The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 174

“Miss He Lian, don’t you think that joking about such a matter is too much?” Zong Zheng Han’s eyes were cold. How could the affair of the phoenix stick be spoken so lightly?

“Your Highness need not be angered. No matter how bold this humble one may be, she would not bring deceit before Your Highness.” Indeed, this man was not ordinary. His tone was stern, yet the fleeting sharp glint in his eyes did not escape her notice.

Having ambition was even better; at least it confirmed that she had not entrusted her faith to the unworthy.

“The Head Monk of Anguo Temple personally divined the sticks. A simple investigation would reveal the truth. Interestingly, there were two phoenix sticks. One is in this humble one’s possession and the other…Your Highness has probably figured it out already.”

Zong Zheng Han’s gaze sharpened, looking at He Lian Wei Rui with profound scrutiny.

“It’s the position Miss He Lian longs for.” No wonder this woman exhibited no trace of resentment; she had never been in love, to begin with, so how could she be aggrieved?

“Do you not fear that, by rashly revealing this to Bendian, you might ultimately fail to achieve the outcome you desire?” Zong Zheng Han’s gaze was fiercely chilling. This woman harbored no small ambitions, viewing the princes of Great Wei as mere stepping stones on her path to soaring ranks, displaying audacity beyond measure.

“Each takes what they need, each achieves their own desires. If Lady Mu can stay by His Sixth Highness’s side, why shouldn’t this humble one choose her own lord? Both phoenix sticks stand on equal ground. Your Highness, who do you think will ultimately claim the victory?”

He Lian Wei Rui was gambling on Zong Zheng Han’s limitless ambition. Although his experience and foundation might not be as extensive as Zong Zheng Lin’s, his potential was vast, and his fearlessness in taking action and bearing the consequences gave him an edge over others.

“Who will ultimately claim the victory?” Zong Zheng Han laughed while clapping his hands, the previous chilling ferocity in his expression replaced by a composed and serene demeanor.

“Indeed, encountering a worthy opponent is the most interesting thing in the world. Miss He Lian, your decision to come today has been very wise.” This was a clear declaration of his stance. He Lian Wei Rui had proactively pledged her loyalty. He, Zong Zheng Han, for a harbinger, was ready to compete with Zong Zheng Lin.

“The inner yard of Bendian still lacks a person in charge. If Miss He Lian can live up to her promises and shoulder this responsibility, no one will interfere with her actions even when the principal consort enters the household in the future.” If He Lian Wei Rui possessed even half of Mu’shi’s competence, he would gladly give her free rein.

“Then this humble one looks forward to Your Highness’s good news.” Excellent. Taking such a risk this time, it seems that she finally got what she wanted.

After He Lian Wei Rui’s finished speaking, she promptly curtsied and exited the pavilion. On the last stone step, she abruptly turned back and smiled with immense arrogance.

“Your Highness,” The woman’s voice was clear and cold, “No matter Lady Mu’s capabilities, there’s one aspect she’ll always lose to this humble one.”

Zong Zheng Han leaned forward to look into her eyes, only to find her gaze briefly indiscernible. However, the words that reached his ears greatly impressed him.

“Lady Mu lacks — the ruthlessness that this humble one possesses.”

What a statement — ‘lacking the ruthlessness she possesses’. Watching the woman in the moon-white dress slowly walk away, Zong Zheng Han burst into laughter.

Truly excellent! He himself was a man who paid little heed to trivialities, his ruthlessness as innate as breathing. Having such an untamed woman by his side was indeed the perfect match.

If He Lian Wei Rui was already this intriguing, it made him wonder about the temperament of Mu’shi, who was even more renowned than her.

Hearing the man’s laughter behind her, the corners of He Lian Wei Rui’s lips curled up. The more unbridled Zong Zheng Han acted, the more delighted she felt. Once this matter was settled, she would be irrevocably at odds with He Lian House. From this point forward, all she had to do was move to a new residence and start afresh.

“Miss, at your orders, this servant dealt harshly with those in your way, but this is, after all, His Sixth Highness’s residence. With the person just left lying there, they’re bound to be discovered sooner or later. This servant feels quite uneasy about it.”

“It’s too late for fear.” That woman should have already received the news about things that ought to be known. Within a few days, given her capabilities, she will undoubtedly ‘discern the slightest clue’ and be on her trail.

But what of it? She set her sights on the daughter of the Huo family precisely because of Mu Xi Yao’s seemingly kind but actually hypocritical nature. Even if she manages to uncover the truth, she won’t disclose it. This setback, she wants Mu Xi Yao to bear and swallow it hard!

“Xue Qin, be braver. Should something occur, there’s always someone higher to bear the burden. If things went awry today because of you, don’t blame me, your Mistress, for being heartless. Once you leave this residence, feel free to weep and make a scene. Everything is negotiable.”

Now, on this woman’s territory, it was wise to be cautious in everything. It was just a pity that He Lian Min Min was such a wimp; aside from leading the way and opening the side gate, she completely disregarded the rest of the matters. Had she not been timid and afraid of getting involved, how could Mu’shi have found the person lying on the ground? By the time she realized something was amiss, she would have already extricated herself, merely waiting to enter Zong Zheng Han’s household.

In Danruo Courtyard, Zhao Momo sent the imperial physician out and then summoned the sedan chair carrier from today to receive his reward.

“Mistress commends your clever handling of duties and has specially rewarded you with five taels of silver. Aren’t you going to take it?”

The young servant was honest and because he possessed some skills in martial arts, he was assigned by Zong Zheng Lin to serve in Danruo Courtyard. In just over a month since his arrival, this was already the third time he has been rewarded.

“Qiang San’er thanks Mistress for the grace.” The sturdy young man with dark skin, calling himself Qiang San’er, scratched his head and shyly received the money pouch.

“Keep in mind the Mistress’s kindness and make sure to perform your duties well from now on.” Seeing that he indeed was not good with words, Zhao Momo chuckled and offered him a few words of encouragement before turning to head back.

Upon approaching the side hall corridor, Zhao Momo saw two young maids quietly chatting, their heads close together. One of them was Yu He, a third-class maid from their courtyard, and the other one was none other than Dan Zhu. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

“Dan Zhu-jiejie, you’re putting this servant in a tough spot. These herbs were specially prescribed by the imperial physician for brewing medicine on the Mistress’s orders. Even if you don’t intend to drink it, you can’t just take them away from our courtyard. If caught by someone with ill intentions, it might cause trouble.”

Yu He was so anxious that she broke out in a sweat. How can she allow someone to take away the herbs prescribed by the imperial physician like that? It would be best to inform this to Zhao Momo.

“Can’t you see it as a plea from your jiejie? You know very well…” Dan Zhu clenched her fists, her face turning a deep shade of red.

“What’s the matter with you both? Why are you secretly discussing medicinal herbs and taking them away in secret?” Zhao Momo, with a stern face, emerged from behind the pillar, looking very strict at the two servant girls.

The Mistress treated people with generosity, and the rules in Danruo Courtyard were already more than benevolent. Yet, how could the rules that had to be followed be so casually disregarded, with arrangements being discussed and carried out in secrecy behind everyone’s back?

The issue could either be minor or major, but the rules cannot be broken.

“You two, come with me to report to the Mistress.” Zhao Momo, with furrowed brows, escorted the two visibly scared little girls to the main house.

Mu Xi Yao didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. Her gaze made Dan Zhu become increasingly embarrassed.

“Your mother has a leg condition; how can you make do with the medicine prescribed for you by the imperial physician? You are quite muddle-headed, lass.”

“This servant merely wanted to take some back and pick out a few useful ones to try.” Dan Zhu said truthfully, aware that she was making a fool of herself and betraying Cefei’s benevolence.

“Never mind. You’re not versed in the intricacies of medicine. The logic within is quite profound; it’s not as simple as just picking and choosing. If your family is in difficulty, why not say so?” Mu Xi Yao shook her head and sighed.

The residence had its rules and she couldn’t take the lead in breaking them. There were plenty of ways to manage subordinates; it was unnecessary to clash with He Lian Min Min over this issue. This girl was filial too, and helping her was akin to one hair taken from nine oxen¹.

“Momo, after today, take her to see the steward and request the physician to have a look at her mother.” Seeing Dan Zhu’s face turn pale with anxiety, she then offered some comfort. “If you feel guilty about receiving help, you can help Yu He sweep leaves or take care of the flowers and plants in the side courtyard when you have time.”

It was not suitable for people from An’shi’s courtyard to take part in other matters, but helping out in the side courtyard was fine. This area was maintained by little servant girls from various courtyards, who swept and cleaned while engaging in conversations and jokes during their downtime. Such an arrangement would not place her in a difficult situation.

With her eyes reddened, Dan Zhu expressed her gratitude over and over and followed Ruo Lan as they silently left.

“How is Qin Xiang’s investigation going?” Mu Xi Yao suddenly realized, amidst her little bun’s birthday, why was she preoccupied with other matters? Meanwhile, her son had been taken into the palace early on to enjoy good food and sleep.

This whole situation, starting from the great boss’s hooligan behavior, has gotten more and more off track…

Translation notes:

[1] One hair taken from nine oxen is a Chinese idiom used to describe something that is relatively small and insignificant when compared to a bigger picture.

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

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