English proofreader:JimmyfromIT
To prevent her mother from worrying and in consideration of the ng familys safety, ng Sangyu stopped here and didnt reveal any more secrets. Lady ng didnt dare to delay. She imdiately wrote a letter and ordered people to deliver it to the army posthaste.
Just as this matter concluded, Aunt Wen led her illegitimate[1]daughter, ng Ruizhu, to request an audience outside the hall.
Aunt Wen was Old Madam ngs niece from her maiden family and the Old Madam was very fond of her. The Old Madam forced ng Changxiong to accept Aunt Wen as a concubine. No one expected that she wouldve gotten pregnant from only one night together and given birth to their illegitimate son, ng Yuda. Once more, taking advantage of the fact that ng Changxiong was drunk, Aunt Wen succeeded in climbing into his bed. With one tryst, she was pregnant again and gave birth to theirillegitimate daughter, ng Ruizhu. Her efficiency was on par with a baby-making machine, rendering others speechless. Fortunately, ng Changxiong and Mada Lin were deeply devoted to each other and didnt let her get close. Otherwise, who knows how many concubine-born sons and daughters she wouldve birthed! For the last several years, she had relied on the Old Madams support and antagonized Mada Lin nurous tis. Seeing that ng Yanzhou was a failure and that her own son was gifted, she went so far as to push the Old Madam to take away ng Yanzhous position as Heir Apparent[2]. Luckily, ng Sangyu received favour after entering the palace prevented the Old Madam from acting foolishly. Only since the year before last when the Old Madam passed away due to illness did she restrain herself sowhat.
Hearing that the two sought an audience, Mada Lins face displayed a disgusted expression. Just as she was about to wave her hand to send them away, ng Sangyu devilishly grinned and said with interest, Let them co in. Lets see what theyre up to this ti.
This servant greets Your Ladyship (Ruizhu greets your Ladyship). The mother and daughter respectfully knelt down and paid their respects to ng Sangyu.
Rise. ng Sangyu casually flicked her gold filigree nail guards.
Without looking at her expression and just by listening to her lovely, agreeable yet languid voice which harboured dark intentions, Emperor Zhouwu knew that this mother and daughter would probably suffer misfortune. He couldnt help but reveal a pampering smile.
Seeing the Emperor suddenly reveal an extrely delighted smile, Yan Junwei couldnt help but feel sowhat puzzled.
What business do you have? asked ng Sangyu lightly. Her sharply contrasting phoenix eyes[3]honed in on ng Ruizhu who was standing behind Aunt Wen and had deliberately dressed up. ng Ruizhu was fourteen this year. She inherited her stature from Duke ng and was extrely slender. Though her fair and clear complexion was inferior to ng Sangyus peerless beauty, she deserved to be called a pure and fresh beauty. She had a special lingering charm that caused others to feel tenderness towards her and was the type that n adored the most.
Your Ladyship, what does your honoured self think of your younger sister, Ruizhu? Aunt Wen pushed ng Ruizhu in forward.
ng Ruizhu slightly lowered her gaze, not daring to look directly at her legitimate elder sisters face. However, it was precisely this half-hidden side profile and shy yet not shy expression, this reverent and respectful attitude that aroused ones sympathy even more and caused one to be unable to feel even the slightest bit of distaste. This was a girl with rather profound sches who, despite her young age, knew how to showcase her own charms to the max.
Its been three years since weve last seen each other. Younger sister has grown much taller and more beautiful, just like a white lotus flower[4]. ng Sangyu covered her mouth and softly chuckled for no reason.
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On the rooftop, the sound of this light laugh ruthlessly pulled at Emperor Zhouwu heartstrings. He felt numb yet ticklish; It was an indescribable discomfort. He fervently wished that he could imdiately appear before her and bring her into his strong embrace.
Thank you for your praise, Your Ladyship. ng Ruizhus cheeks slightly flushed, slightly increasing her captivating charm.
If you have sothing to say, dont beat about the bush. Mada Lin couldnt stand this mother and daughters fake expressions and urged them to speak plainly.
Yes. Aunt Wen was also impatient. Holding ng Ruizhus hand, she said, Your Ladyship, Ruizhu is already fourteen this year. Next year she will be eligible for the Grand Selection[5]. Your Ladyship, these last three years you have not borne a son and moreover presently Gracious Consort has stolen imperial favour. Why not accept Ruizhu into the Palace? Your honoured self will also have another helper. Ruizhu is like this servant and with just a glance, you can tell that she will be good at bearing children. Shell definitely be able to give your Ladyship a helping hand. In the future, if she gives birth to a prince, wouldnt it be perfect if Your Ladyship brought the child to your honoured selfs side to raise?
On the rooftop, Emperor Zhouwus expression turned livid after hearing this. What was that supposed to an? Was she cursing Sangyu to be childless for her whole life? Even if there were no children, it would not behoove this kind of despicable servant to step on Sangyu to advance her own status!
So it was about entering the palace after all! ng Sangyu lifted her teacup and took a sip. Her bright phoenix eyes stared at ng Ruizhu who had nowhere to run. Just when ng Ruizhus ntal endurance was about to reach its limit and her complexion turned from red to purple to white, ng Sangyu leisurely remarked, What do you an by that, Aunt Wen? Are you so convinced that Bengong will be unable to birth a child? Bengong has painstakingly nourished Our health for three years. If We wanted a child, wouldnt we birth him Ourselves? Why would We bother to adopt soone elses child?
This servant was wholeheartedly considering Your Ladyships interests and spoke out of turn. This one begs Your Ladyships forgiveness. At present, Gracious Consort is the most favoured in the harem. Your Ladyship, your honoured selfs power is waning. Having a helper is also a good thing. Considering that you are blood-related sisters, Ruizhu will naturally be with you in heart and mind. Aunt Wen hastily asked for forgiveness. Her expression was most sincere.
ng Ruizhu also softly added, Elder Sister doesnt have it easy in the palace. After entering the palace, younger sister will definitely wholeheartedly assist Elder Sister.
Hee~ ng Sangyu mockingly smiled. Her gold-filigree nail guards repeatedly tapped the armrest of the chair. Her lethargic, casual voice suddenly beca icy and ruthless. Wholeheartedly assist Bengong? Do you think Bengong is a fool? Stepping on Bengong to advance your position and obtaining the Emperors favour will bring you one step closer to help ng Yuda snatch away Elder Brothers title. That is your true intention! A few days ago you sched to let Elder Brother run away form ho Bengong still hasnt settled that score with you yet! If you want to enter the palace, thats fine. Helping Bengong solidify Our standing is also fine. Once she drinks a bowl of abortion soup[6]Bengong will bring ng Ruizhu back to the palace with today. Without a son, shell never be able to advance and can only obediently behave under Bengongs control. Bengong only feels assured using that kind of person. As to whether or not youre willing, think about it yourselves. Bengong can wait.
Mada Lins furrowed brow relaxed. She calmly and composedly watched as Aunt Wen and her daughters faces turned pale. Her daughter was as tough as nails. When she was three years old, Aunt Wen already wasnt her daughters match, let alone now. She had suffered so many losses yet she still hadnt learned from experience. Aunt Wen deserved praise for her courage.
As expected of the legendary ruthless, vicious Virtuous Consort. Just like the rumours, she was ruthless and cruel, and yet still so frank as she slapped this mother-daughter pairs faces resoundingly hard. Yan Junwei was speechless.
Emperor Zhouwu clenched his fists and frowned as he struggled to repress a surging smile. Sangyu was still the sa. She was wicked but yet so honourably wicked that one didnt know what to say!
Your Majesty, didnt your honoured self used to loathe the arrogant and despotic, cruel and ruthless Virtuous Consort? Nowadays, how co Yan Junwei teased him in a low voice. He felt that this side of Virtuous Consort was great. Compared to Gracious Consort, it was simply the difference between heaven and earth. Even if she waswicked, she didnt hide behind a mask. Rather thaninspiring feelings of loathing, he thought it was extrely cute.
Have you experienced the feeling of being brought back from the verge of despair? Have you experienced such hopelessness and panic where you have no choice but to depend on soone else to survive? Have you experienced being together with soone from morning to night, never leaving each others sides? You only have eyes for her, your nose is only filled with her scent, and your ears are riveted by the sound of her voice? Emperor Zhouwus voice was almost a growl. Its implications caused others to be fearful.
No, I havent. Yan Junwei shook his head. Imagining those feelings, they were obviously quite tragic but he didnt know why he unexpectedly felt sowhat envious.
When youre feeling that low, how could you still be able to control your feelings? Zhen also never thought that We would fall into that situation but it was beyond Our control. Emperor Zhouwu smiled silently. His expression clearly showed helplessness but his eyes were full of delight. Yan Junwei asured the soft lines of his face with a strange expression. He felt that he wasnt the sa high and lofty monarch as before, just an exceedingly normal man, a re mortal who experienced the joys and woes of life.
Inside the side room, Aunt Wen had recovered from ng Sangyus utterly malicious proposal. She shrilly yelled, Your Ladyship! How can your honoured self be so cruel? Ruizhu is your honoured selfs blood-related younger sister!
Didnt you say you would wholeheartedly assist Bengong? Hm? Cant you even complete this trifling request? If you cant do it then imdiately remove yourself from Bengongs sight and stop spouting such useless nonsense! Bringing you into the palace, helping you gain favour, assisting you in giving birth to a prince, and then using Bengong as a stepping stone do you take Bengong for an idiot like yourselves? ng Sangyu tilted her head slightly and casually straightened out the hair around her temples. The dark red corners of her lips held a scornful smile.
Having their thoughts laid bare again and again, Aunt Wen and ng Ruizhu opened and closed their mouths repeatedly. They were speechless for a long ti. ng Sangyu was still the sa as before: When she spoke or took action, she didnt spare others feelings. Trying to sche or use tricks against her was simply inviting humiliation.
Alright, its almost ti for breakfast. Please proceed to the main hall, Your Ladyship. Mada Lin forcibly held back a grin as she gave Aunt Wen and her daughter a way out of the conversation. After all, it was her daughters joyous day to return ho and visit her relatives. Causing such an unsightly fuss would be inauspicious.
Your Majesty, Shen Huiru should have also departed. Lets go to the East Main Road to prepare an ambush. Yan Junwei reminded in a low voice as he raised his head to look at the faintly brightening sky.
A pair of phoenixes flying together at 7:45 am? Hmph~ Emperor Zhouwu smiled coldly, reluctant to rise. He glanced around at the secret guards and gave a hand signal to tighten up the protection. Together with Yan Junwei, he leapt out of the Imperial Dukes manor in the direction of the Grand Preceptors manor by the East Main Road to prepare a long-ranged ambush.
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Two hours later, the tightly shut palace gates opened once again. Shen Huiru and the Fake Emperor sat side by side in the Emperors imperial carriage and greeted the wintery light of dawn. They majestically and mightily set out for the Grand Preceptors manor.
Slightly lifting the carriages curtain to look out at Great Zhous citizens who were clustered on both sides of the street, kowtowing and shouting Long live His Majesty!, the corners of Shen Huirus lips couldnt help but rise in a smile. The gazes of thousands of people focused on her in such a lofty, prestigious position this sight more than satisfied the void in her heart.
The Grand Preceptors manor was right in front of their eyes. Grand Preceptor Shen led everyone in the manor to stand outside the main gates to welco them. With Changxis support, Shen Huiru descended from the carriage first. She stood beside the carriage and bowed at the waist waiting for the Emperor to debark from the carriage.
The Fake Emperor stood with his hands folded behind his back and under the eyes of all, strode down from the drivers seat of the carriage in an impressive and dignified manner. It was at this mont that there was a sudden unexpected turn of events. A group of people clad in black swooped down and separated into two directions. One group put their all into charging towards the Fake Emperor in a surprise attack. The other group brandished their broadswords and ruthlessly reaped the lives of everyone from the Grand Preceptors manor.
The Imperial Dragon Guards who had followed them were slow in responding. While shouting, Protect the Emperor!, they tried to surround the group of black-clothed people. However, the street was already narrow and the imperial carriage took up more than half the space. Moreover, the Imperial Dragon Guards were mounted on horses that werent able to be put to good use at all before they were slaughtered a mont later in the chaos. Luckily, the Grand Preceptors manors guards showed up in ti to protect the lives of Grand Preceptor Shens family and Shen Huiru. Although the Shen family had prepared in advance, the imperial familys hidden guards had imparted and inherited skills from generation to generation. Each and every one was a master who could fell a hundred foes, let alone these small fry soldiers.
The Fake Emperor hadnt stepped down from the carriage. When the black-clothed people appeared, his face revealed an aghast expression. He warded blows while leaping off the carriage backwards to dodge. He was soon isolated away from Shen Huiru. Originally within the hidden guards, his skill in martial arts was not the best but he was definitely not weak. Even though he was thoroughly surrounded and forced into a dead-end but he could still fight on for a while.
Under the heavy protection of the hidden guards, Yan Junwei and Emperor Zhouwu, willingly entered the alley. Yan Junwei raised the broadsword in his hand. Like lightning, he launched a surprise attack on the Fake Emperor. After exchanging several swift and fierce strikes, he cleaved the sword in the Fake Emperors hand into two.
Commander?! Recognizing his opponents moves, the Fake Emperors expression showed utter hopelessness. Taking advantage of his montary lapse, Yan Junwei used the back of his sword to knock him out in one blow.
Your Majesty, quickly change clothes. The Empress Dowagers army will arrive soon. Theyll help us finish acting out this show. Yan Junwei quickly untied the Fake Emperors imperial robe and helped Emperor Zhouwu put it on. He used the black clothes to bind the Fake Emperor and handed him over to two hidden guards to take away.
Emperor Zhouwu swiftly fixed his clothing. anwhile, outside the alley, the sound of clattering hooves could be heard as the army stord in. His expression turned cold and without the least hesitation, he brought Yan Junweis blade to ruthlessly towards his own shoulder. Blood imdiately splattered and dyed half his body red. It looked horrifying.
Just at this mont, a troop of valiant soldiers wielding swords charged into the alley. Their armour had the Empress Dowagers maternal clans insignia. Yan Junwei pulled out his sword and feigned surprise, quietly whispering, Empress Dowager. Imdiately after abandoning the Fake Emperor, he shouted, Stop! Everyones on the sa side. I have an urgent matter to report to the Empress Dowager!
At that mont, the Shen familys guards promptly arrived. Taking advantage of the fact that the Empress Dowagers soldiers hadnt heard his shout clearly, they tried to overwhelm him with their greater numbers. Yan Junwei pretended to not be a match for them and swiftly withdrew from the scene with his subordinates. Noticing that the Fake Emperor wasnt dead and that the opposite party also hadnt had the chance to contact the Empress Dowager, the Shen familys head guard couldnt help but let out a sigh of relief. He quickly stepped forward to carry Emperor Zhouwu, who was on the verge of death, to the imperial carriage and dashed back to the palace.
The Empress Dowagers imperial phoenix carriage was stopped fifty ters away and guarded heavily by soldiers. Seeing that the Emperor was saved, she imdiately turned around and returned to the palace. Shen Huiru was in the centre of a circle of Imperial Dragon Guards and wasnt injured. With the support of a senior palace maid that the Empress Dowager had sent over, she mounted a carriage and turned around to head back to the palace.
Grand Preceptor Shen had been cut by a blade. His right hand was wounded deeply. The bone was visible but he had to wait for the Imperial Physician to co and diagnose him to know whether or not his hand was crippled or not. Everyone else in the Shen family was either injured or killed. It was an absolute disaster. In the chaos, Shen XiYan had been struck down by a stray sword. Not one of his several concubine-born sons and daughters had escaped. Only Shen XiYans two-year-old youngest son remained. Since he wasnt able to stand the fierce wind, they hadnt brought him outside to welco the imperial procession and he had avoided calamity.
This was supposed to have been a magnificent and glorious visit to ones relatives but in the end, it had turned into a tragicbloodbath.
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