Chapter 122: So I Was Schemed Against
After Han Yi left, Yue Tang sat alone under the window brewing tea.
The sky, clear for only a few days, turned cloudy again. Outside the window, Lan Qin was training a group of eunuchs and maidservants she had selected. She was now the steward aunt of the Prince’s Mansion.
He Shi, oh, Mei Qing, her name was He Meiqing. At this moment, she stood to the side, seriously watching Lan Qin speak.
Since moving in, Prince Duan’s Mansion had completely swept away the desolation from when Chu Yan was there. Everyone was busy operating this Prince’s Mansion, just like the scene from a few short years ago.
“Princess,” Huo Yun walked in, “the Shen Family sent someone to ask if the Princess received the invitation delivered this morning. How should this subordinate reply?”
“Just say I went out.” Yue Tang glanced at him, “I know what they want. Empress Dowager Shen took Shen Yizhu into the Palace, taking advantage of this loophole, planning to get the moon first near the water tower. The stage is already set up for them, let them perform first, no need to rush to respond.
“We do our own things.
“Don’t forget that Prince’s cause of death has not yet been revealed. Without revealing it, there’s no way to take revenge on the Mu Family.”
It could now be confirmed that Prince Duan’s death was greatly related to Mu Chang, but so what? Without knowing the causes and effects, they didn’t even know where to break through the Mu Family.
The Emperor had been taken over by the Mu Family from when he was a little over five years old. Even though he had enough guards and servants around him, if from that time the Mu Family had the intention to push the Second Prince onto the throne, then the Emperor’s ten years in Jiangling actually made it impossible for him to build remarkable power.
While the Mu Family was wholeheartedly raising him, if they couldn’t firmly control him, how could they talk about profiting from it?
The Emperor’s dependence on the Mu Family was a fact, and he had no choice but to depend on them.
If Yue Tang dealt with the Mu Family like she did the Chu Family, that would be equivalent to cutting off the Emperor’s arm, and the Emperor would absolutely not allow it.
The Shen Family sending an invitation was within her expectations.
Showing authority against Mu Shuyun at the Palace Banquet was not a momentary spiritedness, but deliberate.
The reason for publicly rejecting the proposal for Mu Shuyun to become Empress was first to extinguish the Mu Family’s intentions, and second to draw the Shen Family to act.
The greatest benefit for Yue Tang from the Mu and Shen Families fighting each other was the possibility of forcing out the Mu Family’s weaknesses through the Shen Family’s hands. If the Shen Family had enough strength to take down the Mu Family in one fell swoop, that would be even better.
But this Empress Dowager Shen was no pushover either. At present, Yue Tang held the initiative and did not want to respond positively.
“Then how should we investigate Prince’s cause of death next?” Huo Yun scratched his head.
Yue Tang looked at the roster on the table and said to him, “Have you not gotten a dispatch yet?”
Huo Yun was a bit embarrassed: “This subordinate wanted to get a leader position in the Imperial Guard Department, but Master wouldn’t allow it. He said I act rashly and told me to go to Yong Qing Hall to await the Princess’s dispatch.”
Yue Tang smiled, “Then go handle an important matter.
“Take a few people to investigate clearly all the people who were serving nearby when Empress Mu went into labor twenty years ago. The Imperial Household Department should have records. Report the result for every single one, whether dead or alive, gone or stayed.
“I always feel that behind the Empress and Mother going into labor on the same day, there might be some things we don’t know.”
Because the Mu Family’s crime was twenty years ago.
At that time, Empress Mu was already pregnant with the Second Prince. Yue Tang was also already in Princess Duan’s abdomen.
In other words, the Mu Family returned to Jiangling with the whole family when the Empress was pregnant with the dragon child.
Too few clues. Yue Tang couldn’t make more speculations.
But the timing of these two events was so delicate, it was worth investigating thoroughly.
“Good.” Huo Yun nodded, “This subordinate will go right now.”
Yue Tang instructed, “You must act carefully, do not beat the grass and startle the snake. The Palace releases a batch of people every three years. It’s not easy to investigate something from twenty years ago. Be thorough, don’t miss anyone.”
“This subordinate will first get this list, then check them one by one!”
Yue Tang nodded and let him leave.
Lan Qin lifted the curtain and came in: “Why not rest a bit?”
“Did you send the Shen Family member back?”
“They’ve already left. But looking at that attitude, they still won’t give up.” Lan Qin sneered, “In my opinion, when begging, one should at least act like they’re begging.
“What’s the point of always sending a subordinate?
“If they really have sincerity, the principals themselves should come to visit in person.”
Yue Tang looked at the shadow under the stove: “Isn’t this just like Mu Shuyun? They don’t think this Princess is worth respecting.”
Lan Qin was speechless.
Then she sat down below her: “In the end, you’ve returned to the proper position. No need to hide in the shadows anymore, can directly enter the Imperial Palace, get close to these ghosts and gods, it’s still better than before, right?”
“It’s better, but opportunities to be disgusted like this have also increased.” Yue Tang curled her lips, “Even a minister’s daughter can comment on my marriage matters, which itself shows they are certain of my lone status, with very limited ability to counterattack.”
Speaking to here, she still couldn’t help but darken her face and put down the cup: “This Mu Shuyun is truly detestable! Daring to trample me!”
Lan Qin rarely saw her throw a tantrum and felt relieved: “Indeed overreaching!”
Throwing a tantrum is good, it shows a bit of the previous playful and willful, beloved appearance.
Yue Tang paced a few steps in the room: “If she can’t become Empress, what will her future be?”
Lan Qin thought for a moment: “Either endure humiliation and enter the Palace as a consort, or marry low in resentment. In the past years, she publicized her friendship with the Emperor to everyone. Not becoming Empress would be hard to conclude.”
Hearing this, Yue Tang slowly nodded.
……
When the Shen Family subordinate brought the news back from Prince Duan’s Mansion to Shen Yi’s ears, Shen Yi and his wife, along with Shen Li and Shen Family’s second son Shen Min who were waiting for the news, all fell silent at this result.
“This girl is not easy to deal with.” Shen Min complained first, “What is she thinking? That night Mu Chang led troops to save her, and the Mu Family has that special relationship with the Emperor. Logically, as a lone person, she should align with the Mu Family to make her life easier.
“Who knew without a word at the Palace Banquet she clashed with the Mu Family girl, not giving any face and offending the Mu Family.
“Offending is offending, maybe she looks down on the Mu Family’s character. Then when our Shen Family shows goodwill, why is she so aloof?
“So she gives face to no one, thinking that with the Emperor’s three points of courtesy to her, she can strut around in the future?
“This is not like when the Former Emperor was around. Not only is the Former Emperor gone, Prince Duan’s Mansion has no one else, and she can’t possibly marry Prince Jingyang. Would Prince Jingyang be her fool forever? Protect her forever?
“Our Shen Family, this ready-made powerful noble house, condescends to send her an invitation, and she still puts on airs!”
Shen Min’s indignant voice echoed in the room.
While Shen Yi just anxiously paced in circles: “Talking so much, why not use your brains to think of a way? The Empress Dowager is urging tightly!
“Today the Emperor drank the soup Yi Zhu personally stewed, praised her, and even rewarded pastries. This is a good sign!
“We must strike while the iron is hot!
“The Mu Family girl grew up with the Emperor, their bond is different. To prevent her from turning the tables later, we must settle the overall situation now!”
Shen Li frowned and sat silently for a moment before saying, “You’ve all forgotten how Princess Yongjia got from three years ago to now.
“From the outskirts forest to the Capital City, she walked that road for a full three years, stirring up storms in the Capital, overturning the Censor-in-Chief of the current dynasty, the Imperial City Department Envoy, and two fourth-rank generals.
“And Second Uncle is still saying she has no qualification to take credit.
“In my opinion, not only should we be polite, we should have the Empress Dowager personally step in.”
Shen Yi and his brother immediately turned to him.
Shen Li recalled the Yue Tang he saw in the Palace that day and looked back: “Princess Yongjia was jointly taught by the Former Emperor and Former Empress, and served filial piety at the Emperor and Empress’s bedside before their illness. Even if seeking something from her, for the Empress Dowager to personally step in once is not losing face.
“Moreover, this can also show the Empress Dowager’s benevolence in loving the house and its crow, still cherishing the Former Emperor’s niece after his passing.
“Since it’s already urgent now, why not show full sincerity to make things faster and smoother?”
Perhaps his words evoked everyone’s memories, linking again the rumored murderer who gutted He Jianzhong with the noble Princess in palace attire gracefully walking in the court, and they no longer had objections.
Shen Li then carried Shen Yi’s instructions and hurriedly entered Yongfu Palace.
Empress Dowager Shen was in a very good mood.
Because the Emperor had pastries sent over, and they were specially made by the imperial kitchen.
She naturally also knew that Mu Shuyun had gone to Zichen Hall before this.
But precisely because of this, this action became more and more interesting the more one savored it.
After orally passing the news to the Shen Family, she sent someone out of the Palace again: “Go to the Shen Family to decree that the Eldest Young Lady has merit in serving the Emperor, this is the merit of Lord Shen and Madam. I also want to reward.”
When the eunuch carried the imperial decree out of the Palace Gate, he happened to meet Shen Li.
After exchanging words, Shen Li quickened his pace into the Palace Gate.
“Aunt.” Shen Li paid respects, “Are you planning to publicize today’s matter?”
Empress Dowager Shen slowly glanced at him and continued flipping through the writing practiced by the Fourth Prince, “If not publicized, how to make that Mu Family girl jump? It’s rare for the Emperor to follow my wishes once, can’t disappoint him.”
Speaking to here, she turned back: “What are you here for?”
Shen Li came back to his senses and stated his purpose: “… Nephew is afraid of messing up the matter, came to ask Aunt for advice.”
“Not agreeing?” Empress Dowager Shen was somewhat displeased: “Although I’ve not seen her much, I also watched her grow up.
“If she doesn’t plan to get involved, even if I go, she won’t agree.”
Shen Li paused: “She and Prince Jingyang currently seem to be of one mind. If she doesn’t agree, if we directly seek Prince Jingyang, we’re even more likely to hit a wall. Even if we can find others to propose, if their faction doesn’t approve, it will be very troublesome.”
Empress Dowager Shen’s gaze lingered on the large characters in her hand, then looked up: “Her attitude toward the Mu Family is somewhat strange. Doesn’t the Mu Family still carry the fame of saving her? Why is she so disregardful of face toward Mu Shuyun?”
Shen Li’s gaze dimmed: “Father and Second Uncle were also puzzled just now.”
Empress Dowager Shen suddenly put down the paper, her expression darkening as she stood up: “Could it be that she—knows something?”
Shen Li was puzzled: “Knows what?”
Countless waves instantly flashed in Empress Dowager Shen’s eyes: “Do you know how Chu Ying died?”
Shen Li hesitated: “Wasn’t it because he committed a crime and was executed by the Imperial Guards?
“No.” Empress Dowager Shen gazed at him sinisterly, “He was silenced.”
“…Who silenced him? Mu Chang?”
“Three years ago, the mastermind of the murder of Princess Yongjia was Chu Ying, but Chu Ying had accomplices. He must have had accomplices to precisely set up that murder!”
Shen Li’s whole body stiffened. Shen Yizhu, who had already walked over holding tea to under the curtain, also froze.
“Aunt means Mu Chang is that accomplice?” Shen Li’s muscles and bones tensed up, “You mean the Princess disregards the Mu Family’s face because she discovered this?”
“Since she investigated to the Chu Family, nothing is impossible.” Empress Dowager Shen sat down next to the chair, her dark expression now mixed with a trace of panic, “She’s more formidable than you and I imagined. She’s not simply trying to deal with Mu Shuyun, but using that sentence from Mu Shuyun to stir up a storm!
“She wants us to clash with the Mu Family!”
Empress Dowager Shen furrowed her brows tightly and sneered. “She knows that after the Mu Family girl is stepped down, we will surely seize this opportunity to advance! She wants me to fight the Mu Family for her! …This damn girl, I actually forgot to guard against her!”
Shen Yizhu stepped forward and put down the tea: “In that case, Yi Zhu can immediately return to the mansion!”
“Who allowed you to say such things?” Empress Dowager Shen looked up.
Shen Yizhu bit her lip and looked toward her brother.
“Didn’t I make it clear to you long ago?” Empress Dowager Shen said deeply, “From the year the Former Emperor made me Empress, our Shen Family boarded the thief’s ship!
“We are just a knife used to suppress the Mu Family, to prevent them from seizing the Imperial Court upon arrival!
“For the Shen Family to be safe, we can only charge ahead with heads down.
“The Emperor has been on the throne for three years. Don’t think he doesn’t bite just because he doesn’t act daily. A toothless tiger is still a tiger. Do you think if we don’t fight, he will allow us to retreat unscathed?
“The Emperor wants true dominion over the world, while the Mu Family wants to cover the sky in the Imperial Court with one hand!
“I still have a Fourth Prince, that’s a thorn in their hearts forever! Once we can’t hold onto the Imperial Seal in our hands, the day we hand it over is the day the Shen Family is doomed!”
Tears welled up in Shen Yizhu’s eyes as she lifted her skirt and knelt: “Yi Zhu was wrong! Please punish me, Aunt!”
Empress Dowager Shen still had a face full of anger: “Letting you enter the Palace is not just your matter. Even knowing now we’ve been schemed against, you can only jump forward! This Empress position we must fight to the end, not only that, you must make yourself useful to the Emperor, not just an Empress!
“Do you understand?!”
“I understand! Yi Zhu understands!” Shen Yizhu wiped her tears and nodded heavily.
Empress Dowager Shen took a breath: “Get up! Regarding Mu Chang killing Chu Ying to silence him, not a word of this to outsiders.”
Though the siblings had doubts in their hearts, they could only nod.
Empress Dowager Shen calmed her anger, then suddenly looked at Shen Li: “Finding Princess Yongjia is not urgent for now.
“The previous imperial decree I’ve already handled, have your parents do as I said.
“Tomorrow go to the Imperial Guard Camp and ask around. Before nightfall, investigate clearly and tell me exactly what happened in the alley that night before Chu Ying died?
“I want to know what she has already figured out about the events back then?”
By the end, her hand hidden under her sleeve unconsciously clenched.
