests or conflicts between her and Yun Wan, which made their friendship all the more pure.
"Then do you want to—" The words reached her lips, but as soon as she spoke, Yun Wan realized it was inappropriate and abruptly stopped.
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›It wasn't her place to ask that.
Seeing her hesitate, as if knowing what she wanted to ask, Concubine Hui waved her round fan and smiled. "Don't worry, I'm doing quite well here in the palace. If I left, I wouldn't be used to it."
Ever since she saw that man's true colors, Concubine Hui had completely given up on men. After entering the palace, she had fine food, exquisite drinks, status, and servants at her beck and call.
She only needed to be a good pawn in Emperor Jingxuan's hands—stirring up trouble when necessary and remaining docile when required. Now that she had become confidantes with the Empress, Yun Wan, she had all the wealth and glory she could ever want.
As for freedom, she naturally wanted it too, but one couldn't have their cake and eat it too. She preferred a life of luxury.
Seeing no trace of gloom between her brows, Yun Wan felt somewhat relieved and changed the subject. "After you entered the palace, what happened to that man?"
"Him?" A cold sneer tugged at the corners of Concubine Hui's mouth. "When my father saw that I had successfully entered the palace, he feared the man would spout nonsense outside, so he drove him out of the capital. Once he left the capital, I sent people to break his arms and legs, and had a human trafficker sell him off to Nanyue."
Knowing that her love at first sight for that man was entirely orchestrated by him made Concubine Hui feel as though a fishbone was stuck in her throat. It was as sickening as swallowing a fly, and she hated herself for being so blind.
"As for his female cousin, seeing that her affair with her cousin was exposed, she fled overnight. I suppose she was smart."
The woman had little interaction with her and at least hadn't offended her openly, so Concubine Hui let her go.
Yun Wan nodded. "That's satisfying. It's good that you didn't let him off."
Concubine Hui burst into laughter. "I thought you would say I was cruel, considering I once loved him."
Yun Wan shook her head. "Not at all. His desire to take shortcuts only showed his incompetence. In the end, he didn't even know how to properly climb the social ladder. He was fickle, greedy, and tried to have a foot in two boats. Getting his legs broken was getting off lightly. You were entirely justified in taking revenge on him."
"Who has a foot in two boats?"
Emperor Jingxuan strode in boldly, arriving in front of Yun Wan like a gust of wind.
Yun Wan glanced in Concubine Hui's direction. Emperor Jingxuan understood immediately and offered an unabashed critique: "Her taste is indeed terrible. Not like my wife, who has exceptional taste."
She had chosen him, after all.
Concubine Hui: ... She shouldn't be here.
Yun Wan pinched the palm of his hand. She had never seen anyone who constantly belittled others just to flatter himself.
Emperor Jingxuan raised an eyebrow slightly, unbothered. He was only stating the facts.
Taking a deep breath, Concubine Hui smiled and excused herself. "This concubine just remembered I have matters to attend to. I shall take my leave first."
"Wait a moment," Yun Wan called out to stop her, then turned to Emperor Jingxuan.
"Your Majesty, I still have words to speak with Concubine Hui. Could you wait for me in the inner chamber?" she discussed with him in a soft tone.
Emperor Jingxuan nodded in agreement, albeit displeased.
After he left, Concubine Hui visibly sighed in relief and teased Yun Wan, "His Majesty is only easy to talk to when he's in front of you."
Yun Wan smiled helplessly and brought up a serious matter. "Do you want to see your family?"
Concubine Hui paused, the smile on her face gradually fading.
"Although you have severed your relationship with your father, what about your mother?"
Concubine Hui lowered her eyes, her expression aloof. "My father is domineering. My mother has never had a say in front of him, but she treats me very well. She just never dared to disobey my father's decisions."
Thinking of her weak-willed mother, a complex emotion flashed through her eyes.
Yun Wan pondered for a moment before saying leisurely, "Then I shall invite Madam Zhou into the palace. When the time comes, you mother and daughter can have a chat?"
A look of awkward hesitation crossed Concubine Hui's face, and she didn't reply.
Seeing this, Yun Wan chuckled softly. "If you don't speak, I'll take it as tacit agreement."
...
Ten days later, at a small banquet in the Huicui Hall, Concubine Hui saw the mother she hadn't seen in years.
Yun Wan had deliberately arranged for their seats to be next to each other. As soon as the mother and daughter met, both of their eyes turned red.
Satisfied, Yun Wan withdrew her gaze and turned her head to speak with Lin Xiu and the Eldest Princess seated below.
Meanwhile, the crowd of female guests below looked up at Yun Wan in the seat of honor and sighed with deep emotion.
Who could have imagined that after the position of Empress had been left vacant for over ten years, the one to finally ascend to it would be someone so unexpected?
One could only wonder what the bedridden Old Madam Lu and the Yun family felt about this now.
In a corner, feeling the faint, almost imperceptible mockery from her surroundings, Yun Shiyue sat restlessly, her expression tense.
She hadn't wanted to come, but she had no choice.
All hopes for the survival of Count Wenchang's estate rested entirely on her shoulders.
"Mother, we are here."
Halfway through the banquet, Sui and the other two boys slipped in through a side door. After greeting everyone, they stood by the table grabbing food to eat.
It was sweltering outside, and their three little faces were flushed red, looking incredibly adorable.
Yun Wan raised a hand to wipe the sweat from Sui's face. "Why did you come over now? Weren't you reading and doing your schoolwork?"
Sui took a bite of melon and mumbled, "Imperial Father thought we were too noisy, so he told us to come eat at the banquet."
Pei Qian nodded in agreement. "We only said a few words, and Uncle lost his patience."
He took a sip of ginger honey water and praised, "The food here with Imperial Aunt is still the best."
Unlike his uncle's place, which only had tasteless health-nourishing tea.
Princess Yongshou's mouth twitched slightly. A few words per person meant dozens of words among the three of them.
Moreover, knowing her own son, he had absolutely said more than just a few words. But since they were in public, it wasn't appropriate for her to expose him.
The Third Prince remained silent, solely focused on eating.
He had been forced to recite books all afternoon right under his Imperial Father's nose, and right now he desperately needed to replenish his brainpower.
When some butter got on his cheek, he lowered his head to look for a handkerchief. Seeing this, Concubine Hui conveniently handed him a clean one.
Third Prince: "Thank you, Concubine Hui."
Seeing this, Yun Wan blinked.
The noble ladies below gathered their gazes on Sui, and someone spoke up, "I wonder if His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress have any plans to find study companions for the little Highness?"
"Study companions?"
All royal descendants had study companions. Sui had originally entered the Hongwen Pavilion under the title of the Third Prince's study companion. Now that Sui had become a prince himself, Yun Wan hadn't actually thought about it yet.
She looked down and asked Sui, "Sui, do you want a study companion?"
Ever since Sui could remember, Yun Wan had made it a habit to ask for his own opinion regarding matters concerning him. Now, it was second nature.
After thinking for a moment, Sui nodded. "Yes, but can I choose them myself?"
Yun Wan broke into a smile. "Naturally, you can."
"When the time comes, you can interact with them first and pick for yourself."
For a study companion who would grow up alongside a child, the primary condition was naturally a compatible temperament.
Sui nodded solemnly, committing it to memory.
Beside him, Pei Qian's sense of crisis suddenly spiked. "Cousin, if you get study companions, what about us?"
The Third Prince stopped eating and turned his head to stare at Sui.
Who could have imagined that his study companion would become his brother, and that his brother was about to get a new study companion.
Sui pursed his lips and said solemnly, You guys are different. You will always be my good brothers!
He remembered that the Crown Prince used to have many study companions, a whole crowd following him wherever he went. He didn't need that many himself, but he still needed some.
At the very least, he couldn't lose out in terms of presence.
Hearing this, Pei Qian and the Third Prince felt relieved. That's more like it!
The three of them shared the food in front of them with each other.
Yun Wan chuckled softly. She had no idea where the little guy had learned it, but he had won over their hearts with just a few words.
Seeing that the Empress and the little Highness had the intention of selecting study companions, the female guests exchanged glances, all seeing hope in each other's eyes.
This was wonderful news. If their own child could be selected, it would be a tremendous blessing.
By the end of the small banquet, the female guests left with joyful expressions. The concubines who had seen their relatives also sincerely thanked Yun Wan, accepting this favor.
With Yun Wan and Princess Yongshou present, Lin Xiu became acquainted with many noblewomen. With her gentle temperament and clever mind, she quickly received several invitations.
She was Yun Wan's only close female elder and the mother of the current top scholar. Whatever the reason, the ladies all treated her with politeness.
Those with daughters of marriageable age were even secretly calculating how to play matchmaker.
Your Majesty, the young madam of the Count Wenchang's estate requests an audience. After the banquet ended, a palace servant came to report.
Who? Yun Wan asked reflexively, having no real impression of the Count Wenchang's estate in her mind.
Yue Ya replied, It is Second Miss Yun. It seems she has a favor to ask.
Yun Wan remembered that her younger sister, Yun Shiyue, had indeed brought it up earlier, but she hadn't paid it much mind.
Let her in.
The palace servant led Yun Shiyue in. Accompanying her was a noblewoman dressed simply yet appropriately.
The two entered the hall and paid their respects. This subject's wife, Madam Zou, née Lin of the Count Wenchang's estate, greets Her Majesty the Empress.
Shiyue greets eldest sister.
Yun Wan waved her hand to tell them to rise. Her gaze fell on Yun Shiyue, and her tone was indifferent. My mother only had one child, myself. You may address me the same way everyone else does.
The two women's expressions stiffened. Yun Shiyue lowered her head and replied, Yes, Your Majesty.
The atmosphere grew a bit awkward. Sui, who was sitting obediently beside Yun Wan, suddenly spoke up. Mother, is she your sister? Why haven't I ever seen her?
Yun Wan answered truthfully, Because she has never been to see you.
Sui suddenly frowned, then his brow smoothed out.
He glanced in Yun Shiyue's direction, leaned close to Yun Wan's ear, and muttered softly, Mother, did she bully you before?
Otherwise, as his mother's sister, why would she have never visited him?
Yun Wan smiled and tapped his nose, not denying it. That was all when Mother was little.
When they were young, Yun Shiyue had often resented her for occupying the position of the legitimate daughter of the first wife, and had frequently directed cold mockery and sarcasm at her.
Hearing this, Sui immediately mentally categorized Yun Shiyue with the Crown Prince who had bullied him, firmly crossing her out in his heart.
Yun Wan patted his arm and turned her head. Speak. What business do you have with me?
Madam Zou threw herself to her knees with a thud. Your Majesty, I beg you to save the Count Wenchang's estate, save the Zou family!
Yun Wan's brows furrowed slightly as she signaled for Yun Shiyue to speak.
Yun Shiyue bit her lip. Under her mother-in-law's pointed gaze, she said reluctantly, My father-in-law has been implicated in the Li family's affairs and is now in prison. I beg you to plead with the Emperor on his behalf.
Pleading with this eldest sister she had once looked down upon made her face gradually turn bright red. My father-in-law said that as long as the Zou family can weather this crisis...
She subconsciously glanced at Sui, gritted her teeth, and continued, As long as Your Majesty helps the Zou family through this crisis, we are willing to fully support the little Highness!
This was a declaration of allegiance, but—
Others offer their benefits first. Your Zou family, however, does the exact opposite. Are you saying that only if I help with this favor can I earn the loyalty of the Count Wenchang's estate?
Yun Wan lowered her eyes to look at the two of them, her tone unreadable. And if I don't help, will we become enemies?
In that case, it is better that I do not help. I do not need such loyalty, and neither does Sui.
Without the backing of mutual interests, there was no guarantee that supporters like the Zou family wouldn't switch sides.
What Sui needed were officials who truly supported him.
Hearing this, Madam Zou glared fiercely at her daughter-in-law, then turned to Yun Wan with an explanatory smile. Your Majesty misunderstands! The Zou family has absolutely no intention of making an enemy of you!
Yun Wan said, You say the Zou family was implicated by the Li family, which means a crime was committed. What crime?
Madam Zou hesitated, stammering, Last year, the young master of the Li family took a fancy to a commoner girl. After he forcibly took her back to his estate, the girl, having a fierce temperament, took her own life. Her parents came to make a scene. My husband serves in the Ministry of Justice, and under coercion from the Li family, he had no choice but to hastily close the case.
Who could have known that the Li family, which had boundless glory last year, would have their home confiscated this year. Their own family was affected as a result, and Count Wenchang was filled with endless regret.
Intuition told Yun Wan there was more to the story. She was about to press further when Jiang Fusheng arrived in person and said to her:
Your Majesty, the Emperor sent this servant to inform you that the Zou family not only helped the Li family hastily close the case of the commoner girl, but they also illegally occupied fertile lands and embezzled military funds. Such people are of no benefit to the little Highness.
Minor matters might be overlooked, but daring to do something as state-shaking as embezzling military funds showed that the Zou family was exceedingly audacious. How was such a family any different from parasites?
Yun Wan's expression tightened. The Emperor...
She was surprised not only by what the Zou family had done but even more so by Jiang Fusheng's final sentence.
Thinking of something, she felt a slight wave of nervousness in her heart.
Seeing her grave expression, Jiang Fusheng said with a smile, The Emperor says his heart is the same as yours, but all things must proceed step by step. One cannot rush into the rapids; Your Majesty must wait patiently.
These ambiguous words stirred up terrifying waves in Yun Wan's heart, leaving her stunned.
Sui caught a few words but didn't quite understand. He shook Yun Wan's hand. Mother?
Yun Wan smiled at him, temporarily offering no explanation.
Madam Zou and Yun Shiyue had no idea what the newly arrived eunuch had said to Yun Wan. Seeing that her complexion was poor, they suddenly felt uneasy, an ominous premonition rising in their hearts.
Sure enough, Yun Wan snapped back to reality and put away her chaotic thoughts. She looked down at the two women, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
They had sized her up, assuming she was ignorant of the court's affairs, and planned to fool her, thinking she would agree to plead for leniency.
She spoke coldly, The matter of the Zou family is an imperial decree issued personally by the Emperor. I am powerless to help. Please leave.
Madam Zou was greatly alarmed. Your Majesty—
The words had barely left her mouth when palace servants stepped forward and swiftly dragged them away.
After sending the two away, Yun Wan rested for a moment before heading to the Zichen Palace.
Does the Emperor know everything?