Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 57

The monarch and the minister. From now on, let’s be the monarch and the minister. 

These words echoed incessantly in Xiao Yu’s ears.

He couldn’t tell how long it took him to distinguish between the dream and reality.

The dream was like a mirror, immersing him in the past, revealing all the hidden aspects.

Did she only smile and frown later because she saw him as an emperor?

Xiao Yu sat up, clutching his chest, and coughed several times, a fishy-sweet taste rising in his throat.

Why did Ling Yun Daoist mention that the empress’s soul had scattered? Perhaps she didn’t want to come back…

Xiao Yu looked at Qin Ling, whose legs were wrapped in bandages, and sat silently for a long time. Only when Eunuch Sheng called from outside did Xiao Yu put on his clothes and go out.

As his footsteps receded, Qin Ling opened her eyes, and her reddened eyes gradually regained clarity.

Thinking back, she couldn’t help but tug at the corner of her mouth.

In the past, she would carefully analyze his every glance, full of love. She deserved to be fooled.

Li Yuan desired power, and the empress dowager desired control. And what about him? He probably desired both…

Not to mention, time is a great thing. Those countless nights of tossing and turning, those painful memories, after experiencing the passage of time, she could now look back at them with detachment.

Perhaps this is the advantage of death.

Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall, followed by Momo Yuan’s shouting, “Slow down, slow down.”

“Mum!”

Upon hearing her son’s voice, Qin Ling quickly sat up, but to her surprise, she realized that not only were her knees weak, but there were also ribbons tied around her wrists.

“Who tied you up like this!?” Xiao Yun exclaimed in shock.

Seeing his furrowed brows and wide-eyed gaze, Qin Ling felt some of her pent-up frustration dissipate. She extended her wrist and said gently, “I developed a rash on my legs, and your father was afraid I would scratch it at night, so he came up with this method. Now that it’s morning, would you please untie it for me?”

Xiao Yu looked at Qin Ling skeptically, observing her from head to toe, and then asked, “You developed a rash, Consort Mother? Where is it? Does it hurt? Have you taken any medicine?”

Momo Yuan, listening to the eldest prince’s caring inquiries, couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Your Highness is so filial. Jieyu is truly fortunate.”

After listening to Qin Ling’s answers, Xiao Yun finally relaxed his furrowed brows and climbed onto the bed. He knelt at the edge of the couch and earnestly untied the ribbons that bound his mother.

***

Nearly half a month had passed.

During this time, the empress dowager had suspended the morning and evening greetings while Qin Ling remained secluded in the palace to recover from her injuries. Everything seemed calm on the surface, but Consort Xue was restless.

Even in her dreams, Xue Xiangyang would tell her to find Si Yue.

Consort Xue set aside the Buddhist scripture in her hand and said to Qing Yue, “The Qin family has caused such a disgraceful incident, and His Majesty has chosen to suppress it. If I were to say she is a spy, would His Majesty believe it?”

These words grated on Qing Yue’s ears. “Once Your Ladyship obtains evidence and presents it, even if His Majesty remains doubtful, the truth will surely be uncovered.”

That was the rationale.

Consort Xue nodded, unable to help but mutter, “How many days have passed, and yet my elder brother can’t even capture a mere performer! No wonder he can’t catch Su Huai’an.”

Qing Yue replied, “That performer is not in the capital city after all, so his movements will be delayed. Please wait a little longer, Your Ladyship.”

Consort Xue took a sip of cold tea to calm her mind and said, “Once I achieve success this time, even if His Majesty doesn’t treat me differently, he will attribute the credit to my elder brother, won’t he?”

Qing Yue responded, “Previously, it was the Su family’s treason, and now there is a spy in the Qin family. Sooner or later, His Majesty will recognize your worth.”

Consort Xue nodded with a “Hmm.”

Hopefully, hopefully.

The next day at noon, Qing Yue handed a sealed confidential letter to Consort Xue, just like in Consort Xue’s dream. “Your Ladyship, Lord Xue has captured someone.”

Consort Xue immediately sat up from the couch, adjusted her hairpin, and asked, “Tell me!”

Qing Yue replied, “The performer was taken to the Ministry of Justice yesterday and personally interrogated by Lord Xue. However, she remained stubborn and didn’t confess, even under torture.”

Consort Xue narrowed her eyes and said, “If she can endure the methods of the Ministry of Justice, doesn’t that make her even more suspicious? If she’s not an accomplice, why wouldn’t she speak?”

“The person hasn’t confessed. What does Your Ladyship plan to do?”

Consort Xue said, “Since we have captured her, we naturally need to report to His Majesty first. Even if the evidence is insufficient, can all these incidents be mere coincidences?”

Consort Xue called for a young eunuch and whispered instructions to him for a long time. She said, “Go, deliver my message to Eunuch Sheng word for word.”

The young eunuch nodded and said, “I understand, Your Ladyship.”

***

In Yangxin Hall, Xiao Yu sat by the window, supporting his chin on the armrest and rubbing his nose bridge. The dark circles under his eyes seemed more profound, and his fatigue was hard to hide. Eunuch Sheng lowered his voice and said, “Consort Xue wishes to see Your Majesty.”

“I don’t want to see her,” Xiao Yu said calmly. “Let her discuss the harem matters with Consort Liu. I’m busy.”

Eunuch Sheng lowered his voice even further and said, “Consort Xue said this matter is related to the spy.”

“She can investigate spies in the harem?” Xiao Yu sneered. “If there’s something, let Xue Xiangyang submit a report directly.”

Eunuch Sheng bowed and retreated, then said to the young eunuch from Xianfu Palace, “Go back and tell Consort Xue that His Majesty is busy and cannot be disturbed. If there’s something, let Lord Xue submit the report.”

The young eunuch smiled obsequiously and said, “Gonggong, there is one urgent message that Consort Xue asked me to deliver to you.”

Eunuch Sheng pursed his lips and waved his hand, and the palace maids and eunuchs quickly withdrew.

“Speak.”

The young eunuch tiptoed closer to Eunuch Sheng’s ear and whispered a few words. Eunuch Sheng’s pupils dilated, and he sternly said, “How dare you say such things!”

“Gonggong, if Consort Xue didn’t have evidence, how could she dare to say such things?”

The Qin family, spies.

The events from three years ago were as vivid as yesterday. Eunuch Sheng’s body staggered, and he stumbled a few steps.

“Careful, gonggong.” The young eunuch quickly supported Eunuch Sheng.

Eunuch Sheng turned back again, squeezing the fleshy part between his thumbs, and then said softly, “Your Majesty, Consort Xue… Consort Xue said…”

Xiao Yu picked up a teacup from the table and took a sip.

Eunuch Sheng’s breathing became rapid. “Xue… Your Majesty…”

Xiao Yu narrowed his eyes at him. “Speak.”

Eunuch Sheng closed his eyes and gathered his courage. He said, “Consort Xue said that Lord Xue has uncovered a spy, and it is Jieyu Qin.”

As soon as the words fell, the blue and white porcelain teacup slipped from Xiao Yu’s hand. It shattered into pieces with a clang.

***

In Xianfu Palace, Xiao Yu sat on the throne inlaid with rosewood and jade chrysanthemums, caressing the white jade thumb ring in his hand. He spoke coldly, “Speak if you have something to say.”

Consort Xue’s excitement and joy faded as she listened to his icy tone. Her heart sank.

It’s ridiculous to say that she had been in the palace for over three years, and today was actually the emperor’s first time stepping into Xianfu Palace. And it’s all because of another woman.

Consort Xue handed the letter to Xiao Yu with both hands and said softly, “Your Majesty, please have a look.”

Xiao Yu took it and immediately opened it.

The letter detailed the events leading up to Jieyu Qin’s entry into the palace, including how she had bought a performer under the identity of a Xue family’s girl, how the performer had escaped to another place, and what the keeper of the pawnshop in the capital city said. It was all clearly and precisely recorded.

Consort Xue saw the emperor remain silent, but the veins on the back of his hand were bulging. Honestly, at this moment, she felt somewhat sympathetic toward the emperor. Looking at this solitary figure, who only doted on two people, both of whom turned out to be rebels, she couldn’t even dare to write such a plot in a play.

Consort Xue cautiously said, “That performer is currently in the prison of the Ministry of Justice. Your Majesty, you can personally interrogate her.”

Xiao Yu raised his gaze and looked at Consort Xue. “Have you mentioned this matter to anyone else?”

“This matter is of great importance, and I dare not speak rashly,” Consort Xue paused, then continued, “Furthermore, I know that the evidence in this matter is insufficient. I’m afraid of wrongly accusing Jieyu Qin. Apart from a palace servant, I haven’t mentioned it to anyone else.”

Xiao Yu suddenly stood up and gazed blankly toward the outside.

Eunuch Sheng hurriedly followed and asked, “Your Majesty, where are you going?”

Under the afternoon’s scorching sun, blinding and dizzying, Xiao Yu pinched his temples, desperately trying to regulate his breathing. After a moment, he said, “First, seal Xianfu Palace. I’m going out of the palace.”

Eunuch Sheng’s eyes showed astonishment. Seal Xianfu Palace? What does this mean? But it was clear that he had to comply.

Sheng Gonggong said, “This servant will immediately summon the sedan chair.”

Xiao Yu raised his voice urgently, “No formalities, prepare a horse for me immediately.”

“Yes.”

Xiao Yu left the imperial palace gate and headed straight to the Ministry of Justice. Due to his plain clothes, the minor officials at the ministry didn’t recognize him.

“Where is Xue Xiangyang?”

The official trembled at the chilling aura emanating from this person and swallowed his saliva before saying, “You, you… How dare you directly address His Lordship by his name.”

Xiao Yu tossed the bright yellow token in his arms to him and said, “Lead the way.”

The official caught the scorching token, looked at it closely, and his knees weakened. It felt like his mind had been blown away by the wind.

The emperor himself had actually come in person.

Xiao Yu arrived at the southern office. The door was not yet open, but he heard Xue Xiangyang say, “Mr. Zhuang, this action of yours is not called redemption, it’s bribery. I, as an official, cannot accept this money.”

Mr. Zhuang laughed, saying, “If Lord Xue won’t accept it, then what about Young Master Xue? Will he also refuse it?”

Xue Xiangyang slammed his palm on the table. “Are you threatening me?”

Although Zhuang Sheng held no official position, he was the grandson of the Duke of Zhuang and had considerable influence in the martial world.

Xue Xiangyang was not afraid of him, nor did he want to confront him head-on.

“How could this be a threat?” Zhuang Sheng said leisurely. “This humble Zhuang came here today just to ask, what exactly is her crime that warrants Lord Xue personally executing the punishment?”

Xue Xiangyang sneered and said, “Then let me ask you as well, is she your wife or your concubine?”

A minor official rushed over, anxiously tugging at Xue Xiangyang’s sleeve. “My lord, outside…”

Xue Xiangyang raised his sleeve and snapped, “Get lost! Can’t you see I’m busy?”

The office doors were forcefully pushed open as soon as he finished speaking.

Xue Xiangyang and Zhuang Sheng both turned their heads at the same time.

Their gazes met instantly, and Xue Xiangyang felt his heart almost stop. He bowed, extended his arms forward, and said, “I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

Zhuang Sheng also followed with a salute. “This humble one pays my respects to Your Majesty.”

Xiao Yu’s gaze swept across the room, and he said in a deep voice, “Bring her here. I will personally interrogate her.”

Zhuang Sheng said, “Your Majesty!” Xue Xiangyang ordered his men to restrain Zhuang Sheng and promptly responded, “I will bring her here immediately.”

With the emperor personally present, the minor officials surrounded the Ministry of Justice, making it impossible for anyone to enter or leave. The servants on duty in the southern office quickly evacuated, and Xue Xiangyang brought Si Yue in front of Xiao Yu.

Si Yue’s hair was disheveled, but her clothes were neat, and there were traces of blood at the corner of her mouth.

She stood tall with a graceful smile, and a hint of enchantment was in her brows. “Didn’t I already say, I don’t know anything?”

Xue Xiangyang felt a headache whenever he saw Si Yue. Yesterday, while torturing her, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She wasn’t exceptionally beautiful, but there was this…bewitching charm. Fortunately, he was not a person who let lust cloud his judgment.

Xue Xiangyang gritted his teeth and muttered, “You better be honest with me.”

Xiao Yu said, “You may leave.”

Xue Xiangyang glanced at Si Yue and bowed, saying, “I take my leave.”

Xiao Yu scrutinized the woman before him and said flatly, “I have a question for you, and I expect an honest answer.”

Si Yue knew that no matter how powerful someone might be, they were not truly above the highest authority. She took a trembling breath and exhaled deeply.

Xiao Yu pressed the edge of his finger against the table and said, “When she invited you to the Qin’s residence, what did you teach her?”

Si Yue replied, “I am but a lowly actress, without talent or virtue, unfit to be anyone’s mentor.”

Xiao Yu looked into her eyes and continued, “Did you teach her calligraphy, singing, or acting?”

Si Yue’s heart skipped a beat, and she evaded the question, saying, “No, Miss Qin only learned painting.”

Xiao Yu, who had been appointed as the Left Censorate Assistant at a young age, naturally knew when someone was lying. He took a piece of paper, dipped the brush in ink, wrote something, and placed it in front of her, saying, “These black words on white paper can serve as an imperial edict. I will not condemn you, nor will I blame her.”

The writing on the paper was powerful and authoritative, just like the person who wrote it.

Xiao Yu gazed at her intently and asked, “Can you sing <Raiment of Rainbows and Feathers>?”

Si Yue suddenly lifted her head and locked eyes with the emperor. She gathered her courage and cautiously probed, “In Your Majesty’s heart, how does Miss Qin…”

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Xiao Yu’s lips as he said, “I treat her as my wife, but she often tests my patience. I won’t press you further. If you don’t want to speak, then sing a song. That will suffice.”

Si Yue, who had observed countless individuals, had never seen eyes like his. They seemed to overlook the world, profound yet lonely.

Taking a deep breath, Si Yue slowly stood up, steadied herself, and slightly bent her waist. She extended her left arm, turned her wrist, and began to sing, her voice emerging gently from her throat. Despite the wounds on her waist from the punishment she had endured, it didn’t diminish the shadow of herself that Xiao Yu saw in her.

Her skillful lips produced melodious words, each carrying a hint of coquettishness.

Xiao Yu felt a sudden pain in his chest as memories spun incessantly before his eyes—

She wore a golden hairpin adorned with red pearls as she gracefully bowed to him, saying, “May Your Majesty enjoy everlasting prosperity.”

Timidly, she looked at him and asked, “Your Majesty, may you rest here tonight?”

Choking with emotion, she asked him, “Am I inadequate in any way?”

She whispered softly in his ear, “Whoever Your Majesty gazes upon, I am that person.”

She cautiously probed, “Your Majesty’s intention… is it to entrust the eldest prince to me for upbringing?”

Her brows and eyes curved, and she asked, “May Your Majesty listen to me singing <Raiment of Rainbows and Feathers>?”

All those explanations that couldn’t be understood, both familiar and unfamiliar, had found their answers at this moment.

As the song ended, Xiao Yu’s face turned pale, devoid of color. He uttered in a low voice, “You… rise.”

Once again, Si Yue knelt down, touching her forehead to the ground, and said, “I express my gratitude for Your Majesty’s favor.”