In Xiao Yichen’s memory, his seventh brother, who grew up in the cold palace, was still the thin, cowardly, poor creature who dared not get angry or speak out when bullied a few years ago.
Although he later learned that the person who killed his mother was not Noble Consort Zhao, but he did not feel the slightest guilt. After all, it was their Emperor Father who caused this result and allowed everyone to bully the Seventh Prince at will.
But at this moment, Xiao Shen’s gaze was like the thousand-year-old ice in the cold pond and deep river. When he stared at him, it was so cold, as if he were looking at a dead person. He suddenly realized that the youth in front of him had become completely different from before, without knowing when.
“What kind of gaze is this?” Xiao Yichen managed to calm himself down and said in a pretentious tone, “Aren’t you also disgusted with Shen Qingzhuo? Gu avenged you, shouldn’t you thank Gu?”
A creepy smile suddenly appeared on his handsome face. Xiao Shen asked word by word, “Who else has Your Highness the Crown Prince told this to?”
The corners of his lips were raised, but his brows were still frozen, and the coldness in his eyes did not fade at all.
Xiao Yichen’s scalp was numb at the weird smile, and he couldn’t even pronounce the words clearly, “Never told… anyone else.”
After all, he is Lord Shen from Beizhen Fushi, one of the people his Emperor Father trusts the most. He only dares to express his anger secretly but dares not to make enemies or break up with Shen Qingzhuo openly.
Especially since Pan Chong’s case has not been settled yet, his heart was always hanging in the air, and he couldn’t sleep or eat well.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yichen’s eyes darkened. “Gu is in a hurry to meet Emperor Father, Gu doesn’t have time to talk nonsense with you.”
Xiao Shen stood there motionless.
His line of sight was almost level with that of the Crown Prince. His solid muscles were hidden under his brocade robe. He looked thin but not weak. Just standing there, he gave off a natural sense of oppression.
Xiao Yichen straightened his back unconsciously and threatened with a bad look: “A good dog doesn’t block the road. If you insist on blocking the road, don’t blame Imperial Brother for being rude.”
The two guards behind him understood and eagerly drew their swords.
“Chendi was just joking, why is Imperial Brother so angry?” Just when the swords were about to be drawn, Xiao Shen suddenly laughed and stepped aside to say, “Imperial Brother, please.”
Xiao Yichen couldn’t help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief. He immediately snorted coldly and left.
Xiao Shen raised his eyelashes slightly and watched the Crown Prince leave. The coldness in his eyes faded away and was replaced by a strong, bloody, murderous aura.
He took a step forward and continued walking towards the Changshou Palace, but in his mind he already had an idea of how the Crown Prince would die in the near future.
Each way of dying is different, but each one is more miserable than the other. He might as well try them all.
He practiced along the way, and by the time he arrived at Changshou Palace, Xiao Shen had recovered as normal.
He straightened his clothes and went straight to the inner hall.
“Imperial Grandmother!” She heard his voice before she even saw him. Xiao Shen called the Empress Dowager warmly, “Grandmother, grandson is here to pay his respects!”
“Hey.” The Empress Dowager was sitting at the table eating breakfast. She put down her silver chopsticks with a smile when she heard the words. “I can hear your voice from far away. Are there any happy events?”
“How can there be?” Xiao Shen bowed and then got up. “No, coming to pay respects to Grandmother is also a happy event.”
The Empress Dowager was amused by him, and her smile became more loving. “It is better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. Just in time to have breakfast with Grandmother.”
Xiao Shen was already a frequent visitor to Changshou Palace. He sat down without any hesitation and complained, “If Second Brother hadn’t stopped me in Yu Garden just now, I would have come earlier.”
The Empress Dowager looked at him and asked concernedly, “Good child, did the Crown Prince make things difficult for you?”
“Eh, how does Imperial Grandmother know that Second Brother doesn’t like me?” Xiao Shen widened his eyes in surprise.
The Empress Dowager sighed, her eyes full of pity, “These things are not secrets in the palace.”
“That’s right…” Xiao Shen responded, his eyes slightly lowered, “However, the Second Prince not only scolded me but also scolded Master Shen.”
“Qingzhuo?” The Empress Dowager asked calmly, “Is there any feud between the Crown Prince and Qingzhuo?”
Xiao Shen scratched his head and replied uncertainly: “I’m not very clear, but from what the Second Prince said, it seems that the case of Pan Chong involved the Eastern Palace, so the Second Prince was angry with Master Shen.”
“Pan Chong’s case…” The Empress Dowager seemed to be thinking about something, scooping up the soup with the spoon in her hand. “What do you think of this case, Shen’er?”
“This…” Xiao Shen hesitated for a moment and replied righteously, “Grandson heard the palace attendants talking privately, saying that it was Pan Changgong who was tempted by the beauty and deserved to die.”
These words were said innocently and adorably. The Empress Dowager smiled and shook her head, then changed the subject: “Have Shen’er and Master Shen been in contact recently?”
“That’s it. He will occasionally pretend to give me some guidance.” Xiao Shen spread his hands nonchalantly.
“Shen’er, you have to take good care of Master Shen.” The Empress Dowager put down the spoon and taught him gently, “Not to mention that his father is King Zhenbei, but his mother is also Grandmother’s niece. In this way, you are also cousins.”
Xiao Shen muttered, “But he never treated me as a relative either…”
“Shen’er, you have grown up. You need to learn to be flexible in some things.” The Empress Dowager said earnestly, “Even if you don’t like Master Shen in your heart, but he is helpful to you now. You can’t push him to the opposite side of you.”
Xiao Shen seemed to understand: “Then… should I please Master Shen?”
“You are the Seventh Prince of Dayong. You don’t have to please anyone.” The Empress Dowager looked at him kindly. “But it’s always right to be close to them.”
Xiao Shen nodded vigorously and replied in a clear and loud voice, “I understand, Grandmother!”
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled with satisfaction and gave him a handful of bird’s nest smoked duck slices with chopsticks. “Good child, eat more ah.”
After breakfast, Xiao Shen chatted obediently with the Empress Dowager for a while before asking to leave.
He left the inner hall under the Empress Dowager’s loving gaze, and as soon as he walked to the outer room, he bumped into a young palace maid.
His handsome eyebrows wrinkled slightly, he suppressed his annoyance and raised his hand to support the panicked maid.
“Are you alright?” The Seventh Prince asked casually.
“Your Highness the Seventh Prince…” The little maid stood up straight and stammered, “The servant deserves death…”
Standing so close to the Seventh Prince, with his handsome face right in front of her eyes, his deep and pleasant voice ringing in her ears, and a cool fragrance with hot air blowing over her face, the young palace maid’s face turned red like a steamed shrimp.
Xiao Shen let go of his hand and smiled slightly: “It’s just a bump, what’s the big deal?”
The young palace maid lowered her head: “Thanks, thanks, Your Highness the Seventh Prince.”
“Raise your face and let me see you.” Xiao Shen lowered his voice and ordered in a low voice.
The young palace maid raised her face nervously and met the Seventh Prince’s deep and smiling eyes. Her heartbeat suddenly became disordered and so violent that it seemed like it would jump out of her chest.
“What’s your name?” Xiao Shen looked at her with eyes that seemed to have hooks, scratching the young palace maid’s face.
The young maid replied absentmindedly, “The servant is called Liu Li…”
“It’s a nice name.” Xiao Shen smiled again and waved his hand. “Liu Li, go in and serve the Empress Dowager.”
“Yes, Your Highness…” Liu Li bowed and walked into the inner hall in a daze.
The next moment, Xiao Shen put away the deliberate smile on his lips and walked out of Changshou Palace with an expressionless face.
***
Inside the Zichen Palace, Consort Xian was half lying in Emperor Guangxi’s arms. She picked up a crystal grape, peeled it, and stuffed it into Emperor Guangxi’s mouth.
Emperor Guangxi held the busy hands and said with a smile, “Grapes peeled by beloved consort are so sweet.”
“Your Majesty only knows how to say nice things to please Chenqie.” Consort Xian said coquettishly, “Your Majesty hasn’t summoned Chenqie for a long time. If Chenqie hadn’t missed Your Majesty so much and come here uninvited today…”
“Don’t be angry, beloved consort.” Emperor Guangxi coaxed, “Zhen has been busy with state affairs recently, and the Taoist priest has urged Zhen to cultivate his character, so Zhen neglected beloved consort.”
Consort Xian stood up from his arms, her soft eyes filled with anger and resentment. “Is Your Majesty serious? Your Majesty didn’t summon any sisters at all?”
Emperor Guangxi laughed again: “Really.”
Consort Xian was now somewhat satisfied, and she nestled into his arms again, gently touching his chest with her soft, boneless hands. “Your Majesty, Chenqie heard that you are planning to let Yao’er leave the palace and build a mansion?”
Emperor Guangxi’s expression changed, and his tone sank: “Where did you hear this from? Zhen hasn’t made a decision yet.”
“Chenqie knows that Yao’er has been loved by Your Majesty since he was young, so many people in the palace dislike us, mother and son.” Consort Xian’s tone sounded extremely aggrieved: “Poor Yao’er is so filial, he wanted to be loved by his Emperor Father and serve him for more time, but he was slandered by people with ulterior motives…”
Emperor Guangxi pinched Consort Xian’s shoulders and coaxed her patiently, “Alright, didn’t Zhen tell you that there is still room for maneuver in this matter?”
Consort Xian lay on his chest and whispered, “For so many years, Chenqie has been obedient and law-abiding, and Yao’er has been even more peaceful. If Your Majesty understands the feelings of us mother and son, Chenqie will die without regrets…”
“What are you talking about? It’s bad luck!” Emperor Guangxi frowned unhappily. “Zhen has seen his sons’ personalities and will not let others judge them, and Zhen will not wrongly accuse any of them.”
Consort Xian’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly stopped while she was ahead. “Chenqie has specially learned a massage technique. Would Your Majesty like to try it?”
Emperor Guangxi’s expression lightened up a little, and he patted Consort Xian’s buttocks, “Come, let Zhen try beloved consort’s technique.”
So, Consort Xian turned behind Emperor Guangxi, gently pinching his shoulders and neck, whispering softly and biting his ears, and occasionally letting out a few sweet laughs.
The atmosphere was just right, and Consort Xian thought she could stay in the emperor’s bedroom smoothly today, but unexpectedly, the eunuch at the door reported: “Your Majesty, Consort Yuan requested an audience!”
Consort Xian’s expression froze, and she gritted her teeth secretly.
This damn Consort Yuan actually came to disrupt the situation at the critical moment.
“Your Majesty…” She was about to protest when she heard Emperor Guangxi reply, “Allow!”
Consort Yuan had a graceful figure, and her steps were like lotus flowers. After entering the palace, she bowed down and said, “Chenqie pays her respect to Your Majesty.”
“Beloved consort, there is no need to be so polite.” Emperor Guangxi sat up straight and said in a gentle tone, “Why is beloved consort here too?”
“The heat is unbearable, Chenqie made a dessert to cool down and wanted to send it to Your Majesty to try.” Consort Yuan smiled, “If Chenqie had known that sister was here too, Chenqie would not have come today.”
“It’s rare that beloved consort is so thoughtful.” Emperor Guangxi looked at her with tenderness and affection in his eyes and said, “Come here quickly, let Zhen taste your skills.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Consort Yuan responded, took the silver plate from the young palace maid behind her, and slowly walked to the rosewood couch.
Consort Xian raised her hand to stroke her hair. Her silver teeth were almost broken, but she had to praise hypocritically: “Sister has great cooking skills ah.”
This almond tofu is one of the Emperor’s favorite desserts. The neat little cubes are as white as cream, just like a girl’s skin. A layer of golden osmanthus honey is drizzled on the surface, making it even more tempting.
As expected, after tasting a piece, Emperor Guangxi praised it endlessly: “Beloved consort’s skills are getting better and better, and it wins Zhen’s heart.”
Consort Yuan bowed and said, “Since Sister is here to serve Your Majesty, Chenqie will take her leave first.”
Emperor Guangxi’s eyes lingered on her, as if he were reluctant to let her leave. “Beloved consort, stay for a meal.”
Consort Yuan shook her head gently: “Chenqie will come to pay her respects to Your Majesty tomorrow.”
Consort Xian sneered in her heart, thinking that this time she was good at judging.
After Consort Yuan left the bedroom and walked out of the palace, she happened to meet Lord Shen, who came to see the emperor.
“Consort Yuan.” Shen Qingzhuo paused and bowed.
“Lord Shen.” Consort Yuan bowed in return. “Bengong has thought about what Lord Shen said last time and thinks that it makes a lot of sense.”
Shen Qingzhuo nodded slightly, waiting for Consort Yuan’s next words.
After the secret conversation in front of the palace that night, he secretly found an opportunity to meet with Consort Yuan and make things clear.
Consort Yuan was intelligent and pretty, with knowledge and insight not inferior to the so-called literati and scholars. With a little guidance from Shen Qingzhuo, she had a clear understanding of the current situation in the former court and the harem.
For the sake of her dead child and for her and her family’s future after Emperor Guangxi passed away, after several days of careful consideration, she decided to cooperate with Lord Shen.
In addition, Lord Shen has a reassuring aura. He seems to be more worthy of her trust than the man beside her who can turn the clouds and rain with just a wave of his hand.
“The thing that Lord Shen wants, Bengong will deliver it by tomorrow.” Consort Yuan started walking and uttered a few words lightly as she passed by Lord Shen.
Shen Qingzhuo replied calmly, “Farewell, Consort Yuan.”
Then he resumed his pace and continued walking towards the inner hall at a leisurely pace.
***
Inside the bedroom, Consort Xian was feeding Emperor Guangxi with almond tofu, and she would deliberately rub the vital parts from time to time, and it was obvious that she had other intentions.
Although Emperor Guangxi was still in poor health, but he had taken a lot of various tonic medicines recently, which inevitably caused his qi and blood to surge, and he became excited for a while.
Consort Xian half-heartedly agreed, and the two of them got entangled in a ball. Suddenly, a report came from the outer hall: “Your Majesty, Lord Shen of the Jinyiwei requested an audience!”
Emperor Guangxi immediately lost interest, pushed away Consort Xian, whose clothes were half exposed, and said lazily, “Allow.”
Consort Xian hurriedly lowered her head to tidy up her clothes. She was so angry that she wished she could bite the blind Lord Shen to death.
What evil did she commit today, being disturbed multiple times?
But as soon as Lord Shen stepped in and she saw that clear and handsome face, her anger instantly dissipated.
After looking at Emperor Guangxi’s pale and weak face for a long time, Lord Shen’s beauty became more and more prominent. Consort Xian couldn’t help but take a few more glances at him.
Shen Qingzhuo ignored her gaze and kneeled down to pay his respects: “The humble minister paid his respects to Your Majesty, Consort Xian.”
“Shen Qing, stand up.” Emperor Guangxi waved his hand, then turned around and told Consort Xian, “Zhen has something important to discuss with Lord Shen, beloved consort, step aside for now.”
Consort Xian tried hard to put on an obedient and lovely smile: “Yes, Chenqie obeyed the command.”
She turned and walked out of the inner hall, already scolding Emperor Guangxi in her heart.
This old thing, she doesn’t even mind his horrible appearance, yet this damn tuberculosis demon is actually on guard against her in every way possible.
If she had not hoped that he would appoint Yao’er as the Crown Prince before his death, so that Yao’er could ascend the throne legitimately in the future and not be criticized by those pedantic old people of the previous dynasty, she would have sent him off in person long ago. Why would she still need to serve him with false respect?
Consort Xian sat on a chair in the outer hall, she was so angry that her breathing was blocked in her chest. She took the tea handed to her by the palace maid, took a sip, and cursed loudly because of the scalding: “You b*tch, do you want to scald Bengong to death?”
The palace maid serving tea was so frightened that she fell to her knees and kowtowed loudly, “The servant deserves to die! Niangniang, please spare my life, please spare my life!”
Consort Xian looked extremely unhappy, but considering that this was in the Zichen Palace, she endured it and cursed in a low voice, “Go get the punishment yourself.”
That palace maid crawled out, trembling.
Consort Xian breathed a sigh of relief, and suddenly a bold idea came to her mind.
About a cup of tea later, Shen Qingzhuo pushed open the door and walked out, then carefully closed the door again.
Consort Xian listened to his footsteps and leisurely leaned on the side, waiting for the person to come out.
A few steps later, Shen Qingzhuo appeared in the outer hall but walked straight out without stopping.
“Cough, cough…” Consort Xian coughed twice and called out, “Lord Shen.”
Shen Qingzhuo was stunned for a moment, then turned around and saluted, “Consort Xian.”
Consort Xian looked at the handsome face wantonly and said softly, “Lord Shen, please come closer. Bengong has something to say.”
Shen Qingzhuo thought for a moment and walked closer as he was told.
“Bengong heard that Lord Shen is in charge of thoroughly investigating the case of Eunuch Pan, not sure if the murderer has been caught?” Consort Xian asked tentatively.
Shen Qingzhuo replied politely, “This is Beizhen Fushi’s secret. Please forgive the minister for not being able to leak it.”
Consort Xian stared at him inquiringly: “Even if it’s Bengong, it’s still not possible?”
“To answer Niangniang’s question, if Niangniang wants to know the inside story, you may as well ask His Majesty directly.” Shen Qingzhuo replied neither servile nor arrogant, “The minister dares not make his own decision.”
This sentence directly blocked her. Consort Xian was a little bit overwhelmed, but she controlled her temper and said in a friendly manner, “Bengong has always had high hopes for Lord Shen ah.”
Shen Qingzhuo bowed and smiled, “Thanks, Niangniang, for her kindness.”
His smile was like the first melting of spring snow. Consort Xian was dazzled and received the wrong signal. She showed a hint of joy on her face. “That’s great.”
Currently, the closest people to the emperor are the Imperial Household Department and the Jinyiwei, but that dead Eunuch Su Huai’an relies on the emperor’s favor and never takes her seriously. If she can win over Shen Qingzhuo, they, mother and son, will undoubtedly have an important bargaining chip.
What’s more, the case of Pan Chong is under the full review of the Beizhen Fushi. If she wants to kill all the Eastern Palace, wouldn’t it be easy?
Shen Qingzhuo took in Consort Xian’s expression. He knew that the consort had misunderstood something, but he did not point it out. He even added fuel to the fire with a smile.
***
After meeting the emperor and paying lip service to three people, Shen Qingzhuo couldn’t help feeling a little tired when he returned to Jiuyue Pavilion.
The confession of the former minister of the Ministry of Rites, Lian Zhong, was still in his hands, and he is still waiting for the Jinyiwei, who was secretly released, to bring back the key evidence.
“Young Master.” Xiao Dezi came forward and took the Xiuchun sword from his young master’s waist. He said with a worried tone, “You look very tired, why don’t you take a bath first?”
“En.” Shen Qingzhuo responded, pushed open the inner hall door, and asked casually, “Is there anything unusual in the palace today?”
“No.” Xiao Dezi shook his head, put the Xiuchun sword back into the slot, and stepped forward to help his young master undress. “Young Master, no matter how busy you are, you must take care of your body. What if you overwork and fall ill accidentally?”
“I know.” Shen Qingzhuo opened his arms and joked, “Your young master is not made of paper, how can he be so fragile?”
“By the way, Young Master, Changshou Palace sent some calming incense today.” Xiao Dezi seemed to remember something: “Will you continue to burn the incense at night?”
“Let’s not burn it.” Shen Qingzhuo frowned slightly. “I’m so tired lately that I fall asleep as soon as I lie down. I don’t need any calming incense.”
“Alright, Young Master.” Xiao Dezi responded, “Then I’ll go prepare some warm water. You can take a rest.”
Shen Qingzhuo turned around and sat on the edge of the bed. Just as he was about to close his eyes and rest, a hand suddenly stretched out from under the bed and grasped his ankle.
“Ah!” Shen Qingzhuo screamed in shock, jumped up from the bed, and shouted, “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Master!” A familiar voice came from under the bed, and a figure slid out immediately, “Surprised? Unexpected?”
Shen Qingzhuo: “……”
Xiao Shen sat cross-legged on the ground, his hair was messy and his eyes were sparkling. “If Master still didn’t come back, I will fall asleep waiting for you.”
Shen Qingzhuo was both angry and amused. “Why are you hiding under my bed for no reason?”
“It was just a sudden idea. I wanted to give Master a different surprise!” Xiao Shen smiled at him with curved eyes, like a puppy seeking credit.
Shen Qingzhuo was speechless and choked: “It’s hard to say whether I was surprised or not, but it’s true that I was almost scared to death by you.”
“Ah?” Xiao Shen immediately lowered his eyes in guilt, and the ears on his head seemed to droop down. “I’m sorry, Master, I didn’t think that much…”
“Alright, I don’t mean to blame you either.” Shen Qingzhuo couldn’t bear to see his little disciple hanging his head like this, so he touched his hairy head and said, “The way you wait for people is indeed quite… unique, it’s just—”
Before he finished speaking, Xiao Dezi’s panicked voice came from the outer hall: “Your Highness the Crown Prince! Your Highness the Crown Prince, you can’t force your way into the Young Master’s bedchamber ah!”
Shen Qingzhuo was shocked, and his first reaction was that he must not let the Crown Prince find out that his little disciple was in his room.
At the critical moment, an idea suddenly occurred to him. He pushed his little disciple down and stuffed him under the bed and quickly ordered, “Hide well, don’t make any sound!”
So, the youth who had just crawled out from under the bed was stuffed back in with a confused look on his face.
The author has something to say:
The Master: Don’t you like staying under the bed? Go in!
The Wolf Cub:? Is this the legendary “you deserve it”?
The Master: Yes! Limited-time experience card under the bed, ding—
