《A Mistaken Marriage Match: Mysteries in the Imperial Harem》 Chapter 1 Pouring rain accompanied by the roar of the thunder and strong winds blew the broken window side to side, causing it to crackle noisily. At a side compound of a ruined temple, three young females wearing red bridal dresses were huddling together. This dark and sinister place couple with the stale air all around the temple made the scene looked especially eerie. As there were no lights in room, the occasional lightning would illuminated the ruined temple. Each sword-like lightning flash seems to strike the ground emitting a glaring white light, and accompanied with the deafening sound of the thunder, seems to make the youngest female cower in fear. Tugging her elder sister¡¯s arm, Qing Mo whimpered, ¡°Elder sister, what do we do now? I¡¯m so scared!¡± Eventually, after another flash of lightning, the females¡¯ faces could be seen. All three are budding beauties with their own elegance, their left side of their faces are exceptionally beautiful, the kind that made all other female jealous and male adore. But unfortunately, there were two deep slashes on right side of their faces that nearly destroyed their cheeks, which amidst the lightning and thunder filled night, made it look hideous. While patting her younger sister¡¯s shoulder, a ghastly pale Qing Ling whispered, ¡°After crossing this mountain, we will be out of Hao Yue kingdom. Do we truly have no way to escape the fate of becoming tributes?¡± ¡°I am not willing!¡± Qing Feng tensely bit her lower lip so hard that it was almost bleeding as she stared unwavering out of the ruined temple, into the thunderstorm. Qing Mo, lifted her head slowly to lean on Qing Feng¡¯s shoulder, softly comforted, ¡°Second sister, don¡¯t be afraid. I heard that you¡¯ll be marrying Prime Minister Lou, who is a rarely seen modest gentleman, who is outstanding in political and military aspects. He shouldn¡¯t ill-treat you.¡± Eldest sister is the most pitiful as she will be sent to the Imperial Palace. It is rumored that Qiong Yue¡¯s ruler is a temperamental bloodthirsty tyrant. How would the gentle and refined Elder sister bear it! Qing Feng scoffed, ¡°Who cares!¡± Qing Feng turned around, with one hand holding her elder sister¡¯s hand and the other hand holding her younger sister¡¯s hand, fiercely growled, ¡°This is so hateful! On what basis can Qiong Yue¡¯s ruler do whatever he pleases with just one sentence! On what basis does our Qing family have to shoulder our ruler¡¯s incompetence?! Base on what did he kill our parents and made us tribute for him to fawn over Qiong Yue?! Base on what?!¡± Qing Ling gently caressed Qing Feng, whose hatred cause her face to be contorted, and signed, ¡°Base on Qiong Yue being the overlord of the six kingdoms, all other nations must submit. Base on the emperor being the sovereign, if the monarch wants his vassal to die, then his vassal must die. Who asked us to be such physically weak females?!¡± Fate have never rest in their hands before! Flinging Qing Ling¡¯s hand away, Qing Feng stood up quickly with her backed turned retaliated, ¡°What about being a female?! I will not go to Qiong Yue!¡± Looking at her second sister¡¯s unbending back view and her eldest sister¡¯s troubled features, Qing Mo timidly responded, ¡°Even when we disfigured these faces that everyone adores, they still insisted on sending us to Qiong Yue! Second sister, we don¡¯t even have any way to change anything, is it not?¡± Qing Feng, gently touched her current cheeks in great pain, took a deep breath and through clenched teeth replied, ¡°Even in death, I, Qing Feng, will absolutely not let anyone manipulate! Especially that person, that fatuous monarch with hands stained with our parents blood!¡± Qing Ling startled, anxiously asked, ¡°Feng-er, what are you planning to do?¡± Qing Feng, slowly turned around, clenched both her fists and resolutely replied, ¡°Elder sister, I want to stay at Hao Yue, to stay at our parents¡¯ side, even if what was left is my corpse!¡± As if dismissing Feng-er¡¯s words, a glaring white lightning strike and as its bright light shone on Feng-er¡¯s face, Qing Ling saw her insistence and resolution. As Qing Ling clutched Qing Feng¡¯s hand tightly, she suddenly felt relieved, ¡°Alright! I will accompany you. Anyways, to me, there is no meaning to continue living.¡± Not needing to consider what future has installed is perhaps a form of relief! Qing Mo, who was crouching on the floor, stood up quickly and grabbed their hand, exclaimed, ¡°I will do whatever my elder sisters does. Whatever happens, Mo-er will not leave both of you!¡± Qing Ling hesitated as she looked at Mo-er¡¯s innocent face, perhaps she doesn¡¯t understand the meaning of death. She is only fifteen! Upon meeting Mo-er¡¯s pair of pure doe eyes, Qing Feng felt as if there was a knife¡¯s twisting her heart. But at the thought that she would be promised to that notoriously known to be a cold blooded ruthless murdering dictator on the battlefield, Qing Feng shivered and said, ¡°Elder Sister, Mo-er is pure and innocent. She will only suffer hardships if she were to be left alone in this world. Today in this ruined temple, let our entire family reunite!¡± As Qing Ling looked at the three pairs of intersecting hands, she felt trickles of warm at her heart. She nodded her head, seemingly to convince herself, replied, ¡°Yes! A family reunion is the best!¡± All three of them lifted their heads and took a look at the ceiling beams. A mutual understanding dawned to them as they smile at one another. This is the first time they smiled after their parents death. Because after today, they will no longer be separated! After removing the bound red silk bands on their waist and stripping off their brilliant red dresses, they were wearing the plain white middle layer of clothes as they lightly tossed the silk bands over the beams. All three of them stood on the rickety table and without hesitation wrapped their necks with the bands of red silk. Continued neat red silk waist belt, this brilliant red body chops down, only the one in plain white clothing, red silk throw light through beams, square table three people standing on top of the broken, the neck the inner sleeve into the red silk, and had no hesitation. Qing Ling looked the her sisters standing at her side, closed her eyes and lightly spoke, ¡°Feng-er, Mo-er, in the next lifetime, lets still be sisters!¡± ¡°En!¡± Both Qing Feng and Qing Mo firmly nodded their heads. Three of them, with hands held together, proceeded to lightly kick the table away. With the sudden taut of the red silk bands, three youthful existence gradually diminished. The soldiers who were escorting the sisters of the Qing family to Qiong Yue was resting at the main hall of the crumbling temple. Looking on as the rain was stopping, a sudden downpour occurred, coupled with the increasingly intense lightning and thunder, as if it were to level down the tottering ruined temple. Among them, a low-ranked soldier winced his neck and thought that despite experience much, he not seen such a downpour during spring in his life! As he glance over the side compound where the Qing sister were at, the view he saw scare him half to death. A flash of lighting lit the scene, casting three straight shadows swaying in the air with clothes fluttering. Oddly shrieking, the low-ranked soldier stumbled in front of Li Xu cried, ¡°Ghost¡­ There are ghosts!¡± ¡°What?!¡± Li Xu startled, he then turned to the soldier¡¯s line of sight. He broke out in cold sweat upon seeing the three swaying shadows. The Qing sisters hung themselves?! Li Xu quickly got up and kicked down the door of the side compound and saw a floor of red dresses and three pairs of red embroidered shoes pendulating in front of him. Li Xu retreated back a step in shock and frantically shouted, ¡°Quick¡­ Quick! Bring them down!¡± The solders who were running round in circles were eventually able to bring the three females down. All three persons¡¯ complexion had darken with their eyes tightly shut. Li Xu stared at Qing Mo who was at his nearest left and anxiously questioned, ¡°How is she?¡± The low-ranked soldier carefully felt Qing Mo¡¯s breath, swallowed before replying, ¡°She¡¯s¡­ dead.¡± Li Xu shuddered as he pointed at Qing Feng and pressingly asked, ¡°And¡­ This one?¡± After finishing probing for a sign of breath, the soldier saw Superior Li¡¯s pale white face, he was frightened to answer and could only nod lightly. All were dead!? Li Xu continue to break out in cold sweat. The Qing sisters were specifically chosen by the Emperor of Qiong Yue as tribute candidates and now they are all dead! How could he continue to live?! Kingdom of Hao Yue¡¯s doom is at hand! Just when Li Xu was completely disheartened, a soldier suddenly called out, ¡°Superior, the eldest Miss Qing is still breathing!¡± Even though it is weak, she is definitely alive. ¡°Really?! This is great! Quickly get her into the carriage and call the doctor!¡± At least there is still one alive! As per Li Xu commands, the bridal dress were draped over Qing Ling¡¯s body in a bustle by the soldiers, completely not in the mood to care for the other two corpses. The corpses on the ground looked even more miserable with the roaring thunder and flashes of lightning outside the ruined temple. The low-ranked soldier was afraid but he was unable to bear to look at the two pitiful female corpse, thus picked up the bridal dresses and carefully covered their bodies. Just as he was about to get up and leave, a different red lightning flashed by and the eyes of the two completely lack of breath suddenly opened¨C ¡°AHHHHH¡ª¡± The low-ranked soldier¡¯s screams resonated through the ruined temple! Li Xu, who was already out of the main hall, impatiently shouted, ¡°What are you hollering again for?!¡± ¡°Th¡­ They¡­¡± This time, the soldier could not even form a word and crawled out of the side compound in distress. The two female corpses was able to scare him till like this?! Li Xu doubted so, thus entering the side compound again and found the chests of the two, who were motionless before, are raising and falling slightly. Although their eyes were still closed, their face were no longer as dark as before. ¡°Truly a blessing from the heavens, blessing from the heavens!¡± Li Xu is wild with joy as they did not die! Finally, his life is saved! ¡°Quickly come and take them away!¡± The solders carried two of them out of the ruined temple admit the wind and rain. Just as they reach the carriage, where Qing Ling was held, Li Xu suddenly ordered, ¡°Wait.¡± These three have disfigured themselves and attempted suicide. They were not dead this time but who knows what would happen next! From here to Qiong Yue, there was still more than ten days of travel! With a plan in mind, Li Xu ordered, ¡°Separate them, each to a carriage and do not allow them to meet again. Furthermore lace their water with a weakening drug, they must live till we send them to Qiong Yue!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The three of them were separated to three different carriages. Before arriving at Qiong Yue, they will not be able to have the opportunity to meet and will not be able to step out of the carriages. Sisters of the Qing family, do not blame me. If you want to blame, then blame yourselves. Who asked you to look that devastatingly beautiful, who asked you to be that talented, who let you be that famous within the six kingdoms. To be the specifically requested ladies by Qiong Yue, not only your faces are disfigured, even in death, you must only die in Qiong Yue. Its all a predestined fate! Chapter 2 The surrounding darkness, the death-like silence and the cold feared and tormented her. Qing Feng enclasped her hands so hard that her fingernails dug into her palms. At present it was only the pain that could keep her cool an calm. The surrounding darkness, like a black hole, would eventually be swallowing her up. Suddenly, the surrounding darkness was replaced by maroon, the redness that reeks of the scent of blood, overcame her ¡ª A cruel and brutal voice surround her ears, ¡°The Emperor of Qiong Yue took a fancy on you, that is your good fortune. If you are lucky enough to obtain his favor, the Qing family will enjoy glory and honor. If you don¡¯t comply, then wait for a family extermination!¡± Qing Feng shivered uncontrollably, she doesn¡¯t want any favors, she only wanted her family to be intact! Father ¡ª Mother ¡ª She wanted to cry out but was unable to make any sound. ¡°Feng-er, Mo-er, in the next lifetime, lets still be sisters!¡± Eldest sister croon gently at the side of her ears but no matter how hard she tries, she is unable to see anyone other than a sheet of maroon surrounding. Elder sister ¡ª Younger sister ¡ª Why are you not responding to me? Her neck abruptly tensed up and her throat felt as though it was disconnected, she wanted to struggle¡­ But she was unable to move and the pain¡­ Its excruciating¡­ Ahh¨C ¡°You have woken?¡± Qing Feng hastily took deep breathes and her line of sight eventually cleared up. She saw a pretty and amiable face, with a gentle voice but there was not much attentiveness in it, quietly looking at her. The terrifying nightmare made her speechless and it was only after a while could Qing Feng calm herself down. ¡°Who¡­ are you?¡± She almost couldn¡¯t recognise the hoarse words out of her mouth. After speaking, Qing Feng felt a burning sensation at her throat which hurts so badly that she could not even swallow her own saliva. The painful choking sensation recurred caused Qing Feng to pale slightly and mumbled, ¡°Water¡­¡± ¡°Please wait for a while.¡± Fu Ling walked a short distance beyond the screen and Lan Fang, who was standing far away approached her, tugged at her sleeve and remarked softly, ¡°Fu Ling, why are you still care for her? With her looking like this, the Emperor will not take a fancy on her! Most likely in the near future, she will lose her life!¡± When she was sent here in the morning and her veil was removed, Lan Fang had a great shock from the two deep and frightening scars. They dared to send this kind of ugly monster to the Palace! Qing Feng turned around to look and found that other than the female just now, there was a even younger female. Both of them stood together and spoke quietly thus Qing Feng was unable to clearly hear what was spoken. She wanted to sit up but realised that not only she did not have any energy to do so, she is also experiencing dull headache. As she was lying, Qing Feng was able to secretly observe the room. Even though it is not decorated in a glorious splendour and looked like a regular room, the furnishing was rather exquisite. Fu Ling gently pulled her sleeves back and calmly poured the water, whispering back, ¡± The Imperial Household arranged us to look after her, that¡¯s our responsibility.¡± She has examined Qing Ling¡¯s features, haughty nose amd smooth translucent skin. It was truly an rare exquisite beauty, it was a pity it was disfigured. Lan Fang smirked as she complained, ¡°Hearing about the poems on the three sisters of Hao Yue, I was actually curious about ravishing beautiful they were to collapse nations and cities, didn¡¯t think that she is a¡­ Ugly monster!¡± She have in fact spent fifty teals of silver to bribe so that she was able to leave the Laundry Bureau and serve this famous world beauty. She initially thought it was a good task, as if she was favoured then she herself would be of a certain position in the palace. This was a truely unexpected result! ¡°These are things that are out of our concern.¡± Fu Ling replied before turning away, carrying a cup of warm water.¡±I don¡¯t want to concern myself with this!¡± Lan Fang snorted quietly before hastily heading out of the room. When Qing Feng looked over again, the young female has ran off and the female that she initially met was at her bedside carrying a cup of water. With the female¡¯s support, Qing Feng could sit up and drank a cup of water. Once her throat felt a little better, Qing Feng cautiously asked, ¡± Who are you?¡± Fu Ling evaded Qing Feng questioning look, bowed and replied softly, ¡°This servant¡¯s name is Fu Ling, a palace maid to take care of your needs¡± The female¡¯s attire, behaviour, manners and speech, unsettled her thus even though she has her suspicions, Qing Feng continue to ask, ¡°Where is this place?¡± ¡°Imperial Palace.¡± Fu Ling spoke the two words lightly but it made Qing Feng trembled, ¡°Imperial Palace of Qiong Yue?¡± ¡°En!¡± They have reached Qiong Yue! ¡°My sisters??¡± ¡°This servant don¡¯t know.¡± Fu Ling calmly replied while bowing her head This lady, named Fu Ling, is wearing a respectful mask but will not tell her anything! Qing Feng struggled off the bed but her body fell onto the floor. Fu Ling quickly came forward to firmly hold onto Qing Feng¡¯s shoulders and supported her up, ¡°Miss Qing, please do not flail about.¡± ¡°Let go of me! I want to see Yan Hong Tian!¡± That tyrant that destroyed her family! Fu Ling¡¯s face turned white and urgently spoke, ¡°Miss, you cannot address the revered name of the Emperor, this isn¡¯t outside of the Palace!¡± It can be seen that this Miss Qing is a reckless woman but in this Palace doing as per one¡¯s whim is the one thing that mustn¡¯t be done! As Qing Feng was clutching Fu Ling¡¯s arms, she snapped back, ¡°Then you tell me, where are my sisters?!¡± Why is she in the Palace! If they were sent to the Palace, then how about Elder sister?? And Younger sister?? Where are they? With hurting arms caused by QIng Feng¡¯s clutches and witnessing the set of teary eyes, Fu Ling hesitated a while before finally replying, ¡°This servant really¡­ don¡¯t know¡­¡± Begging her is useless! Qing Feng used all her strength to push away from Fu Ling, but she did not have enough strength to get up and could only crawl towards the door. Even though the Imperial Palace has freeze her heart, when Fu Ling watched this unbending woman, she felt a faint wave of admiration. Fu Ling supported her once again and persuaded, ¡°Miss Qing, you have yet to recover, you mustn¡¯t flail around!¡± She felt her pulse and comprehended that her health is in an extremely bad state and the wound on her face have yet to recover. If she were to catch a cold now, it would be troublesome. Qing Feng affirmed that Fu Ling will not tell her the news about her elder and younger sister, thus she too will not take her words to heart. As both of them were pushing and pulling, a low voice beyond the doors was heard, ¡°What are you doing here?!¡± A 40 odd year eunuch that was dressed as a man, walked into the room with palace maid Lan Fang trailing behind. Fu Ling bowed and greeted, ¡°Wang Gonggong.¡± (referring to a higher ranked eunuch) Qing Feng lifted her head and turn to the voice, with a cold pair of eyes, hair in disorder and with that sinister looking scars. That image startled Wang Li Xin, who just entered, till he suck in a breath of cold air. Lan Fang pointed that the slumping disfigured Qing Feng and said, ¡°Eunuch Wang, she is Qing Ling who is sent as a tribute from Hao Yue!¡± ¡°She is Qing Ling??¡± A painful sharp shrill of voice suprisingly screeched as a finger pointed quivering at Qing Feng, ¡°This¡­ How is this possible? This¡­ Where are the Hao Yue¡¯s officials?? Who was the one that went to receive?!¡± Wang Li Xin almost stop breathing when he looked at the scars on Qing Feng¡¯s face again. This is a woman that the Emperor specifically requested for! How did it came to this? If the Emperor blame him, will he still have his life? Lan Fang immediately replied, ¡°Gonggong, this servant have asked Official Zhao, the Hao Yue officials claimed that she is Qing Ling! Furthermore, the people from Hao Yue have left ages ago!¡± Li Xu said that she is Qing Ling! Qing Feng froze. Why did he say such a thing? Eldest Sister was specifically requested by Yan Hong Tian, why would he say that she is Qing Ling. Moreover, Elder sister is more beautiful than her and her scars are swallower, why would Li Xu say that she is Qing Ling, unless¡­ Unless in the ruined temple, Elder sister and younger sister have already¡­ Died¡­ That is why Li Xu used her to impersonate!! The cold stone floor was not able to compare to the intense cutting chill that her heart felt. Qing Feng sat on the floor blankly, the surrounding noise diminished in her ears and she could only hear the mangled words from her heart. Why is the one dead not her?? It was her that wanted to commit suicide! Why was the one dead not her!! Why?! Wang Li Xin was beside himself in panic, ¡°What¡­ What can be done?!¡± Seeing that Wang Li Xin also loathed this Miss Qing, Lan Fang quickly kneel down and softly spoke, ¡°Eunuch Wang, this servant is accustomed working at the Laundry Bureau. Is it possible to let this servant return to the Laundry Bureau?¡± Even though working in the Laundry Bureau would never accomplished to anything, as long as the Older Palace Maids are treated well, there will not be any hardship. Overall, it would not be as bad as staying beside this ugly monster! Looking at the apathetic and sluggish female sitting on the floor, Wang Li Xin faced Lan Fang waved her and impatiently replied, ¡°Go back, just go back!¡± He reckoned that once the Emperor saw Qing Ling¡¯s face, he will take away her life in a fit of anger. In the Inner Palace, whatever talents in singing and dancing or outstanding moral character and bearings are all false. Their faces were only weapon to win the Emperor¡¯s favour. With Qing Ling¡¯s disfigured face, all the chances have vanished. He doesn¡¯t need to waste his energy on this type of person! He has to start to make arrangements, in case the Emperor punish him for this outcome! ¡°Fu Ling?¡± Lan Fang gave a meaningful glance to rule-abiding Fu Ling, if she is not leaving in such an circumstances what are is she waiting for! How would the intentions of the palace maids escape the experienced Wang Li Xin who has been managing the Palace for so many years. With slightly narrowed eyes, Wang Li Xin snorted, ¡°Why, you too, want to return?¡± Its not impossible to send her back to the Female Medical Department. It only depends if she is sensible or not and if she able to show respect or not. ¡°Miss Qing is not feeling well, this servant would prefer to stay and take care of her.¡± Fu Ling lowered her eyes to the floor, portraying a respectful posture but speaking in a neither servile nor overbearing tone. A female medical attendant¡¯s job will easily be enable on fawn over the various mistresses. She is already over 20 years old but is still at the lowest ranked palace maid. In this case where she was a haphazardly recommended medical attendant, it can be seen that this Fu Ling is not a quick witted person. Qing Ling is after all a person specifically chosen by the Emperor, if there were any problematic issues that arise, he too will be in trouble! After some thoughts, Wang Li Xin sternly instructed, ¡°That¡¯s good, you stay behind and make sure that she doesn¡¯t run around!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Wang Li Xin did not bother to give Qing Feng another look and left abruptly. The young palace maid, Lan Fang followed him out of the room without delay. Qing Feng sat on the floor blankly with a vacant expression. In contrast with the red dress, her face was much paler than before. Fu Ling stepped forward and question softly, ¡°Miss Qing, are you all right?¡± For a long time, Qing Feng held onto the bedside to stand up. Even though the joints of her fingers turned white due to excessive exertion, she still refuses Fu Ling¡¯s support. After taking a great effort to stand up, Qing Feng coldly expressed, ¡°Go out. I would like to be alone.¡± Seeing tears falling silently down and with that hidden pair of grey eyes, Fu Ling felt faintly worried but knows that additional words will not be beneficial. In the Palace, there are more than enough pitiful and lamentable women. She¡­ will not be the last one. Fu Ling closed the door unhurriedly and exited the room. Chapter 3 Fu Ling opened the food basket, that was received from the young eunuch, and just as expected, the meals from three days before were meat and fish dishes with hot broth has turned to meagre tasteless meals. Most of people in the Imperial Palace have the power to influence, thus this type of occurrence happens daily. Fu Ling, who was already used to it, lightly covered the food basket and walked towards the courtyard. Qing Ling¡¯s shadow can been seen by the half opened sliding window like before. For the past three days, she has often stood at the window with her eyes fixed on the lush Chinese parasol tree within the courtyard. During the afternoon of the beginning of spring, the tree¡¯s shadow fragmented the rays of warm sun on her face, but it¡¯s a pity that it did not gave her any warmth. In the cool and serene glaze revealed a bone chilling feeling, like an everlasting white plum blossom in the sun. Unlike other women in the Inner Palace that put up cold and aloof pretences, her cold and unyielding made people apprehensive but unable to tear their eyes away. Fu Ling gloomily sighed, the face behind the window is extremely beautiful but disfigure. She did not know if it can been counted a blessing in disguise, since once the Imperial Concubines were aware that Qing Ling was disfigure, they did not even bother to make things difficult for her. Thus, enabling her to get through these past three days peacefully. After opening the door, Fu Ling started to lay out the dishes on the round table and lowly spoke, ¡°Miss, please have your meal.¡± ¡°Fu Ling, when will I be able to see your monarch.¡± A cool voice unemotionally question. In the Imperial Palace, there are countless of beauties who are anxious to see the Emperor. But Fu Ling knows that her purpose of seeing the Emperor was definitely not to fawn over him. After laying out the dishes, Fu Ling replied indifferently, ¡°This servant don¡¯t know.¡± Qing Feng turned around unhurriedly, saw her quietly working at the table and softly questioned, ¡°Other than saying you don¡¯t know, what additional things do you say?¡± Fu Ling¡¯s hands, that were clearing the food basket, slightly paused but was soon focus on the task on hand. With regards to Qing Ling¡¯s question, keeping quiet is correct. After sitting at the round table, Qing Feng glance at two plain vegetarian dishes on the table and smile sarcastically. Picking up the pair of chopsticks and looking at the tasteless dishes, Qing Feng started to eat mouthfuls of cold rice. Upon finishing half a bowl of rice, Qing Feng lay down her chopsticks and coldly said, ¡°Leave here.¡± ¡°The Imperial Household has arrange for this servant to serve Miss¡­¡± Fu Ling spoke half-hearted words plainly, but in actual fact she seek the peace and quiet here. Before she could not finish, Qing Feng¡¯s shadow interrupted her words, ¡°If you don¡¯t go, you will regret.¡± Her words¡­ What does it mean? Fu Ling had a dreadful sense of premonition and struggled for a while before replying softly, ¡°Miss¡­ It would be better not to do anything silly, nothing is better than¡­ Being alive.¡± Even though her face is disfigured and left her home-town, which is truly pitiful, but aren¡¯t there far more pitiful people in the world than her? Qing Feng raised her head slightly and meet the pair of usually lowered and avoiding eyes before saying, ¡°A person can live with compromises, can live with shame, can suffer all kinds of torment, pass each day arduously and for those who live on with hope, it is the most precious. But for my hope, it was ripped apart and destroyed earlier on!¡± The previously cold set of eyes was inflected by such a hot rage, that even the clear voice was trembling slightly. Fu Ling could almost hear her grinding teeth. She only know that the Sisters of the Qing family were sent as tributes. As for how her face was disfigured and what that made her hate that much, she didn¡¯t know. Fu Ling opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately kept it tightly shut. ¡°Older Sister Fu Ling.¡± A little girl, similarly dressed as a palace maid, stood outside the courtyard and stuck her head in to peer inside but didn¡¯t dare to enter. A streak of cloud crossed Qing Feng¡¯s face and Fu Ling quickly exited the room, closed the door and walked briskly out of the small courtyard. Seeing that Fu Ling came out, the little girl quickly approached and smiled, ¡°Older Sister Fu Ling. The last time Older Sister prescribe me medicine, I only had to eat three doses and the cold was mostly gone! These are some Chinese basil biscuits from my home-town, do hope that Older Sister will not despise.¡± She was the lowest ranked of the palace maids, the Imperial Physician in the Imperial Medical Institute will not even bother about her. To receive medical consultations from the lower ranked Physicians would require gifts. But she only received a small allowance monthly and still have to save up for the living expenses of her parents and younger siblings. Fortunately, Older Sister Fu Ling is a good person and gave her a few doses of medication else her cold will drag to who knows when. The little girl pushed bag of stuff from her hands to Fu Ling¡¯s. After much thoughts, Fu Ling remembered that she is Xiao You, a palace maid from Liu Yun Palace Hall. She reply with a smile, ¡°You are too kind, its no effort at all.¡± Xiao You laughed sweetly, ¡°Only a good person like big sister will extend a hand.¡± Fu Ling smile without a reply. Xiao You tilted her head toward the inner courtyard, pass the half-opened window and vaguely saw a plainly dressed female, with long uncombed hair, silently sitting at a round table. As Xiao You gentle tugged Fu Ling¡¯s clothes, she ask in a hush tone, ¡°Is the one inside the beauty from Hao Yue? Her face¡­¡± Fu Ling knitted her eyebrows, she also came to inquire information? She has been serving in the Palace for ten years and these days the people who came to her far exceed the total amount of that in ten years. Fu Ling expressed a little impatience and Xiao You immediately said, ¡°Older Sister Fu Ling, I truly came here to express my thanks! But when I left, the mistress saw and know that I was going to visit Older Sister, so she ordered me to inquire some information. I¡­¡± ¡°Well, you have seen for yourself and can account for upon your return. Return then.¡± Exhausted from listening to her excuses, Fu Ling unhurriedly close the main doors of the courtyard. ¡°Fu Ling.¡± A cool voice called out. Fu Ling entered the room and initially thought that she would throw a tantrum at those who were discreetly gathering information. But unexpectedly, she suddenly asked, ¡°Did that Wang Gonggong gave instructions that I was unable to leave this house?¡± After some thought, Fu Ling replied, ¡°No.¡± A streak of colour crossed Qing Feng¡¯s eyes and continued enquiring, ¡°Then can I walk around your Imperial Gardens?¡± She¡­ thought about waiting for the Emperor in the Imperial Gardens? At times, the Emperor will head to the Imperial Gardens once every month! Fu Ling shakes her head and replied, ¡°Only the Empress Dowager, Imperial Concubines, Princesses and Princes will be permitted to play in the Imperial Gardens.¡± Qing Feng wrinkled her brows and snorted lightly, ¡°Then it should be all right to walk around this area.¡± They are at the Central Court which is far from the Imperial Palaces, where the Imperial Concubines and Consorts were living at. If she wanted to walk around this area, it will not pose any issues. Even if she said no, this Miss Qing will most likely ignore it. After ponding for a bit, Fu Ling nodded. ¡°Then I would trouble you to comb my hair.¡± After getting a satisfactory answer, Qing Feng sat in front of the dressing table with a tranquil demeanour. Fu Ling, however, felt inexplicably sceptical. She really only wanted to walk around? Chapter 4 Ce M¨ªng Palace is located at the middle of the entire palace. It is considered to be place which connects the Inner Palace and the Front Hall and gathering place for most of the lower ranked eunuch and palace maid. There were numerous comings and goings but it was unusually quiet. Everyone is accustomed to walk in a hurried pace with heads bowed. Fu Ling walked on this long palace alley numerous times, however this time it appears to made her feel ill at ease. Not because of anything but because of the plain white figure walking in front of her. Fu Ling has been living in the palace for ten years and have seen countless number of beauties. Originally young pretty ladies will wear magnificent clothes, jewellery and make-up, becoming glamorous. And she¡¯s¡­ completely different. The Imperial Household sent over two sets of plain dresses and there was no jewellery or rouge. She just wore a plain white dress with her ink-black hair loosely tied and waked on the palace ally unrestrainedly. Just her silhouette, that exquisite elegance that is by no means common, was enough to keep others fascinated. This type of female, appearing in Ce M¨ªng Palace, will definitely attract countless curious glances but none dared to approach and could only look from afar. The radiant sunlight made her flawless white skin glow and also made the two deep scars sinisterly hideous. But she continued to lift her head up high, without any purpose to hide them. Those who saw her looks were stunned and could not help but gasped before quickly leaving. After walking a while, Qing Feng suddenly stop walking and looked back asking, ¡°Where is the place with the most number of eunuchs, palace maids and old mamas (older higher ranked palace maids)?¡± Fu Ling looked up at her calm and serene eyes, she was unable to guess the meaning of Qing Feng¡¯s thoughts. While Fu Ling was pondering if she should reply, Qing Feng¡¯s cold and indifferent voice replied, ¡°It does not matter if you don¡¯t reply. There always be someone who is willing to tell me.¡± With that, Qing Feng walk towards an incoming eunuch. Fu Ling startled a little before quickly catching up with her and whispered, ¡°The kitchens.¡± At this period, the Provisions Building should have the most number of people. In the palace, only supervisory gonggong and higher ranked palace maids will be able to dine in their own rooms. The rest of the eunuchs and palace maids are required to dine together in the kitchens. Qing Feng eventually stop and said, ¡°Bring me there.¡± Determination shone through Qing Feng¡¯s bright eyes and Fu Ling had no choice but to guide Qing Feng towards the direction. Fortunately there were many palace maids and eunuchs at that place, thus she believe that she will not be treated unwell. Its just that this trip of Miss, what is the main purpose? The kitchens is not far away from Ce M¨ªng Palace, but before even walking into it, once can hear the chaotic chatting and laughter from the huge compound. Qing Feng quickened her pace and walked in with Fu Ling following behind her, but her steps were significantly slower. She will not care about what the Miss wants to do, as long as she is not associated with these troubles. The kitchen is a place where it can accommodate hundreds of people dining and at the moment it was densely filled with people. Palace maids and eunuchs sat separately beside one another, but these palace maids were dress similarly, indicating that there were all low-ranked palace maids. Upon entering, Qing Feng clearly and distinctly asked, ¡°Who is your steward?¡± The clear cold voice resonated in the enormous place, even though it was not resounding, once Qing Feng entered the place, every one was staring at her and instantly quieten down. This made the soft voice exceptionally clear. After the silence was the incessant whispers, the palace maids and eunuchs discussed about her identity and no one answered her question. A harsh appearance but looked considerably young mama stepped forward and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± Sweeping her eyes across and realized that there were no one was attired in a steward position, Qing Feng did not bother to talk more with the elderly mama. She turned around and walked towards another side compound of a bigger house. The elderly mama was surprised for a moment but she quickly recovered and shouted, ¡°You can¡¯t go around as you please!¡± Qing Feng took big steps and entered the large room. It is a kitchen which is filled with all kinds of readily available vegetables, meats and cooking tools. There were only a dozen of eunuchs cleaning as it was during the lunch hour. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes flashed a look of extraordinary splendour and exclaimed, ¡°Who is your steward? Call him out.¡± By the time everyone looked up, Qing Feng had walked over to the table where the cutting board was at. The eunuch anxiously asked, ¡°Who are you? Why are you here?¡± ¡°Get your gonggong in-charge here!¡± Qing Feng spoke as she aggressively hauled and tossed the cut produced from the table. The recently cleaned area was messed up by her and now required to be re-cleaned again. The eunuch¡¯s expression was dark and he shouted, ¡°Who are you actually? You dare to come to the Imperial Kitchen and behave atrociously? Which palace are you from?¡± Looking at how she dress, it does¡¯t seem like a mistress, thus the eunuch¡¯s soft voice increased in volume. Fu Ling stood outside the dining area, hesitating to enter. Just as she lifted her foot, a furious chiding voice sounded from outside the side door, ¡°In the middle of the afternoon, what is the noise about?¡± A middle age man, wearing a dark red silk robe with embroidered waves patterns, walked over.The other eunuchs immediately stood up and greeted, ¡°Xu Gonggong.¡± Fu Ling slowly returned her lifted foot and a sense of concern for Qing Feng arose. The person who came is was indeed the deputy head of the Imperial Kitchen. This person is a crafty wiley old fox that flatter the higher-up and bully the bottom and very narrow-minded. His elder sister, Xu Shu Ping, was East Empress Dowager¡¯s favourite mama and everyone in the palace know about his attitude and powerful support, and generally will not dare to offend him. Qing Feng silently sized up this person. A glowing face and a plump body. He must have received many ill-gotten gains. Looking at condescending attitude, Qing Feng surmised, ¡°Are you the in-charge for the Imperial Kitchens?¡± The Emperor¡¯s, Empress¡¯s and the various favoured Concubines¡¯ meals are definitely not taken care by him, but for the meals of the rest of the palace and halls, were all allocated by him. To call him the one in-charge of the entire Imperial Kitchen was not an exaggeration! Xu Ji looked at Qing Feng, the glaring scars has disclosed her indentity. Xu Ji scoffed, just a disfigured tribute only. He cast a sidelong glance at Qing Feng and in a quite arrogant tone said, ¡°The Imperial Kitchen is not a place that anyone can trespass! No rules and regulation. I can immediately get you¡­¡± ¡°You are talking about rules and regulations with me?¡± Qing Feng turn up her nose at Xu Ji and coldly laughed, ¡°Good. I, Qing Ling, was invited by your distinguished country. I represent the friendship and allegiance intentions of Hao Yue to your distinguished country. There is a colloquial proverb: All comers are guest. As a mere eunuch who dare not to refer yourself as servant in front of me, who is the one misbehaving? Or does the people of Qiong Yue all serve cold rice and pickles to their guests? Wait till I have an audience with your Emperor, I would like to ask what is the rules and regulations of your distinguished country?¡± What a ignorant female! The word eunuch frightened the crowd. Even when those supreme beauties meet Xu Ji, they too called him Eunuch Xu amicably. This foreign female is either recklessly ignorant or she has no idea what is death¡­ She she¡­ She is a tribute from Hao Yue and she dare to claim to be an invited guest! Xu Ji was so angry that both of his hands trembled. Even though in his heart, he wanted to rip her mouth apart, he has to take in a consideration that even though she is disfigured, but the Emperor¡¯s attitude was not clear as Qing Ling is a female hand-picked by the Emperor. Even though her face is disfigured, she is still so arrogant, could it be that she has a support to a certain extend?! If the Emperor have tender protective feelings for her¡­ Caution is the parent of safety. Wait for the right opportunity and he will ensure that she will suffer a fate worse than death! Xu Ji faked a sudden look of sudden realization, plastered a fake smile and replied, ¡°It¡¯s Qing Ling from Hao Yue. This old servant¡¯s eyes are dull and did not realised it. Cold rice and pickles are served for your meals? It must be the kitchen staff that are blinded. This old servant will definitely punish them severely! What does Miss like to eat? Dinner will be served exceedingly well.¡± So it actually turn out to be a bunch of low-life snobs! Eunuch Xu must exercise your control stringently, otherwise other may not know it and have the impression that it is you who was blinded. What an injustice would it be.¡± Fu Ling secretly broke out in a cold sweat. The scolding ability of this woman is definitely not weak, just one sentence is adequate to scold everyone working in the kitchens and probably irrefutable. In just a moment, all the faces in the kitchen changed. ¡°Many. Thanks. For. Miss¡¯s. Teaching,¡± Xu Ji¡¯s face was plastered with a false smile but he was stressing each word in his reply. He was obviously gnashing his teeth in anger. You will not know how to cook the dishes that I like to eat. Just randomly cook some scallops balls (ÐåÇò¸É±´), braised mushrooms with duck¡¯s feet (»¨¹½Ñ¼ÕÆ), wild mushrooms with bean¡¯s sprout (ɽÕäÁúÑ¿) and braised fish lips in white sauce (°×°ÇÓã´½) will do.¡± She actually knows how to eat. The chosen dishes were not valuable and rare but requires a number of ingredients and extremely test the culinary skills of the chef¡¯s. With the corners of his mouth slightly hooked, Xu Ji feigned a respectful reply, ¡°Yes. Will definitely serve it during Miss¡¯s dinner tonight.¡± Trying to deliberately make things difficult for him with these few dishes?She has sorely underestimated him. The Imperial Kitchen is a convergence of numerous famous chefs. These few small side dishes is not worth a look from him. This time, Qing Feng did not remarked and walked away proudly. Watching that proud and arrogant figure float away, Xu Ji slowly straightened up and a dark cold look overcast the mouse-like pair of eyes. Humph, I want to see just how long your complacency can last! Fu Ling sliently followed behind Qing Feng. After getting along with her for the past three to four days, she was a proud and aloof loner who would in no way quarrelled with others regarding three meals. Moreover today, she was poles apart from usual and deliberately provoked the entire incident. Fu Ling was unable to guess what was her intent but since she has offended those evil people, in the upcoming days, there will bound to be hardships. Once both of them returned to the room, Fu Ling hesitated repeatedly but could not help to advised softly, ¡°Miss, is this worth the trouble? Today¡¯s conduct will cause future hardships.¡± A touch of disdain crossed her eyes as Qing Feng coldly directed, ¡°Get out.¡± ¡°Yes¡± Fu Ling released a soft sigh and did not speak anymore. She turn and walk out of the room and closed the doors. Slender fingers disappeared into the large wide sleeves. An edged inch long paring knife, used by cooks to carve flowers, appeared in Qing Feng¡¯s hands. The frost in that pair of eyes was sharper and colder than the blade of the knife. She don¡¯t even want her life, what is there to be afraid of? In order to accomplish her purpose, she will use any means! Yan Hong Tian, I want you to be buried with my family! Even if I can¡¯t take your life, I still want your blood! Chapter 5 ¡°Miss, please have your meal.¡± Fu Ling looked at the four dishes and soup that was place on the table and is unsure if she should be happy or sad for this Miss Qing. Since the incident onwards, the Imperial Kitchens had served exquisite cuisines for the pass continuously for the past two days. Eunuch Xu is absolutely not a virtuous type. With him being so responsive, he should be up to no good. ¡°I do not have much of an appetite. You eat instead.¡± Qing Feng;s cool clear voice was heard from within the room. Fu Ling sighed and ladled out a bowl of soup. Just as she wanted to bring it in, she saw Wu Zhi Qiu, from JingShiFang (department that take care of the Emperor affairs¡­ Bed affairs¡­), entering the courtyard with two lower ranked eunuchs. Fu Ling¡¯s face slightly changed. She put the bowl of soup down and quickly head out to greet, ¡°Greetings to Wu Gonggong.¡± Seeing only Fu Ling coming out to receive, Wu Zhi Qiu was evidently not happy. He coldly questioned, ¡°Why is there only you, how about that Qing Ling?¡± ¡°Miss is in the room, this servant will invite her out.¡± Fu Ling performed a greeting before turning to head back to the house. Wu Zhi Qiu was even unhappy, a foreign female with such arrogance, still requires an invitation before she is willing to come out! After a short while, a tall meagre female came out following Fu Ling. Wu Zhi Qiu snorted, ¡°You are Qing Ling?¡± Fu Ling whispered to Qing Ling¡¯s ears, ¡°This is the Wu Gonggon from JingShiFang.¡± All the various concubines, beauties, talents from the Inner Palace would never dare to offend JingShiFang. Hopefully Miss will not act up and also offend Xu Gonggong. JingShiFang is unlike the Imperial Kitchens, if the Emperor doesn¡¯t pick a specific beauty to attend to him, they have ways to ensure that the Emperor will never see the name plates of those people. Qing Feng¡¯s cold eyes shimmered and bend over to give a greeting in a rare docile manner. Fu Ling was secretly relieved. Seeing that she has the cardinal principles in mind, Wu Zhi Qiu¡¯s expression finally warmed up a bit and he habitually examine her. Long and slender limbs, an elegant disposition, looks¡­ The undamaged side is actually pretty good. No wonder the Empress would send someone to remind the him that the Emperor¡¯s beauty has been sent and not keep the Emperor waiting. Without a delicate face, a beauty is no longer a beauty. Waving his hands, Wu Zhi Qiu said with impatience, ¡°Go prepare a bit, you will be attending at the bedchamber during Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11pm). Someone will bring you to freshen up during Youshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9pm).¡± After finishing, he did not gave Qing Feng another glance and walked away hurriedly. Qing Feng stood in the courtyard with a look of utter coldness. Fu Ling reminded her softly, ¡°Miss should rejoice instead.¡± Rejoice? Hrumph , well yes, she should be happy! She finally have the opportunity to be closer to Yan Hong Tian, her long preparations and her offending so many people were all not in vain! Perking up with a smile that is unlike a smile, Qing Feng spoke loudly, ¡°Comb my hair later, I like my hair to be styled a little to make my face would appear more beautiful!¡± Fu Ling though slightly stunned, smiled saying, ¡°The skills that JingShiFang¡¯s palace maid have are much better than this servant.¡± ¡°I prefer to have you comb my hair, unless¡­ You are unwilling.¡± Seeing the slightly angry look in Qing Feng¡¯s eyes, Fu Ling helplessly reply, ¡°This servant dare not.¡± Combing hair was never one of her speciality and it took a while to comb a drifting cloud styled bun. Fu Ling hesitantly asked, ¡°Is this all right?¡± Qing Feng gave a satisfied nod and smiled, ¡°En. That¡¯s good. Go help me to get my coat.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling turned to the cupboard behind to retrieve the coat. Qing Feng took the opportunity when Fu Ling was not paying attention and the knife that she hid in her sleeve was hidden in the hair bun. After retrieving the clothes, Fu Ling saw Qing Feng in a good mood, smilingly finish arranging her hair bun. Fu Ling did not notice that the smile on Qing Feng was not put on because she was happy. Just as they were ready, a mama with a few young palace maid walked into the courtyard. Fu Ling supported Qing Feng out to the courtyard and said, ¡°Gui Momo, Miss is already ready.¡± That Gui Momo did not even look at Qing Feng before coldly responded, ¡°Please go ahead.¡± Qing Feng walk out the place and suddenly stop in her tracks. She faced Fu Ling, who was standing by the doors to send them off, and said, ¡°Fu Ling, return to the place you were before. After tonight, I will not be returning here.¡± Today is the night that she will successfully assassinate Yan Hong Tian, after which she will commit suicide and be reunited with her family. If it was not successful, she will die in the hands of the tyrant, as such, she will not come back here again! The palace maid naturally did not know Qing Feng¡¯s mind and only knew that this Miss doesn¡¯t know the complexity of things. Only base on using her appearance as a tacit, she is delusional to think that after a night of attending she will transfigure from a pheasant to a phoenix? Everyone was either view her in contempt or ridiculing her. However, Fu Ling was feeling distressed as she always felt that this aloof Miss Qing seem to appear to be indirectly implying something else. Her eyes reflected uncontrollable excitement and craze which made her restless! What a haughty tone, Gui Zhi Yun slightly looked up at that infamous female. From where she was standing, Gui Zhi Yun could only see the damage half of her appearance, there are scars on her face but she is still so confident. This is indeed rare. After seeing so many beauties, she is curious about this disfigured female. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Qing Feng ignore everyone¡¯s gaze and loftily walked out of the small courtyard. Looking at the cold back disappearing behind the long palace road, then could Fu Ling slowly withdraw her line of sight. While closing the doors of the courtyard, she release a soft sigh, everyone in this palace has their individual fates! Regarding ShuQingChi (pool use for bathing), only the Empress, the four Imperial Concubine (first-ranked palace lady), the eight Concubine (second-ranked palace lady) and twelve Jieyu (æ¼æ¥ ¨C third-ranked palace lady) will be able to have one within their own palace compound. As for the other Beauty (fourth-ranked palace lady) and Talents (fifth-ranked palace lady), who stay at ShuYuDian, it was only when they are attending to the emperor would they be given the opportunity to come to the ShuQingChi and be served by the momo and palace maids to freshen up. The momo at ShuQingChi are good at their craft, thus the concubines often summoned them to the various palace to style and attire their clothes. Gui Zhi Yun is an old momo in the palace. She have seen so many beauties that she is numb to it, but upon seeing the female walking out of the hot springs, she couldn¡¯t help but be amazed. Skin as translucent and snow-white as suet white jade, body slender and well proportioned, black-inked hair spread behind her with contrast with her skin, excludes a bewitching type of beauty. And thing that differentiate her beauty from the everyone else, was her icy temperament together with her fiery intense eyes. No wonder she dared to say that after this night, she will not be returning to that small courtyard. Being this kind of stunner, no man will not be able to resist. What was pitiful was that face, else she will be able to suppress everyone else and be the most favoured in the Inner Palace! A female picked a towel for Qing Feng to dry her body and the other two immediately started to dress Qing Feng up in a dark red gauze dress. The thin light gauze was not able to cover anything up making it faintly discernible which increase the fascination and charm. Qing Feng furrowed her brows, they wanted to let her see Yan Hong Tian like this? Her heart felt a bout of disgust and rage, but Qing Feng did not say anything and left herself in their mercy. For revenge, she, can endure anything! ¡°This servant will comb Miss¡¯s hair.¡± As the palace maid holding the comb approached, Qing Feng reach out take it out of her hands and started to tidy up the ends of her hair. She casually said, ¡°It is of no need. I like this hair style. Just help me to put on make up.¡± The palace maid looked perplexedly at Gui Momo, who was standing behind. This simple hairstyle is indeed suitable on her. Gui Zhi Yun nodded secretly and the palace maids quietly excused themselves. Qing Feng looked at the version of herself on the bronze mirror. In their hands, she look more like a gift to play with. That exquisite make up and the thick powder was unable to cover up the scars on her face. Her heart was bleeding and at the same time was also laughing crazily, Yan Hong Tian wanted an exceptional beauty, he shouldn¡¯t think about it! Her arms which were at the side clenched into a tight fist, with the sharp nails digging into her palms. The more painful it is, the more she smile¡­ Chapter 6 Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11pm) came and after Gui Momo gave her a satisfied look, a captivating red cloak was thrown over her. After much thoughts, Gui Momo retrieved a red veil and place it on her head. The extremely thin gauze veil did not affect Qing Feng¡¯s vision, but to those who see her, this hazy look increase her charm and made others more curious. When Gui Momo sent her out of ShuQingChi, a four-manned sedan was already within the courtyard. After Qing Feng sat in the sedan, the four guards lifted the sedan and proceeded towards the east. Their footsteps were extremely quick but fortunately the sedan was very stable and Qing Feng was not able to feel any bumps along the way. Her trembling hand caressed her hair and felt the knife hidden in her hair. Her heart is currently beating frantically because the man she will be facing is the overlord of the six kingdoms, Emperor of Qiong Yue, a cold blooded monarch and also for the excitement of being able to take revenge for her parents and sisters! After half a stick of incense (modern timing: 15 mins), she was carried into a palace ground. As the night was getting deeper and separated with the thin veil, Qing Feng was unable to see the scenery clearly and could only see the bright lamps before the main hall. The four-manned sedan was brought to the right side-hall of the palace ground before it reaches the ground. A delicate hand separated the sedan drapes and helped her out of the sedan. Qing Feng could not help but look at the owner of that pair of warm and delicate hands who was beside her. She wore a beige palace uniform with her head slightly bowed down and she has a pretty face. The palace maid supported her as she entered the hall. In the enormous room, there were a few palace maids and eunuchs who were lighting up the lanterns. With the lighted dozens of candles, the interior can be seen clearly. There were no layers of draperies, no screen panels and some calligraphy pieces on the walls. From the style and the brush strokes, it appears that they were from the hands of one person. Within the room, there is only a large bed and two short and small table, the floor was laid with white felt. The external of the champers were equally simple, a study table, four pieces of mahogany chairs and some porcelain carving pieces. Qing Feng coldly scoffed, she didn¡¯t think that Yan Hong Tian personal chamber was decorated so ordinary. Yan Hong Tian was currently not in the chambers, Qing Feng was a little disappointed but also relieved. The palace maid supported her to the bed to sit before retreating quietly to the side. There were a number of people in the room but it felt as though she was alone. Qing Feng could hear her own heartbeat as the time passes, her hands also clenched and formed a fist¡­ ¡°The Emperor has arrived!¡± A sharp yell was heard from a distance away, suddenly startling Qing Feng! The palace maids and eunuchs located in the palace hall, immediately line up tidily and knelt down on the floor, bowing their head as low as possible. Qing Feng secretly took a deep breath, straighten her back and sit on the bed, neither willing to get up or kneel. Soon the doors was open from the outside and a pair of bright yellow boots stepped in. Qing Feng held her breath and starred at that tall huge figure. With the candlelight from the chambers, Qing Feng is able to see his features clearly. Yan Hong Tian is younger than she thought, his eyebrows were sharp like and with his nose, made his entire face look even colder and arrogant. Even in his own chambers, his pair of black eyes still remain as usual and his soft smooth lips displayed no trace of curvature. He did not come over, instead sat at the study table, without his dragon robes and headgear, only dressed in a black robe. That awe-inspiring domineering monarch has made her breathless! He is Yan Hong Tian! Yan Hong Tian took at the lady who didn¡¯t bow, sitting on the bed. Qing Ling, three years ago when he went to Hao Yue to do some sightseeing, was whom he saw by the side of YingYueQuan (Moon Reflection Fountain). At that time, she was burying a dead rabbit who strayed into the trap. She obviously was scared of blood, seen by her pale and colourless face, but she still persisted on carrying the bloody rabbit to its burial pit. Her stunning looks made it unforgettable for every male, to someone who has seen so much cruelty and killings, her kindness and ingeniousness made him want to acquire. At that time he has already decided, he wanted this woman. Qiong Yue¡¯s once in tree years celebration is approaching, Northern Qi also came for an official pilgrimage and with the bustling affairs of the nation, Yan Hong Tian almost forgotten that she has been in Qiong Yue for ten over days, if not for JingShiFang mentioning. To compensate her, he has already bestowed the title of Beauty (fourth-ranked palace lady) to her. It seems that this beauty does not appreciate it. Even with the distance and veil, Yan Hong Tian was able to clearly see a pair of blazing eyes staring at him. Yan Hong Tian waved his hands slightly and all the palace maids and eunuchs immediately bended and retreated out. In the entire room, only two of them were left. one in the room, one in the outer chamber. ¡°Come here.¡± A deep voice came from the outer chambers. Even though it was only two words, it carried an air of indefinable authority. Qing Feng secretly took a deep breath, got up and headed towards Yan Hong Tian. Even though she was wearing an outer robe, her swaying slender body can be implicitly seen. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes lightly squinted and the once cold lips finally curved up slowly. Under that watchful pair of black eyes, every single step requires courage. Qing Feng held her head high and walk towards Yan Hong Tian one step at a time. She does not allow herself to show any shred of weakness in front of him. Qing Feng gradually proceeded nearer, through the thin veil, Yan Hong Tian is able to see the blazing bright eyes clearer and at the same time also saw the sinisterly damaged half of the face! Yan Hong Tian pulled off the veil that was covering Qing Feng¡¯s face, the originally delicate and beautify face has been covered by two deep blood red scars. Yan Hong Tian stood up suddenly, his hand holding firmly Qing Feng¡¯s chin and roared, ¡°Who hurt your face?¡± With the pain caused by the pinch under her chin, from his eyes Qing Feng could see fury as though someone has destroyed something of his. Her heart was laughing wildly, he really thought that in this world, everything will be as he wishes and everyone will submit to him? Qing Feng was unable to conceal the hatred and contempt, lowly chuckled to him, ¡°Why? Is this not the face that you have make great pains to forcefully seize?! And now you despise it?¡± The mocking words were not high but in the silence of the hall, each sentence was distinct. Yan Hong Tian face fell, the hands that was pinching her chin shifted down and with not a shred of pity, grabbed her neck. His hand tightened, ¡°Who are you?¡± That extorting force made Qing Feng unconsciously trembled, as long as he wanted, he can strangle her any time, ¡°Say!¡± Even with her throat tightly held, Qing Feng remained stubborn, with her teeth clenched, unwilling to even say a word, let along beg for mercy! She was familiar with this feeling of suffocation, she has died once before and not afraid of dying another time. In short, she will never give in! Yan Hong Tian knitted his eyebrows, the Qing Ling that he saw by YingYueQuan was certainly not this female! Qing Ling has a pair of tender and gentle eyes and when she smiles, it is as refreshing as the spring wind during March. But this female in front wasn¡¯t afraid of death, especially in her cold and vengeful eyes, was as if filled with poison. She is not Qing Ling but her features resembled her eighth tenth. Who exactly is she? A flash of colour crosses the pair of black eyes, the corner of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mouth curved and his other hand grasp Qing Feng¡¯s clothes¡­ Sssss¨C Chapter 7 Sssss¨C The sound of brocade cloth tearing in the silence of the night was like a sharp knife tearing Qing Feng¡¯s clothes and also her dignity. His frivolous wanton eyes lingered on her body and with one hand caressing her and the other hand that was chocking her neck now streak across her right shoulder, towards her chest¡­ With a heart colder than her body, Qing Feng¡¯s stiffen body trembled, hasn¡¯t she long thought that this scenario will happen? What is she afraid of! What she wanted was for Yan Hong Tian to be fascinated with her body, so that he will drop his vigilance enough for her to assassinate him! But when the moment came, with that kind of touch, felt like an icy serpent wrapping around her. The disgust that made one nausea, the fear, humiliation and shame almost drowned her! Her delicate white flawless skin is pleasing to Yan Hong Tian and her trembling reaction made him interested. His fingers started to trail down her waist and his eyes didn¡¯t leave her right chest. He had heard previously, that the Qing mistress was a famous tattoo artist and during her daughter¡¯s full month celebration, she tattooed the last word of their name on their right chest. The strange thing was that normally the words cannot be seen. It was only when they are emotionally excited or when their body temperature is elevated will the tattoo be visible. If she is Qing Ling, then the word ¡°Ling¡± will appear around her shoulder. When Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand headed down her waist, Qing Feng¡¯s head hummed and blood shot up quickly. She would not be insulted that much! This is worst than death! Qing Feng open her eyes wide and suddenly raised her hands, took out the knife hidden in her hair and attacked Yan Hong Tian¡¯s chest fiercely. Qing Feng¡¯s fluid actions and having a weapon, was something that was unexpected by Yan Hong Tian. As she attacked with the sharp knife, Yan Hong Tian did not manage to push her away in time and could only turn his body to let it pass and grab her hands. Even though he managed to grab onto Qing Feng¡¯s attacking right hand, the back of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands was slashed deeply by the weapon. Blood was flowing along his wrist, soaking his dar sleeves. With bloodthirsty eyes, Yan Hong Tian coldly shouted, ¡°You want to kill Zhen (emperor¡¯s way of calling I or me)?¡± Or should it be said that she is an assassin sent by Hao Yue?! With eyes flashing with a killing intent, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s strength became more ruthless. Her wrist was grabbed by a hawk-like hands, causing extreme pain enough for Qing Feng¡¯s face to turn deathly white. But she did not moan and continued to hold the knife, even though she was breaking into a cold sweat and biting her lips due to the pain. She doesn¡¯t know martial arts? Yan Hong Tian secretly wondered, a weak arm, confused pulse and a pale fare clearly indicate that she is just am ordinary female. She is not an assassin, why would she assassinate him? Even though he already knew that she is not an assassin, Yan Hong Tian did not relax his hands, he¡¯d like to see to what extent of stubbornness will this female show?! His hands exerted more force and there was a distinct sound of displacement of bones. Qing Feng repressed a low groan and the knife fell from her hands onto the floor with a clear sound. Qing Feng is also pampered and spoiled since childhood, a heiress that everyone doted and has never suffered such a pain like this. Even so, she is not willing to beg for mercy. Her welling tears uncontrollably fell, Yan Hong Tian felt no pity when he saw her tears and instead felt disgusted that he threw off her hand. Qing Feng staggered and fell onto the ground. Her right hand is unable to move, Qing Feng struggled to used her left hand to pull up her torn clothes, covering up a little at a time. Her pride does not let herself to look lowly or sorry in front of him. This female¡¯s assassination has failed, it doesn¡¯t matter if she doesn¡¯t beg for forgiveness. But to go so far as to tidy up her clothing, Yan Hong Tian suddenly felt that it was funny and softly snorted, ¡°For what reason do you want to kill Zhen?¡± Why? Qing Feng¡¯s hands paused and unhurriedly stood up, the pain in wrists made Qing Feng¡¯s clearer and frantic, if she missed this opportunity, she will never have a chance to kill him! Her eyes swept past Yan Hong Tian to the vases behind him. Qing Feng took a step at a time forwards him till both of them was almost attached attached. Qing Feng leaned forwards and softly replied, ¡°You cause my Qing family to be ruined and members killed, you think if I should let you¡­¡± Her hands slowly reached out to the vase behind Yan Hong Tian, grabs its body and continued, ¡°Pay life for life!¡± With everything she had, Qing Feng tired to smash the vase on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s head but unfortunately, Yan Hong Tian expected it and took precautions. When Qing Feng raised the vase, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes turn cold and gave her a blow on her right shoulder. Kuang dang! As the falling vase touches the floor, Qing Feng was also knocked to the floor with a blow by Yan Hong Tian. Qing Feng felt a suffocating pain on her chest, stars appear before her and almost fainted. The sound of porcelain vase shattering is loud and clear, scaring the Head Eunuch, Gao Jing, who was keeping watch outside the doors. He softly opened the door and urgently ask, ¡°Emperor? Are you all right?¡± Yan Hong Tian was in a foul mood due to Qing Feng and growled, ¡°Who told you to come in? Get lost!¡± ¡°This servant deserve to be dead!¡± The guards immediately took a few steps back and lowered their heads, not daring to take another step. Gao Jing was about to close the doors and retreat out when he saw that on the back of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands, there was a red stream of blood dripping along his fingers to the floor. Gao Jing¡¯s face immediately turn pale and anxiously said, ¡°Emperor, your hand is hurt!¡± He turned his head towards the guards outside and shouted, ¡°Quick summon the Imperial Physician!¡± It was a mess outside the palace hall, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes sweep pass the the stubborn woman who still wanted to get up. She really wanted to die? Yan Hong Tian tiredly waved his hands and commanded, ¡°Someone come. Drag this female away, remove the title of Beauty (fourth-ranked palace lady) from her and demote her to Palace Lady (no rank at all)!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Two guards on either side picked Qing Feng from the ground and step out of the compound. With both hands fasten behind her back, Qing Feng is unable to move at all. The pain on her wrist, the shoulder injury, all of it will not compare with the pain of losing her loved ones! Qing Feng secretly vowed: Yan Hong Tian! Today you did not kill me, but I will still find another opportunity to kill you! No rest till your death! Even after being dragged away, that pair of cold hateful eyes was still glared at him unblinkingly, like a desperate violent little animal, wishing to pounce and take his life. The corner of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mouth unconsciously curved up, this female, is actually quite interesting! His gentle and sweet tempered beauty is actually replaced by a fierce and tough beauty? She is not Qing Ling, if so, where is Qing Ling? Chapter 8 Pain. It was the Qing Feng¡¯s only feeling. After the guards threw her into this simple and crude shack, they did not appear again. She too, did not have enough strength to look at where is she at. Qing Feng lay on the cold stone floors motionlessly. Her hands were numb with pain that there was no feeling if no one touched it. Her chest felt as though there was a thousand jin (1 jin = 0.5kg) of stones weighting it down, causing her to have difficulty in breathing and constantly drift off. With tears flowing down from her thin cheeks to the stone floor, she hated herself at this point of time. As she though of dying like this so that she can return to her parents side and no longer be alone in this cold world. Qing Feng wearily closed her eyes and drifted to sleep. Her head was filled with images of her parents, sisters beside her, their family finally got back together again. Just as she wanted to be fully indulged in it, a ¡°PA¡± sounded by her ears and her family disappeared in a flash. Qing Feng fearfully open her eyes, to only see blue clothes being thrown in her face. ¡°Wake up and quickly change your clothes.¡± Qing Feng turn her head with great difficulty and saw a over forty year old fat mama impatiently continued, ¡°Quickly wake up and don¡¯t dawdle about.¡± From the half opened doors, the first glimmer of light can be seen. After much urging from the mama, she finally came forward and drag her out by her shoulders and reached out to undress her. Qing Feng woke up at that moment. Mama was strong, causing her right hand and shoulders immovable and she could only struggle. Qing Feng¡¯s left hand was holding on to her collar and her legs kept kicking while she shouted loudly, ¡°I will do it myself!¡± As Qing Feng was struggling for her life, the mama was being kicked by her several times. Finally she released her hands after much toleration and scolded, ¡°You better be quick, if you dawdle, don¡¯t blame me for being impolite!¡± Mama then left the room after scolding. The clothes on her back was already in shreds and tatters, Qing Feng grabbed the clothes on the floor and wore them piece by piece. Because of the inconvenience caused by her right hands, she took a long time to get fully dressed before exiting the room. The impatient mama looked down at her and sneered, ¡°You are now the lowest grade of all palace maids, don¡¯t think that you are still a Beauty. Now is not the past, is there a need for grooming before leaving the room?¡± Feeling bouts of pain at her chest, Qing Feng did not bother about mama¡¯s cynicism and mama also stopped nagging and lead Qing Feng through many corridors and turns before reaching a familiar courtyard. Mama swept away her mean stance and solicitously shouted through the half open door, ¡°Xu Gonggong, the person you wanted is here.¡± Qing Feng lifted her head slowly, surveyed her surroundings and immediately thought. This place is the¡­ Imperial Kitchens! Xu Ji slowly walked out of the hall and with a look of delight, he glance at Qing Feng who was behind the Mama and with a undisguised contempt in his eyes, Xu Ji taunted, ¡°Ze ze (sound of tongue clicking), this one heard yesterday that Miss was awarded a Beauty title and wanted to congratulate Miss. But just a night, how did Miss reduce to such a state?¡± He previously said that this arrogant woman will not last long! It really is true that enemies run into each other frequently! Qing Feng coldly hurmph as she tilted her head. No matter how far she fall, it was also not a eunuch turn to mock her. Even at this time, Qing Feng still has a proud and arrogant look, which did not even place any importance to Xu Ji. Xu Ji frowned and the mama beside immediately pushed Qing Feng¡¯s shoulder and snapped, ¡°Gonggong was speaking to you! Don¡¯t think that you are still a mistress!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± The place that the mama was shoving was where Yan Hong Tian gave a blow. Even after a night, the pain did not diminish but however worsen. Qing Feng¡¯s brow furrowed and retreated many steps before she could firmly stand up with her forehead covered by a thin layer of sweat and a look full of pain. There was a trace of cold smile across Xu Ji¡¯s mouth as he spoke, ¡°Since you are at the Imperial Kitchen, then work hard and this one will take great care of you!¡± Looking at Qing Feng right should, Xu Ji coldly laughed, ¡°Since you just arrive, you do not know how to do many things in the Imperial Kitchens, so just fill up the two water jars in front of the kitchen. Xiao Hu Zi, carefully monitor her, if it is not completed, do not give her food to eat!¡± A youngster, who was standing behind Xu Ji with heads bowed, quickly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± After seeing Qing Feng¡¯s face paled when she heard the task of carrying water, Xu Ji instantly felt his mood lifted and strode back into the compound in high spirits. The mama who saw that Xu Ji did not even look at her before leaving, also embarrassingly left the Imperial Kitchens. There was only Qing Feng and that youngster left in the courtyard. After watching her not moving, the youngster walked to her side and whispered, ¡°The bucket is over there. I will show you where is the nearest well.¡± Qing Feng lifted her heads towards the direction where Xiao Hu Zi pointed the bucket is at, and could not help but frowned, the two large empty wooden barrels are at least twenty over jin (1 jin = 0.5kg), if it is filled with water¡­ There should be around one or two hundred jin. Xiao Hu Zi thought that she will act shamelessly or quit, if she behave as such, Xu Gonggong will then use the whip to discipline her. At that time, she would still need to carry water and in addition endure a round of beating in vain. Xiao Hu Zi wanted to persuade her to tolerate but Qing Feng has headed towards the bucket. Both her right hand and right shoulders have sustain injuries, thus Qing Feng can only use her left shoulders to raise the pole, perhaps it was because she was already mentally prepared, Qing Feng did not feel that it was very heavy when she lifted the wooden bucket. She turn to Xiao Hu Zi and coldly said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Unsure if it was Xiao Hu Zi or Xu Ji who is messing with her, that so-called nearest well, was in fact two long palace alleys away. Reaching the side of the well, Qing Feng was already perspiring profusely and there were blisters on her shoulders due to the pressure. As her right hand do not have strength, Qing Feng could only use her left hand to draw the water up and each time she could only lift less than half a bucket of water. Xiao Hu Zi shook his hand and said, ¡°You better hurry up, else you will not be able to fill a water jar up before it gets dark.¡± The water jar in front of the kitchen required at least twenty dan (1 dan = 50kg) to fill up. Normally it would take ten gonggong a whole morning to fill up the two water jar and for her, who is such a weak female, would take an estimated three days to fill it up! Qing Feng stared at Xiao Hu Zi. Easier said than done! Although she could only carry a little water at a time, she was able to fill up two buckets up to two-thirds full. She took a deep breath before raising her left shoulder. This time she almost couldn¡¯t stand up. Finally with great difficulty, she stood up but her legs kept trembling. After walking a few steps, she felt as though her chest is burning up in pain, but breathing heavily, Qing Feng continue to walk forwards. However, the scene in front of her eyes was getting blurred. Once she walked into the palace alley, she almost couldn¡¯t see anything in front of her and could only hear her deep breathing. While walking, Qing Feng suddenly felt that her surrounding darken¡­ Chapter 9 The bucket fell onto the ground with a ¡°PA¡± and the water that was contained flowed out. Qing Feng could hear buzzing by her ears and her body could not help but to collapse. ¡°Miss?¡± A pair of hands supported her shoulders, but the person strength was not great thus Qing Feng still fell onto the ground. The pain she felt woke her muddled up her brain. After the fainting spell has passed, Qing Feng finally saw that the person who was supporting her was Fu Ling, ¡°Fu Ling? You¡­ Why are you still here?¡± Didn¡¯t she told her to go back? Fu Ling smiled softly and did not explain why she was still staying at CeMingGong. Qing Feng¡¯s face turned green and her breathe was in chaos. Fu Ling lightly took her pulse and was surprised that her pulse is week and there was an obstruction of the circulation of vital energy, like she has suffered internal injuries but her medical skills are mediocre, thus unable to diagnose there are the injuries located at. When Fu Ling was taking her pulse, she saw Qing Feng¡¯s other hand laying lifeless beside her with her wrists covered in dark bruises. Fu Ling furrowed her brows, ¡°Your hands¡­¡± Qing Feng immediately withdrew her hands and replied, ¡°I am all right.¡± Fu Ling, as a healer, sense that Qing Feng¡¯s bones at her wrist is dislocated when she grab her hand. She anxiously continued, ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Fu Long is unaware of what exactly happen yesterday night but she know that this kind of injury is extremely painful. Not many females will be able to tolerate that kind pain cause by bone dislocation and she¡­ Could actually still carry water? ¡°It would be a bit painful, bear with it.¡± Holding Qing Feng¡¯s wrist, Fu Ling¡¯s technique precisely reset the dislocated bones. Even though she has completed it as fast as possible, Qing Feng still felt the pain throughout her body. Fu Ling secretly sighed in relief, its a good thing that it was dislocated. If it was broken, then it would be a bigger problem. She lifted her head towards Qing Feng and Fu Long could not help but be startled. Qing Feng¡¯s face was ghastly white, almost transparent, but her lips were bitten till it was blood red. Even though her body was emaciated and shaking like leaves in the wind, she still did not make a sound in pain. Fu Ling was impressed but also could not help but sighed, why is this woman this stubborn? She wanted to ask her not to use this hand and rest but looking at the bucket beside her, Fu Ling could only whisper back, ¡°Minimise the usage of this hand, else it would be hard for you to hold a brush in the future.¡± She is a talented female, if this injury affect her writing and painting abilities, what a pity it would be! Holding a brush? Qing Feng laughed, her only concern now is if she can still maintain holding a knife! Even though it hurts when she gentle turned her wrist, she was able use some strength. After sitting on the ground for a while, Qing Feng¡¯s energy revived, as she was struggling to get up, Fu Ling supported her up. As Qing Feng once again lifted the buckets, Fu Ling quickly helped her to raise the pole so she could better stand up.. This half dan (1 dan = 50kg) of water is not light, Fu Ling wanted to help her to lift it for the this section of the road but Xiao Hu Zi, who was standing aside quietly saw Fu Ling¡¯s actions hesitated. Qing Feng pushed Fu Ling away and whispered, ¡°I can do it myself.¡± Xu Ji wanted to make things difficult for her, so why would she still want to implicate others. Taking a deep breath and struggling to stride forward, Qing Feng took a step at a time firmly as she headed forward. Fu Ling looked at Xiao Hu Zi. Even though nothing was said, there was an uncontrollable reproach, they were all servants in the palace, why is there a need to make things that difficult for a down-trodden female. Xiao Hu Zi whispered to her, ¡°Older sister, its not that Xiao Hu Zi is ruthless. If you help her, it will only harm her and yourself!¡± Finishing, Xiao Hu Zi immediately run to keep up with Qing Feng. That true, in this palace, no one can help the other, what qualification she has to pity others? Seeing that stumbling lopsided figure slowly heading away, Fu Ling eventually turned and never look back. As the sun gradually set, the shadows were stretched thinner and longer. For that slender body, the sun cast a shadow as thin as paper that the two big buckets was able to completely cover her up. Xiao Hu Zi followed behind Qing Feng in small steps as she bowed her head down and moved forward. Four sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours), from the afternoon to evening, she only could go back and forth seven or eight times, with chapped lips, a pale face and a palace uniform, which back is utterly wet. Don¡¯t know for what reason, she kept using her left shoulders to carry the buckets of water and the blisters on her shoulders has burst due to the weight of the pole, causing blood to seep onto her clothes. The once sharp eyes were now numb and dull as she continued forward. Such instances of punishment by mama and gonggong are common and many palace maids will cry for mercy or muddle through it. At worst, it would be a few days without food or a few strokes of the plank. The gongong will not want any deaths thus the punishments will be over soon. Xu Gonggong wanted her to fill up two water jars in order to deflate her acute spirits and let her suffer a bit. Xiao Hu Zi have not seen such a woman who was that stubborn or tenacious that to the extend that he was scared. During sunset, there were more people coming and going along the palace roads. Everyone could not help but look at the difficult road ahead of the figure before whispering and quickly walked away. Xiao Hu Zi couldn¡¯t continue watching and whispered, ¡°If you really can¡¯t¡­ Then rest for a while.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s head was lowered, like she was unable to hear any surrounding noises, and her face was expressionless as she continued her steps. Xiao Hu Zi¡¯s eyes continue to watch her, fearing that if her head fell first, she will no longer get up! Upon entering the small courtyard of the kitchen, Xiao Hu Zi only discover that Xu Ji was standing in the courtyard, looking at the unfilled water jar. Xiao Hu Zi jogged up and half-kneeled, ¡°Gongong.¡± Xu Ji squinted his eyes and saw Qing Feng in a sorry state after carrying half a dan (1 dan = 50kg) with the normally arrogant eyes bleak, Xu Ji mood improved and laughed, ¡°Its has been almost half a day, why is there only so much water and why do you look like such a sorry figure?¡± Qing Feng suddenly put down the buckets, without even lifting her eyelids and unwilling to look at that disdainful face. Seeing that she could not even lift up her head, Xu Ji waved his hands with a pretence compassion and sneered, ¡°Fine, fine, this one will not make things difficult for you. Tonight the Emperor will be hosting a banquet in the honour of the Northern Qi Prince and Princess. The Empress pitied that you are a extremely delicate and will not be doing such heavy intensive work, thus you will wait upon the Princess.¡± The Empress is indeed petty, even though the Emperor hand-picked Qing Ling to enter the Palace and now he abandoned her, she still will not let her off. Qing Feng, who was ignoring him, suddenly lifted her head and her cold look ¡°You don¡¯t need to be that unwilling, even though both are women presented for the Emperor, but the other is a princess of a country and also a great beauty from Northern Qi? Perhaps when she becomes the Emperor beloved concubine, even if you want to carry her shoe, the other will not want!¡± Xu Ji was overwhelmed by shame but unexpectedly did not see Qing Feng feeling hurt and instead saw her laughing out loud. Beloved concubine? Don¡¯t even mention about concubine, even if its the position of Qiong Yue¡¯s Empress, she Qing Feng will not spare a glance! However, she did not count on a eunuch, who flatter the top and bully those below, to understand what is honour and dignity!! She laughed because there is really justice in the world, she was able to have another opportunity to be near Yan Hong Tian that quickly! Qing Feng started to laugh madly herself. Her messy hair and her sinister face made her look like a lunatic. Xu Ji took a step back startled and pointer at Xiao Hu Zi before saying, ¡°Take her away, hand her over to Imperial Household!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°The Qing sisters of Hao Yue are merely like this!¡± Xu Ji was afraid Qing Feng will pounce on him madly and give a loud low curse before quickly storming away. Xu Ji exited the courtyard and Qing Feng who was previously laughing madly stopped and coolly said to Xiao Hu Zi, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Her face was calm and cold, vastly different from the mad behaviour just now. Xiao Hu Zi scratched his head, he really did not understand what is this lady from Hao Yue was thinking¡­ Chapter 10 QianYang Hall Qiong Yue is entertaining the envoys tonight, thus the huge main hall was decorated exceptionally gorgeously. Golden silk carpet, golden tableware, in fact to as far as one can see, everything was decorated in gold, portraying the grandeur and honour yet pressing attitude the country took. Qing Feng look towards the golden dragon throne at the top and sneered. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s quick success, can only be achieved through conquering and forceful submission to become their monarch. And to want to be immortalize and revered by all is simply nonsense and extremely ridiculous! The Palace Banquet is about to begin and the officials started to enter the main hall. The Imperial Household Steward Wu Rong also started to get anxious and berate the mama to managed the palace maids under them. No mistakes is tolerated at this kind of banquet! Mama look at the cold expression of the female, who was brought to her in the evening, and she secretly lament the orders from the top, insisting that she was to serve the Princess of Northern Qi. She is well aware of the reason behind and thus dare not disobey but this female cold and aloof expression always made her nervous, fearing that she will cause any trouble during the banquet! Walking to Qing Feng¡¯s side, the mama suddenly grabbed onto her hands and feign a sympathising tone, ¡°Mama knows that you did not take it lying down and feel bitter about it but you need to serve the Princess of Northern Qi well. Maybe the Emperor will be please and forgive you. In short, during the banquet, don¡¯t show your temper or create problems else it would be hard to secure your life.¡± In the afternoon, Fu Ling did a treatment for her, thus her right hand is no longer in such pain. But now when the mama grab her that hard, the pain started to recur. Qing Feng suddenly withdrew her hands and the mama slightly stunned became angry and scolded, ¡°If during the banquet, you caused any trouble, I will skin you alive. Did you hear that?¡± Give you face but you don¡¯t want! Her chest felt bouts of dull pain, each one worse than the previous, and the clothes on her back is already wet with perspiration, not because it is hot but due to the chill in her heart that causes Qing Feng to keep trembling. She did not even listen to what Wu Mama was saying. She was only standing her without falling only because she was waiting for Yan Hong Tian¡¯s arrival. Qing Feng remained silent, but before the old mama could lecture her, a loud voice announced from outside the call, ¡°The Emperor has arrived! The Empress has arrived!¡± The old mama quickly closed her open mouth and got on her knees and bow with everyone. ¡°Long live the Qiong Emperor!¡± All the literary and military officials, guards and servants gave three rounds of greetings. Their loud voices resounded through the entire hall. Qing Feng felt a sharp pain on her hands as the mama pulled her down to the floor. At the same time, Yan Hong Tian, who was wearing a bright yellow silk robe, with a white jade belt and a crown headdress, walked in with large steps. The grandeur he currently displayed far surpassed the one which she first saw. When that pair of domineering stern eyes swept across the hall, don¡¯t even mention about meeting his eyes, no one dared to lift up their heads! The bowed old mama¡¯s body was even shaking. Qing Feng coldly scoffed, she was only just arrogant about it and now she is this afraid, this kind of tricky slave who only know how to flatter the top and bully those under them deserves to be servants for the rest of their lives! ¡°All my noble officials, please raise.¡± Yan Hong Tian sat on the throne with a woman beside him. She was wearing dark red peony dress, jade buyao (dangling hair ornaments). Her beautiful clothes made her look respectable and glamorous but also seem to be lacking of a little vigour and vitality. The woman who was sitting beside Yan Hong Tian at this moment, without a doubt, is the Empress. Qing Feng controlled herself, thinking of how to get closer again to Yan Hong Tian. As of now, she does not have any weapons, when if she does, using strength against him would be a foolish thing. What must she do to put him to death? ¡°The Northern Qi envoys seeks your audience.¡± With the officer of rites announcement, there were three people walking into the main hall, two male and one female. The lean male walked in front, with the more muscular male standing behind him, and the legendary Princes of Northern Qi standing beside the lean male. Needless to say, the delicate face is naturally beautiful and that pair of sparkling eyes showed youthful brilliance. ¡°Hail Qiong Emperor.¡± The three gave half a bow. Yan Hong Tian replied brightly, ¡°Raise. A seat is bestowed.¡± ¡°We thank Qiong Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian bright voice sounded again, ¡°These gentlemen have come from afar, do taste the Qiong Yue¡¯s specialty, aquilaria wine, first. Bestow the wine.¡± ¡°We thank Qiong Emperor for the bestowal.¡± ¡°Quickly go.¡± Wu Mama nudged Qing Feng for her to recover herself and head towards the Princess of Northern Qi¡¯s side with a wine of jug. Qing Feng half squatted down to pour the wine for her. Hearing the Princess of Northern Qi gasp in shock, Qing Feng coldly smiled. She is already used to how shock others were when they saw her. Its just that previously it was due to her beauty but now its due to her ugliness. Qing Feng stood aside quietly after pouring the wine and felt a pair of eyes on her. Qing Feng slightly lowered her head to ignore it but the other side does not seem to give up and kept on starring. Qing Feng slightly annoyed, looked up towards the owner of that stare. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes widen, she gasped in surprise and the jug almost slipped out of her hands. That is¡­ Elder Sister!! She is wearing a loose blue dress, standing beside a tall built man. If one does not look carefully, one will not easily find her. Both of their eyes were onto one another, her eyes were calm as she stared straight at her. Her eyes were not as gentle as in the past but it was exceptionally focused. To be able see Qing Ling once again, Qing Feng kept trembling uncontrollably due to the excitement and happiness. The Princess of Northern Qi looked at her weirdly, Qing Feng felt that she has forgotten herself and quickly lowered her head After drinking a cup of wine, Xu Xun Si, the Third Prince of Northern Qi, respectfully laughed, ¡°It is indeed a good wine! It is fragrant and full-bodied. This trip represent Northern Qi pilgrimage, to see the strength and demeanour of a great power of Qiong Yue, we are truly convinced. We hope that we can take this opportunity to express our submission.¡± Yan Hong Tian nodded his head slowly with a look of understanding, he replied warmly, ¡°Northern Qi is Qiong Yue neighbour, both countries communicate through envoys, having greater communications is indeed a good thing. Since the Third Prince is here at Qiong Yue, why not travel around, Qiong Yue still have some beautiful sceneries.¡± Yan Hong Tian did not even follow up with his words, Xu Xun Si knew clearly in his heart that he was not keen on the alliance, so he followed and laughed, ¡°We greatly thank the Qiong Emperors intention. Qiong Yue with a vast territory has many graceful folk songs, it is naturally more beautiful then one can be imagine. In this trip, Seventh Sister has specially prepared a dance to congratulate prosperous Qiong Yue and hope that the two countries will form a friendship.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± So fast setting up a honey trap? Yan Hong Tian coldly look across the court and laughed, ¡°Have long heard about the transcendence dancing from the Seventh Princess. Zhen must take the effort to admire today.¡± ¡°Yan Yun will show my incompetence.¡± (self-deprecating humble expressions are usual in ancient way of speaking) Elder Sister did not die! This is great! She still have a loved one in this world! Qing Feng¡¯s heart was filled with boundless amount of joy and hope that she did not listen to what was said between Yan Hong Tian and the Prince of Northern Qi in the main hall. Until a bright laughter rang in her ears, did Qing Feng dropped her smile and lowered her head. Fortunately no one else would notice her smiling face. The Princess of Northern Qi¡¯s conduct was natural and unrestrained, as she elegantly walk up to the middle of the golden silk carpet. After greeting Yan Hong Tian, the Princess of Northern Qi slowly took off her belt. Her glorious exterior robe fell along with her action, revealing a red translucent silk dress. Not only it is graceful and enchanting, it also revealed her voluptuous body to everyone. After giving a bow to Yan Hong Tian, the female revealed a roll of red ribbon from her sleeves and it expanded to meters longer. Following the musician¡¯s drums, the female jump lightly and the ribbon in her hands took a life on its on and started flying along the beat of the drums. With her cat-like seductive glances constantly on Yan Hong Tian and the graceful writhing of her body like a snake, the ribbons started to dance lightly with the drums. There were sounds of shocked sighs around four corners. The dance from the Princess of Northern Qi is indeed amazing but Qing Feng¡¯s mind was not into it. To talk about dancing abilities, Youngest Sister dance ability is comparable to that of this princess. Unfortunately, Youngest Sister is shy by nature and do not like to dance in front of others. Thus the world only know of Youngest Sister excellent chess skills but do not know about her dancing abilities. Qing Feng looked at Yan Hong Tian, who was sitting on the throne, and saw that his eyes darken at the scene. With his hands holding the wine cup and his lips with a faint smile, it looks like he was satisfied with this Princess of Northern Qi. Receiving these kind of ¡°gifts¡± are aplenty, but he still forced Eldest Sister into the Palace. Yan Hong Tian is simply a predatory man, who treats woman and country the same! Why is Elder Sister here? Why does she have a weird expression on her face when she looked at her? What exactly happen after the day they parted? Qing Feng did not understand. Taking the advantage that everyone¡¯s sight is on the Princess of Northern Qi, Qing Feng lifted her head to face her Elder Sister but unfortunately Elder Sister¡¯s gaze was no longer on her. She seems to be interested in the dance too. Qing Feng dare not continue to look at her Elder Sister, fearing that someone would found it out. As Qing Feng withdraw her line of sight, the last beat of the drums also sounded. The Princess of Northern Qi laid down stiffly with a ¡°bang¡± sound. Everyone in the hall was holding their breath and starring at that beauty. Qing Feng frowned, what¡¯s wrong with her? From her dance, the last leap should not be that unstructured? After a very long time, the Princess of Northern Qi still did not get up, creating a buzz within the ministers. Xu Yan Yun did not move for a long time, finally Xu Xun Si was unable to tolerate and came forward. He whispered by her side, ¡°Seventh Sister?¡± Xu Yan Yun did not respond to him. With eyes were wide open, her already pale face turned purple before it was followed by obvious breathing difficulties and her originally bright eyes looked lost. Her bloodshot eyes filled with fear and her stiff hands clutch her throat with her legs unconsciously struggling. ¡°Seventh Sister!¡± Finally, Xun Yan Yun stop moving with her eyes staring wide straight ahead. Everything happened too quickly making everyone one in the hall unable to react. ¡°Physician, diagnose the Seventh Princess.¡± Yan Hong Tian cold voice sounded lifeless and his face did not show any expression. ¡°Yes.¡± Two physicians immediately ran forward and took Xu Yan Yun pulse. The formerly clam expression turned serious as he read the pulse for a long time. After releasing her pulse, he then murmured a few words to the physician behind him. That physician immediately look her pulse and after a long time, both of them exchanged a look in disbelief. Looking at their expressions, Xu Xun Si already felt that something was wrong and anxiously asked, ¡°How is she?¡± ¡°The Seventh Princess, she¡­¡± Both of them, drenched in cold sweat, gulped. ¡°Speak!¡± Yan Hong Tian growled and the two physicans immediately threw themselves to the ground, with a trembling voice replied, ¡°Have taken her last breathe and died.¡± There was an uproar in the hall. ¡°Absolutely disgraceful!¡± Yan Hong Tian angrily threw the wine cup in his hand onto the floor and the hall fell silent. Holding the female tightly in his arms, Xu Xun Si was unable to keep himself calm. He stared at the physician and pressed on, ¡°This is not possible. Seventh Sister has been dancing since young and she is in good health all this time. How did she suddenly stop breathing and die?¡± The Imperial Physican did not dare to lift his head and only after a long time a trembling voice replied, ¡°The Seventh Princess¡­ Died due to poison.¡± Died due to poison? Gasps were heard again but no one dared to utter a sound. A nation¡¯s princess dead in the Palace Hall due to poisoning, this is truly¡­ Xu Xun Si looked up at Yan Hong Tian and in a deep voice, answered, ¡°This should¡­ Not be possible.¡± With eyes flashed with anger, Yan Hong Tian coldly asked, ¡°What kind of poison did the Seventh Princess suffer from?¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Unable to tolerate the group of figures huddling on the ground, Yan Hong Tian voice dropped lower and colder as he scolded, ¡°Humming and hawwing for what. Speak.¡± Really a bunch of useless people. Both of them exchanged a look and lowered themselves even deeper to the floor. Drops of sweat keep falling from their head, they absolutely don¡¯t dare to say what poison it is!! At the same time, a man suddenly stood forward, squatted and carefully examine the princess body. The physician was so afraid that they couldn¡¯t talk and all of the ministers were silent. Just as Yan Hong Tian was to blow up, a cool and bright voice was heard, ¡°Before the Princess died, her four limbs, jaws and breathe was firmly obstructed and her face was dark purple in colour. After death, both eyes protruded, her limbs turned cold, thus she was infected by a snake poison. And for it to be effective in such a short time, the snake poison is ChiHuanSiChong.¡± After the male spoke ¡°ChiHuanSiChong¡± words, all the literary and military officials burst into words. ChiHuanSiChong? Qing Feng thought for a while, if she remembered correctly, ChiHuanSiChong should be a type of poisonous snake that can only be found in the Northwest of Qiong Yue. It lives in the dark drains and stone cracks, in a wet and cold condition. It¡¯s body is entirely in crimson red and it is highly toxic. Qing Feng cold eyes narrowed and her heart sneered. The Princess of Northern Qi is actually poisoned in Qiong Yue¡¯s Palace Hall by a poison which can only be found exclusively in Qiong Yue. This crisis between Northern Qi and Qiong Yue is indeed difficult to resolve! ¡°Official Dan, the Princess of Northern Qi died in my Qiong Yue Palace Hall. This matter will not be taken lightly! This case will be handled by you. Investigate thoroughly and you must find the true cause and murderer of the Princess.¡± Yan Hong Tian voice was still displaying the dignity of a monarch but his expression was dark. In a half kneeling pose, Dan Yu Lan loudly replied, ¡°This official received the edict.¡± Qing Feng has heard in Hao Yue that Dan Yu Lan, Qiong Yue¡¯s Judicial Commissioner, is impartial and just. Is that this person? Qing Feng looked up again at him. His looks might not be extraordinary but that courage to confirm that the Princess of Northern Qi¡¯s death was caused by the ChiHuanSiChong poison and to take up that responsibility, is truly admirable. Xu Xun Si, who was holding on to the corpse tightly, finally regain some rationality. That young face, portrayed the indignation and loftiness of that as a nation¡¯s Prince, raised and looked at the aloof Yan Hong Tian and coldly spoke, ¡°If I remembered correctly, ChiHuanSiChong is a exclusively Qiong Yue poison and Seventh Sister died here in Qiong Yue¡¯s Palace Hall. Northern to be so bold as to request an explanation from Qiong Emperor. With regards to Official Dan personally overseeing the investigation, Xu Xun Si do not have any objection but expect to see the hearing when Official Dan holds one.¡± ¡°Who!¡± As how things are at this point, this request is not undue, after all the Princess has in fact died in the Hall. Qing Feng stood silently at the side when a brawny guy suddenly rushed to her side. Upon a closer look, the guy was the other envoy from Northern Qi, which he self introduced as the Northern Qi¡¯s General¡¯s son, Hu Xi Ang. Seeing him holding up the Princess¡¯s wine jar and shout, ¡°In this great hall, where will there be poisonous snakes?! The Princess was fine just now and only drank a cup of wine. Unless there is poison in the win!¡± An uninhibited voice sounded throughout the hall, rendering a pain to everyone¡¯s ears due to the volume of it. Dan Yu Lan walked towards him took the wine jar from his hands and whisper a few words to the attendants beside him before they hurried away. The attendants brought back a white porcelain plate as well as a ten over centimetre needle. He pour the wine into the porcelain plate, the supposedly clear wine showed a tinge of red. Dan Yu Lan took the needle on his hand and place it onto the plate. The needle immediately turn black upon being submerged into the wine. Dan Yu Lan took out the needle and wiped it with a white cloth but it still remained black. Hu Xi Ang urgently exclaimed, ¡°Is there poison in the wine?!¡± Picking up a silver needle, Dan Yu Lan truthfully said, ¡°The silver needle turned black, the wine is slightly red with a salty raw taste. There is ChiHuanSiChong poison in the wine.¡± Once Dan Yu Lan was certain that there was poison in the wine, Hu Xi Ang furious voice was heard again, ¡°There must be someone poisoning the wine here! Hand the person(s) over!¡± Hu Xi Ang was acting so presumptuous that Yan Hong Tian could have him locked up. But to do it at such a time would be degrading the country¡¯s manners by bullying and humiliating a small nation. If this were to get out, how could he be able to face his other six countries?! Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression grew dark, like a prelude to a thunderstorm, causing the entire hall to fall into silence. A bright and clear female voice suddenly rang out, providing a sense of dignified aura, ¡°For the beverages to be poison during an Imperial Banquet, it is Ben Gong (Empress way of saying I) neglect. Head Steward Wu, bring those servants who have touched the Princess¡¯s wine.¡± In such occasion, the Empress originally should not be the one talking but as the mother of the country and because of such an incident happened within the Palace, it is actually nothing much if she say a few words. In fact, her appearance eased the atmosphere up. ¡°Yes.¡± Wu Rong looked at the Emperor expressionless face, since he (the Emperor) did not prevent it, he immediately turned and leave. Qing Feng¡¯s heart sank, she was the one who poured the wine for the Princess! Several guards followed the orders and marched her and the three other servants up to the front of the hall. The three of them were scared witless, laying on the ground and continuously shouting, ¡°Empress, please have mercy! These servants are only responsible to pour the wine to the jug and did not know that the jug of wine belongs to the Princess. Even if these servants have a hundred times of courage, these servants will still not dared to poison!¡± As compared to the three servants who were begging like dogs, Qing Feng kneeled, without saying a word, and her face filled with coldness. The Empress¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly towards Qing Feng and coldly said, ¡°Qing Feng, you are sent to the Palace by Hao Yue and now is demoted to a palace maid. You must be filled with resentment and poison the Princess of Northern Qi or was it Hao Yue who instigated you in poisoning the Princess of Northern Qi and sow discord between Qiong Yue and Northen Qi?!¡± She wanted to frame her! By dropping such charges on her is as good as putting her to death and also reconcile Qiong Yue¡¯s dangerous position. Or does this mean that the arrangement today for her to serve the Princess of Northern Qi was simply a plot to get rid of two women? If this is true, the Empress is indeed vicious! Qing Feng is pondering on how to get herself an acquittal and she spit out three words coldly, ¡°I did not.¡± ¡°Last night, you attempted to assassinate the Emperor and now you dare to say you bare no malice?! BenGong will give you another chance. If you truthfully confess for what you have done, BenGong will free you of suffering tortures!¡± Qing Feng always thought that her sisters were dead and she was the only one left in the world thus there was no meaning to living. Death was in fact a type of relief for her. But today, she has seen Elder Sister, she will not let the Empress drop such charges onto her, else it will also harm her and also harm the innocent people of Hao Yue! After a long while, Qing Feng finally lifted her head slowly looking back at lofty, yet putting on false pretense, and disgusting woman before loudly answering with a cold smile, ¡°Last night, I only accidentally broke a vase which cut the Emperor and was unable to fulfil my responsibility to serve the Emperor. That cause the Emperor to be furious thus I was demoted to a palace maid. For today, I am able to stand here and serve the Princess of Northern Qi wine, was due to the Empress¡¯s decree and I did not know it beforehand. If the poison was placed by me, then it would meant that the Empress had arranged it.¡± ¡°Impudent!¡± Chapter 11 ¡°Impudent!¡± The Empress expression changed. ¡°Such smart mouth that is used to spout nonsense, it seems that if there is no torture you will not speak the truth!!¡± Qing Feng gritted her teeth and her body has shrunk to a small ball, nevertheless, she did not cry out for mercy but with a trace of hoarse voice coldly exclaimed, ¡°I did not poison.¡± She cannot and will not admit to it. Even if they were to break her arm, she will not admit to it!! Yan Hong Tian coldly look at the female on the ground, whose pain made her already fair face even paler and her lips bitten red but the unyielding look in her eyes did not change. Accidentally broke a vase? She have the nerve to say that. Other than her stubbornness, her ability to lie brazenly is not weak. Yan Hong Tian withdrew his line of sight, a faint grim laughter cross his dark eyes but it did not show a shred of pity. She is obviously a lowly servant but she still showed a distinguish staunch look. Xin Yue Ning humph and shouted, ¡°Bengong do like to see till when you will talk tough till! Someone come!¡± Three eunuch-looking male immediately came forward to receive the orders. Qing Feng felt a sudden fear, she grit her teeth and made up her mind. She will not say a single word even upon death! Just as the eunuch was about to pick up Qing Feng, a low clear voice sounded unhurriedly, ¡°May the Empress quell her anger. Don¡¯t be angry because of a palace maid. Why not hand her over to Official Dan and let him hold a hearing. This will also help you to avoid getting angry and harming your health.¡± Qing Feng is unable to see the owner of the voice but she was able to see the darken expression on the Empress face. Even so, her tone of voice was totally different from that before, she put on a touch of smile and gracefully nodded while replying, ¡°Nevertheless, Prime Minister Lou is thoughtful. Hand these people over to Official Dan then.¡± Qing Feng and a few eunuchs were taken to the side of the Palace Hall. She eventually had the opportunity to clearly look at how the owner of that voice look like. It was handsome man, wearing a light blue robe and purple gold hairpin. That elegant posture and calm deposition made him seem like not like those from the official court. Hearing the Empress calling him Prime Minister Lou just now and with her courteous attitude, he should be Lou Xi Yan. He is indeed refined, gentle and pure. Qing Feng gave a comforting smile, Elder Sister will not suffer when she follow him! ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xu Xun Si bellowed in the Palace Hall. Qing Feng turned her head to look and only saw Dan Yu Lan squatting by the Seventh Princess, his hand that was at the Seventh Princess dress will clutched tightly by Xu Xun Si. Dan Yu Lan stood rigidly there and explained, ¡°The Seventh Princess was poison to death and an autopsy should be conducted early so that evidence can be preserved earlier. His brows furrowed again, the usually refine Xu Xun Si started to get angry, ¡°You said that Seventh Sister died due to poison and there was poison in the wine. And you still want to do an examination.¡± ¡°Third Prince, do rest assure, I will be only doing a normal autopsy examination. Verifying the corpse appearance, recording if there are any more wounds or other, to prepare for an investigation case and will not harm the Princess¡¯ corpse. If the Third Prince do not feel at ease, please observe it at the side.¡± Xu Xun Si¡¯s face was scarily black, ¡°So this means that you want to strip her clothes to examine?¡± Dan Yu Lan with an air of righteousness and non pretentiously replied, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°No way!¡± Xu Xun Si roared! Gently lowering the Seventh Princess body, Xu Xun Si took off his external robe and covered the corpse and stood in the middle of the Palace Hall, across Dan Yu Lan and faced Yan Hong Tian before clearly said, ¡°We Northern Qi is a small country but Seventh Sister is nonetheless the most distinguished Princess in our nation. I will absolutely not allow a male to do that to her body. If she were to know it after death, she will too feel the humiliation!¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face was constantly gloomy, his eyes undetermined and he did not make a stand. Dan Yu Lan once again stood forward and explained sincerely, ¡°Third Prince, the Princess corpse must be examined so that the Princess¡¯s murderer can be found as soon as possible. May the Third Prince understand.¡± ¡°Who dare to touch the Princess?!¡± Hu Xi Ang flew forward and stood in front of the Seventh Princess body. He is originally an military personnel. Under extreme rage, he did not care about anything and roared, ¡°The Princess was clearly poison by someone in this Palace Hall and there are poison found in the wine. You people did not search out the murderer but want to insult the Princess¡¯s body. You Qiong Yue better not go too far in bullying!¡± ¡°So how would the Third Prince will like to proceed?¡± Xu Xun Si finally turned around and faced him before sternly replied, ¡°Official Dan can proceed to examine the clothes, can look at it like this. After looking, I will take Seventh Sister back to our home country. No matter what it is, you as a man must not perform an autopsy for Seventh Sister!¡± The atmosphere in the hall was thick and strong, if Hu Xi Ang is carrying weapons, it is most likely will be shining. A forced autopsy is not possible right? But if an autopsy is not done, how will this case be settled?! Dan Yu Lan was deep at thought when suddenly his eyes lighted up. When he lifted his head up again, Dan Yu Lan¡¯s eyes were clear and bright and he asked, ¡°If a male cannot do it, but a female can at least perform it?¡± ¡°Female?¡± Once the words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent. Who have heard of a female performing an autopsy?! ¡°Female?¡± Xu Xun Si¡¯s brows tighten and asked, ¡°Qiong Yue has a female coroner?¡± With regards to Xu Xun Si¡¯s question, Dan Yu Lan did not answer but insistingly question, ¡°The Third Prince simply need to say if it is all right or not.¡± It seems that it is really necessary to perform an autopsy. Xu Xun Si thought for a while and finally nodded with a reply, ¡°All right, if it is a female then the examination can be proceeded.¡± After getting an affirmative answer, Dan Yu Lan turn towards where Lou Xi Yan was sitting and walked. Lou Xi Yan flicked his forefinger with a calm and leisurely manner. Everyone was waiting for Dan Yu Lan to search for a female to perform the autopsy, or did he secretly accepted a female disciple, but see him walking pass Lou Xi Yan to a tall man and gently greeted, ¡°Miss Qing, would like to request for your help to do the examination for the princess.¡± There was once again an uproar in the Palace Hall. That was obviously a guy, how is it a lady?!! Qing Feng widen her eyes in shocked, this Dan Yu Lan has found Elder Sister? But why did he ask Elder Sister to perform an autopsy?! Ordinarily Elder Sister is most afraid of blood. Not to mention about an autopsy, just the scenario of the Seventh Princess¡¯s death would have frightened her senseless! There was silence in the Palace Hall. Where will a lady respond. Dan Yu Lan did not continue forward but broke out, ¡°If the autopsy of the Princess¡¯s corpse is not performed today, there will not be new clues or evidence and all the related persons to this case will not be able to escape from the charge of poisoning the Princess of Northern Qi to death, much less escaping death.¡± What does Dan Yu Lan means, is this a threat? Why would he do that? And why is he not letting Elder Sister go! Elder Sister fundamentally do not¡­ ¡°I will examine.¡± Just as Qing Feng was silently conjecturing, a clear cool voice with shred of resentfulness sounded and a slender figure stood out from the tall male. That was a female wearing a maid¡¯s uniform from the Prime Minister Lou¡¯s residence. Yes, a female. Even though her long hair is in a bun and she is wearing a loose robe, only upon looking careful at her fair and extremely pretty face, else no one will suspect that she is a female. Kuang dang~ A sound of a falling cup rang and everyone looked towards the direction of the sound¡­ Chapter 12 A sound of a falling cup rang, everyone looked towards the direction of the sound and only saw at the long table in front of the Emperor, there was a cup that fell onto the ground and the spilled wine dripped down at the edge of the table to the golden silk carpet. The Emperor¡¯s dark eyes was starring intently at the sudden appearance of the female. The officials silently question themselves on the identity of the female,only because the complex expression that the Emperor use on her. Like it was incredible and also full of affections, but he also had that recognizable anger on his face. A thought crossed Qing Feng, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression is too strange, unless he already knew Eldest Sister? That is why he insisted on Eldest Sister to enter the Palace and thus when he saw her the first time he asked her who is she?? Because he already knew that she was not Qing Ling! Qing Feng looked with traces of vigil at Eldest Sister who was standing at the side and only saw her stunned expression before turning her head. From Eldest Sister¡¯s expression, she did not recognised Yan Hong Tian. Qing Feng coldly humph, it must be that Yan Hong Tian had been secretly coveted Eldest Sister for many years and this time could make his wish come true. Its true that the heavens have eyes, Eldest Sister did not fall into his hands! With hands sweating unconsciously, Qing Feng nervously looked at Yan Hong Tian, the pain on her chest reminded her of this man¡¯s tyranny and his lack of mercy. It¡¯s a good thing that Yan Hong Tian did not do anything and picked up a new cup of wine, like as if nothing had happened. Everyone was breathless in the main hall, none dared to be rash, all except Qing Feng who saw the ugly look on Yan Hong Tian face. Xu Xun Si walked to the Seventh Princess¡¯s side and look at her once over before asking, ¡°She is?¡± ¡°This is¡­¡± After recovering from his surprise, Dan Yu Lan gave a glance at Lou Xi Yan before continuing, ¡°Prime Minister Lou¡¯s dependent. She has some knowledge of examining a corpse. For her to be the coroner, does the Third Prince have any opinions?¡± ¡°Prime Minister Lou?¡± This female is indeed beautiful, but she was wearing a bodyguard uniform and her right cheek was disfigured. Was she truly Lou Xi Yan¡¯s dependent? Xu Xun Si looked at Lou Xi Yan for confirmation. Lou Xi Yan stood up and walked to her side before gently held Qing Ling¡¯s hands. With a gentle and fond smile, confirmed, ¡°She is indeed my furen.¡± Furen? (Meaning: Wife. If there is a surname in front it means Mrs. If others use it to call the female, it means Madam.) Not only did Qing Feng¡¯s heart skip a beat, all the officials gasped as the word Furen cannot be used indiscriminately!! This issue will be up for discussion with all the officials! Looking at each other in dismay, the Palace hall once a again fell into a dead silence. The forehead of the eunuch, who was pouring wine for the Emperor, was filled with sweat and his hands was trembling uncontrollably. Qing Feng saw clearly that the veins on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand was popping up in anger and the wine cup he was holding was creaking in his grip and the corners of his mouth unconsciously perked up. Even she could tell that there is something involving Yan Hong Tian and Eldest Sister and Lou Xi Yan obviously cannot not see it. But he still publicly announce that Eldest Sister is his Furen. This man is indeed interesting! For the wife of Prime Minister Lou to personally conduct the autopsy for Seventh Sister, what else can he say? Xu Xun Si could only reply, ¡°Since it is Mrs. Lou, this prince naturally has no opinion.¡± ¡°Where will the examination be held?¡± Qing Ling cold voice called out faintly. ¡°Examine in the Palace Hall!¡± Yan Hong Tian expression was cold and against any objection, he ordered, ¡°Someone come. Prepare the curtains.¡± Examine the corpse¡­ In the Palace Hall? That damn Yan Hong Tian! He actually want to hold the autopsy in the Palace Hall. He is making things difficult for Eldest Sister! Qing Feng¡¯s heart is torn with anxiety. Eldest Sister has a pure kind heart. It must be that she was afraid of her suffering thus she agreed to an autopsy. But now what can be done? Just when Qing Feng was feeling uneasy, four palace maids have walked into the Palace Hall with a two foot high white cotton cloth, and surrounded to a four sided figure. As the cloth was only half the height of a human, it was only enough to cover the corpse lying on the ground. A few eunuch came up holding a long veil to surround them. Eight of them lightly pulled away, with four palace maid in the inner area, the light veil covered still the top of one¡¯s head. With two layers of barrier, the corpse lying on the floor could no longer be seen. Under Qing Feng worried gaze, Qing Ling calmly open the curtain of drapes without a trace of panic. ¡°The female decease is between the ages of sixteen to twenty two. Signs of rigor mortis has yet appear on the body, the time of death is estimated to be half a sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours) or so. The decease complexion is greenish-black in colour, with protruding eyes and slightly open mouth. Mouth, ears and eyes showed purple-black bloodstains.¡± A distinct and slightly cold voice rang across the Palace Hall. The female well organised explanation and relaxed tone made everyone inside feel confident. This made Qing Feng, who pinched herself, stunned stiffly as she did not believe her own ears. ¡°The decease¡¯s body skin is light blue, nails and fingers is showing blue black colour and her feet and toenails are light blue. The decease¡¯s throat show an obvious blue shade and the abdomen showed no signs of abnormalities. The back area showed no signs of abnormalities and the skin conditions showed no signs of obvious trauma. The thin veil did not have any barrier effect. Each movement from Qing Ling can be seen by Qing Feng clearly. Is this¡­ really the Eldest Sister she has been living with for ten over years? Qing Ling¡¯s expression in the haze was cold and arrogant and her speech was resounding. Qing Feng, however, started to feel uneasy and disturbed. After quite a while, there was no word from the person behind the curtain. Xu Xun Si impatiently called out, ¡°Is the examination completed?!¡± Unfortunately no one in the big Palace Hall could answer him. Everyone¡¯s eyes were strictly on the serious yet hazy shadow on the silk curtain. Since no one was bothered about him, Xu Xun Si awkwardly coughed and said, ¡°Well, once the autopsy is completed, this prince will bring Seventh Sister corpse away.¡± Just when Xu Xun Si finished, the cool female voice from behind the curtain sounded again, ¡°Wait.¡± Carefully lifting the styled hair from the back of the deceased head, the female voice continued calmly, ¡°An inch above the deceased hair bun, a small needle wound is discovered. The edges of the wound is neat and the surrounding skin area is blackish green. There is a small amount of black pus flowing out.¡± Why is there a pinhole at the back of the head? Qing Ling inserted the silver needle for a while and it turned black. Qing Ling calmly analysed, ¡°The silver needle turned black upon contact to the wound, which is a clear indication of poison. Based on the location of the wound and the characteristics of the poison, I suspect that the cause of death was not the poison wine but the wound at the back of the head. The poisoned wine was only just to divert the attention.¡± Xu Xun Si scoffed and asked, ¡°You only found a pinhole and you concluded as such. Isn¡¯t it too arbitrary?¡± What autopsy, this is clearly Qiong Yue attempt in shirking responsibility! Qing Ling came out from behind the curtains and looked directly at Xu Xun Si, clearly saying, ¡°Firstly, any wound on the deceased is important as it can be fatal, especially in cases of poisoning. Secondly, I did not conclude that that is the fatal wound for the deceased but only suspect it is. So I would recommend to do a further examination.¡± Qing Ling¡¯s expression was as normal, neither angry nor compromising and answered Xu Xun Si in a neither servile nor overbearing manner which made him speechless for a while. ¡°How do you want to take a step further?¡± Yan Hong Tian, who has been sitting high up and no one was able to figure him out, finally spoke. ¡°Dissection.¡± She said it calmly and many do not quite understand what she meant but Dan Yu Lan¡¯s brows were tied into a knot! He surprisedly said, ¡°Dissect the abdominal cavity?¡± Dissect¨Cthe¨Cabdominal¨Ccavity¨C?? Sound of whispering started up in the Palace Hall, which recovered Qing Feng¡¯s senses. Eldest Sister¡¯s words were not refuted by Dan Yu Lan, which meant that what Eldest Sister say must be justified. But the three of them grew up together, learn poems and painting together, learning dancing and the arts together, how did she not know that her Eldest Sister can perform autopsy? And now dissecting a person¡¯s abdominal cavity?!!! This¡­ What is exactly going on?! Feeling a strong gaze on herself, Qing Feng raised her head and saw Yan Hong Tian piercing cold dark look. No matter how abnormal Eldest Sister is today, she will not disclose anything of Eldest Sister! Pressing down her doubts, Qing Feng brows regain normalcy and gave a complacent and indifferent look. Yan Hong Tian recover his line of sight and his face grew overcast. The female who was personally saying to dissect the abdominal cavity, is she truly the beauty by the water that he has seen?! And that stubborn impostor who is not afraid of dying, what is it exactly! Both women think they can play him on the palms of their hands? Humph, they have no idea what is death! Yan Hong Tian raised his hand lightly and Gao Jing who was behind him quickly came forward. He whispered a few words into his hear and Gao Jing looked at Qing Ling and with a clear understanding withdraw from his side. Chapter 13 Qing Feng was staring intently at Eldest Sister in the Palace Hall, when suddenly she felt a pain on her shoulders. Both her arms were tightly restrained behind her. Qing Feng could not help but to cry out softly when she felt the sudden pain but her throat was inflamed. The guards behind her immediately press her acupuncture points three inches below her throat and her cries was instantly silence. Qing Feng panicky looked at the Empress but only saw her pale face and her hands clutching her chest with her attention solely focus on the corpse in the middle of the hall. She did not have the time to settle her. Unless its¡­ Yan Hong Tian! Qing Feng turn towards Yan Hong Tian, who was sitting high up. His hand was holding the wine cup and his face has eased up significantly as compared to before. He was not looking at her but the eunuch steward¡¯s eyes, who was standing beside him, were locked on her! It is Yan Hong Tian that ordered for her to be taken away. What is his purpose of doing so? Is he planning to do something unfavourable to Eldest Sister? Or is there more insidious tricks? Qing Feng felt insecure and wanted to give Eldest Sister a warning but she was of no match to the two guards and could only be dragged out of the Palace Hall. Qing Feng thought that Yan Hong Tian will throw her into prison immediately, she did not think that the two guards escorted her pass the Palace Hall and headed into the inner hall. Three of them stopped in front of a smaller hall than that of the Palace Hall. The hall was lighted up by candlelight, the doors were tightly shut before the guards let go of her and undo her acupuncture points. Two of them stood stiffly like blocks of wood beside her and kept quiet. The pain on her shoulders reminded her not to act rashly, as if either of them use additional force they will be able to break her arm. This agonizing night already made her tired and the clothes on her back is filled with sweat. As she the wind blows, Qing Feng felt waves of chills, as if it came from the hall, tightly wrapped her and Qing Feng can only curl herself up as she sat on the steps in front of the hall. One of the guard¡¯s brow furrowed and reached out to grab her clothes but the other guard stopped him and whispered, ¡°Leave it, as long as we bring her here.¡± The voice was low and clear, unlike the usual vulgar and obtruding of military personnel, and was extraordinarily pleasant. Qing Feng rise her head slightly and look that the male beside her. The light in front of the hall was not that bright thus Qing Feng could only see a pair of clear cold eyes with not much affection, similar to Fu Ling. Indifferent and estranged but could not help but regard others¡¯ feelings. Because this pair of eyes is similar to Fu Ling, Qing Feng took a second look at him. Ming Ze knew that this female was looking at him but he did not know her identity and did not want to know it. He intervened because he felt that there was no need to hunt down and beat up a physically weak female. Qing Feng recovered her line of sight and lowered her head to her knees. She did not know the situation at the front Palace Hall. In the end, was the dissection of the abdominal cavity performed? Who murdered the Seventh Princess? Will Eldest Sister be dragged into it? What was Yan Hong Tian¡¯s intention when he bring here here? Qing Feng was surrounded by numerous questions and there was nothing within her control. This fear of the unknown terrifies her, just like a invisible hand firmly grabbing her heart, constantly torturing her by clenching till she was unable to breath before relaxing. Qing Feng did not know how much time has passed. Perhaps it was a sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours), or perhaps it was three sichen. It was until she heard the footsteps from a far before she could come out from the fear. From the winding Palace trail, Yan Hong Tian stride over, his black brocade robe almost drowned in the darkness of the night but his imposing manner cannot be hidden. Seeing his figure, the guards around the hall kneed on one knee and Yan Hong Tian, as if everything was usual, kicked the doors open and head into the hall. The great doors opened with a ¡°weng¡± sound due to the massive force. Qing Feng¡¯s heart started to tremble. This temperamental man is just too scary. Yan Hong Tian only entered the hall when three shadowy figure head along the Palace road over. Walking right in front was Gao Jing and behind here it was Lou Xi Yan and¡­ Eldest Sister! Why are they here?! Qing Feng straighten herself up and at the same moment, Gao Jing walked over. Hao Jing silently sized her up and without a word from inside the hall, he clearly said, ¡°The Emperor decreed, for Qing Ling to enter the hall.¡± Gao Jing voice did not sound as sharp as the usual eunuch but his pair of eyes were as deep as pools, making it indecipherable. Qing Feng look at Qing Ling from afar, not daring to reveal too much expressions, she turned and walked into the hall. The candlelight in the hall was not bright and there was no one else in the hall except Yan Hong Tian. He was just standing alone at the middle of the hall and the big hall suddenly became small. His presence filled up the whole room that even breathing requires courage. Qing Feng stood by the door, thinking of ways to deal with this difficult male. She lowered her head docilely but it did not work onYan Hong Tian. Without allowing her to think more, Yan Hong Tian coldly questioned, ¡°Did Qing Ling let you enter the Palace as a replacement?¡± Qing Ling shuddered. Does he indeed know Eldest Sister? How should she reply? Once she admit she is not Qing Ling, Yan Hong Tian will use this excuse to exchange Eldest Sister into the Palace! No. No matter what, Eldest Sister cannot enter the Palace! For Yan Hong Tian to ask her, it means that he himself is not sure. She only needs to insist that she is Qing Ling, thus he will not have any reason to forcefully take Lou Xi Yan¡¯s woman! Qing Feng lifted her head and faced the Yan Hong Tian cold eyes and replied, ¡°I do not have any idea what you are saying. I am Qing Ling.¡± ¡°Your mouth is indeed tough!¡± Yan Hong Tian was too quick that Qing Feng did not have time to react when his tall figure was already approaching to her side. She took a step back in fright and knocked herself onto the column behind. Qing Feng have seen Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brute force before. When he is this near, Qing Feng consciously grabbed the vase behind the column. Looking at the vase in Qing Feng¡¯s hand, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes flashed a hint of ruthless disdain and he sneered, ¡°Are you using the same trick to assassinate Zhen again?¡± When Qing Feng was still in a daze, a warm hand landed on her tender neck and a cold callous voice sounded by her ears, ¡°Zhen¡¯s patience is not as good as you imagine! Who exactly are you?¡± His five talon-like fingers hooked around her neck and gradually tightening which made Qing Feng¡¯s surrounding grew dark. She knows that Yan Hong Tian can take her life any time he wants. Taking her life is easy. But getting her to submit, he can only wish! Even if it was a type of perverse revenge, Qing Feng continue to insisted, ¡°I¡­ I¡­ Am¡­ Qing¡­ Ling¡­¡± Her face has turn into a shade of dark red because of the suffocation. Her jumping pulse can be felt on the veins on her neck. He only needed to use a bit more strength and he will be able to take her life away! But even so, she is still unwilling to tell the truth! She even have a complacent smile on her lips! She really deserve to die! Chapter 14 Qing Feng clenched teeth gradually loosened but the suffocation at her ribcage and fury hot throat made her gradually loose her consciousness that she is unable to release her hand which was holding the vase. Kuang dang! A ear-piercing noise woke the crazily furious Yan Hong Tian. The jumping pulse started to feel fainter and Qing Feng¡¯s red face started to turn to a shade of blue-black. Yan Hong Tian narrowed his cold eyes, this woman really will not speak till her death! Good!! He will have a way to make her say! In the height of anger, he started laughing. Yan Hong Tian suddenly let go of his hand and Qing Feng¡¯s body fell down onto the floor like a kite with a broken line. Even when Qing Feng coughs, there were no sounds. She lied on the floor on her sides and after taking a lot of effort to recover her consciousness, she heard Yan Hong Tian voice with a tinge of laughter, ¡°It does not mater if you don¡¯t talk. There will always be someone who will.¡± What did he mean by that? Qing Feng raise her head and look at him in fright but Yan Hong Tian has already walk to the study table sat down behind it. His cold eyes landed on her, hiding an intention behind his smile, Qing Feng felt that this side of him is scarier than he erupts in anger. ¡°Gao Jing, get that other female in.¡± Yan Hong Tian said in a not heavy or light tone but Qing Feng felt as though someone has drench a bucket of ice cold water on her. What does he want with Eldest Sister?! She struggled off the floor, ¡°Yan Hong Tian¡­¡± Her hoarse and weak voice made Qing Feng sound like there was no vigour in her, ¡°Come at me with anything!¡± At this moment, Qing Feng was like a dying lioness, still wanting to protect her herd. The fear and panic in her eyes and her struggle and perseverance please Yan Hong Tian. This female is a bit interesting. He waved his hands with a touch of cruel smile in his lips, Yan Hong Tian coldly order, ¡°Throw her out.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Gao Jing stepped forwards and dragged Qing Feng out. ¡°Yan Hong Tian!¡± Qing Feng struggled hard but she was unable to overcome Gao Jing¡¯s hold on her. It can be seen that this lanky is has greater strength than she imagined. Gao Jing dragged her out of the hall and pass her to the guards by the doors to monitor, after which he head towards direction of Lou Xi Yan and Qing Ling. Qing Feng wanted to stop Qing Ling from entering the hall but unfortunately once she took a step, she was restrain by the guards, making her immobile, even when she wanted to cry out, she realised that her voice so hoarse that it was almost gone. She felt extremely anxious but could only starred as Eldest Sister was brought into the hall. What will Yan Hong Tian do to Eldest Sister? The pain in her chest started to grow bigger and her throat felt as though it was on fire. Yan Hong Tian is too violent, with Eldest Sister like that, how could she bear it?! While worried anxiously, Qing Feng suddenly saw the tall slender figure in front of the hall ¡ª Lou Xi Yan! Under the dark sky, he just stood there quietly but no one noticed his presence. That air of able to grasp the situation well in hand is indeed comforting! Perhaps, only he will be able to save Eldest Sister now! Qing Feng use all her energy and call out, ¡°Lou Xi Yan.¡± The hoarse voice sounded strange at night, Lou Xi Yan who was standing nearby looked at her and nodded his head courteously at her and walked over to her side with a gentle smile, ¡°Miss Qing.¡± Comparing to Lou Xi Yan gentle modesty, Qing Feng¡¯s tone was obviously impatient, ¡°Are you true to her?¡± A flash of splendour crossed Lou Xi Yan¡¯s eyes, he did not say yes nor did he say no. There was still a faint smile on his face. Qing Feng knows that Lou Xi Yan will not answer her. This man may look like he is gentle and courteous but his true personality would definitely not be kind. With regards to the current situation, she can only place her hopes on him! ¡°If you are true to her, no mater what happen, you must bring her out of this Imperial Palace!¡± After saying that, Qing Feng did not continue to look at Lou Xi Yan. Her voice was coarse and the bruises on her neck could be seen. Just what matters made the Emperor so angry that he actually do such a ruthless thing to a female. After looking wistfully at the tightly closed doors, Lou Xi Yan called out in a low voice, ¡°Emperor, this Minister Lou Xi Yan have important things to report.¡± Qing Feng looked surprised towards Lou Xi Yan who was standing beside her. He still standing with an air of indifferent elegance, as if he wants to see the Emperor, he will be able to do so. And indeed, Yan Hong Tian cold deep voice called out from inside, ¡°Come in.¡± Lou Xi Yan did not go in for long before Yan Hong Tian¡¯s impatient voice sounded from the other side of the door, ¡°Someone come and throw in the other female with the Qing surname.¡± Without needed the guards behind her to move, Qing Feng secretly took a deep breath and push open the closed door. No matter what happens, she will not let Eldest Sister stay by the side of this terrifying man. Never! After entering the hall, Qing Feng saw that Qing Ling, who was standing behind Lou Xi Yan, had her clothes torn up and there was a similar five finger marks on her neck. Yan Hong Tian could actually lay a ruthless hand on delicate Eldest Sister! Yan Hong Tian hawk-like eyes focused on Qing Ling as he asked, ¡°Who exactly are you?¡± Qing Feng felt anguished for her Eldest Sister and without any hesitation, she coldly spit out two words, ¡°Qing Ling.¡± She will not let her fragile Elder Sister stay in this Palace where one kills the other!! Humph! Yan Hong Tian coldly snorted, he knows she is not afraid of death but not everyone was similarly reckless of life like her! ¡°Zhen will give you a final chance, do you want to speak the truth or do you want to lose your head.¡± The words were said to Qing Feng, but Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes was staring straight at Qing Ling who was standing quietly at the side. Qing Feng¡¯s face whiten and her back was soaked in cold sweat, but there was no traces of retreat in her eyes. She stubbornly insisted, ¡°I am Qing¡­¡± ¡°Just now, you obviously know I am Qing Ling, why do you still make it difficult for her.¡± Qing Ling walked out from behind Lou Xi Yan and interrupted Qing Feng. The cool and collected voice shocked Qing Feng a moment, since when was Eldest Sister this audacious and proud? Finally there was someone who understands the severity of the matter. Yan Hong Tian snorted, ¡°Are you now admitting that the swapping of identities into the Palace your idea?¡± Qing Ling replied lowly, ¡°I have already explained. I was drugged by the escorting officials with half a month of medication, in which I was in a coma-like state. When I woke up, I realised that I was unable to remember many thing, which includes who I am. Since they all said I was Qing Feng, naturally I thought I was Qing Feng. The reason for my appearance in the Palace was that because I was eager to see my sisters and find out who I exactly am? What exactly happened?¡± Once Qing Ling finish speaking, Yan Hong Tian got angry again and growled, ¡°Don¡¯t use amnesia to fool Zhen. You have amnesia and still could be able to perform an autopsy and solve the cause. If you do not have amnesia, what else can you do more!?¡± Amnesia?? Qing Feng¡¯s feelings started to jumble up. Eldest Sister¡­ has amnesia? How could this happen? Is she putting up a pretence? Thinking back on Eldest Sister¡¯s actions today, she felt that it was truly strange, moreover if it was true, it seems that it was a completely different person. Does amnesia truly change a person? And the knowledge to perform an autopsy, where did Eldest Sister get them? Qing Ling innocently sighed and replied, ¡°I only had amnesia and forgotten many memories but the autopsy methods are natural to me like eating and writing. I only cannot remember who gave me those things only.¡± ¡°What a good amnesia!¡± Yan Hong Tian looked at Qing Feng and sneered, ¡°Do you also want to say you are suffering from amnesia?¡± After recovering from her surprise, Qing Feng and Yan Hong Tian looked at one another relatively coldly as she replied word for word, ¡°I do not have amnesia. I clearly remember who I am.¡± She remember even more clearly, who was the one that broken up her family, who was the one that separated her sisters in life and death!! Yan Hong Tian coldly sneered, ¡°Continue to talk. Zhen would like to see what kind of tales can you still spin!¡± One loss her memory, one pose under a false name, really good rapport indeed! Qing Ling did not know if a real amnesia will cause someone not to be able to answer or think about things. With her head lowered, Qing Feng tried to recall back, destroying their looks was her idea, committing suicide was her insistence, but it did not go as she planned and instead harmed Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister. This time she needs to explain everything to Yan Hong Tian and not let Eldest Sister come to harm. Restraining the hostility in her speech, Qing Feng explained, ¡°We did not intend to deceive anyone. When we attempted suicide in the ruined temple, in order for Eldest Sister to hold Youngest Sister¡¯s and my hands, she stood in the middle. When I was rescued by the escorting officials, I heard them saying that I am Qing Ling and that I am still alive. After which, like my sister said, everyday we were fed with medication and when I was clear headed, I was already in the Palace. I have thought all along that they are all dead and did not want to continue living, thus I try to harm you with the vase. I kept insisted that I am Qing Ling because the person that the Emperor wanted is Qing Ling. From the moment that I was sent into the Palace, it doesn¡¯t matter who I am as now I am Qing Ling.¡± What kind of person Lou Xi Yan is, she was not able to tell but with regards to his attitude towards Eldest Sister, it should be that he like her. If Eldest Sister is with him, it would at least be safer than with Yan Hong Tian. She was not sure that Eldest Sister has amnesia or not but as long as it allows her to leave this Palace, far far away from Yan Hong Tian, it will do! ¡°Scoundrels!¡± They thought that that can use this kind of explanation to cover it up?! Yan Hong Tian pair of hawk eyes portrayed immense anger as if he is staring a hole into both of them. Silence fell once again in the hall. Chapter 15 ¡°Your Majesty, please cease your anger. Will you hear this official¡¯s few sentences?¡± The silent Lou Xi Yan suddenly said. ¡°Speak.¡± Towards Lou Xi Yan, Yan Hong Tian have been polite all the while. ¡°For all these to happen, it was due to Hao Yue¡¯s officials who sent the sisters to the wrong locations. Since the events have happen, regardless of who they are, it is too late to change back. Today, this official would like to report to the Emperor to confer a marriage of the female who is living in my residence to that of a wife for this official.¡± Peng!! Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand slammed on the long table ferociously and it made a loud noise that not only everyone in the hall could hear, but even Gao Jing, who was standing outside, heard it and became nervous. He wants to marry her! When the sentence was spoken, Yan Hong Tian was boiling with rage, Qing Ling was stunned speechless and Qing Feng was extremely astonished! ¡°Did you just said that you want to marry her as your wife?¡± In the silence, Yan Hong Tian not loud voice sounded especially cold. Qing Ling and Qing Feng exchanged a glance and unconsciously swallowed. Only Lou Xi Yan maintain that respectable and calm attitude, as if he did not see Yan Hong Tian anger and firmly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°That is not possible.¡± Staring at Lou Xi Yan, Yan Hong Tian no longer put on a nice face and said angrily, ¡°Noble Official Lou, you are the Prime Minster of First Grade in my Qiong Yue country and she is only a tribute from a small country. She is not worthy to be your wife. But if you are really anxious to get married, Zhen will confer a marriage between you and Princess Chao Yun, well matched in social status and an ideal couple overall.¡± ¡°This official has always abide the way of a ruler and ministers with the Princess and dare not have thoughts about overstepping one¡¯s boundary.¡± He requested for the Emperor to confer a marriage, due to number one Qing Ling; and number two Yan Ru Xuan. The earlier he gets married, the earlier she will be able to stop thinking about such wishes. Yan Hong Tian coldly snorted, ¡°Zhen will only confer marriage between you and Xuan-er. With regards to both of them, who swap identities, deceived the monarch and even spout lies and tales, they should be detained and investigated. ¡°May Your Majesty investigate thoroughly, what they have said may not be totally lies. By sending someone to Hao Yue and interview the escorting officials individually, one will be able to tell if they were speaking the truth. This official has associated with Qing Ling for half a month and believe that she is not this kind of person and would request for the Emperor to understand.¡± ¡°Everything will wait till after the verification of their words, after which a decision will be made. Lock them up in the Imperial Prison, awaiting for investigation.¡± It is a must for it to be investigated, Yan Hong Tian did not allow any deception or manipulation. They better be speaking the truth else he will let them known what is the consequences of lying to him! But before that, they can only be held in the prison. Qing Feng did not show much fear and Qing Ling also has a look of stubbornness but it was Lou Xi Yan who has a trace of anxiety in his eyes. ¡°This official request the Emperor to allow Qing Ling to go back to this official residence and be confined in it. Before the verification is complete, this official will not let her step out of the Prime Minister Residence.¡± The Imperial Prison is a place where anyone who have been there will never forget. Even if they come out from it, they will no longer be the same. Lou Xi Yan usually deal things calmly but with his repeated suggestions made Yan Hong Tian look at him more colder. She indeed did not made an error in judgement. Lou Xi Yan was not like what he appear to be. If he truly care for Eldest Sister, she will definitely be able to rely on him! But¡­ Qing Feng hesitatingly looked at the terrifying man sitting high on top. Lou Xi Yan was indeed to reckless this time! Its fortunate that Yan Hong Tian did not immediately flip out but recovered his line of sight and call out, ¡°Gao Jin.¡± Gao Jing, who was standing outside the hall, replied with a head full of sweat, ¡°This servant is here.¡± ¡°Take them out of the hall to wait. Zhen needs to have a discussion with the Prime Minster.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Gao Jin open the door quickly and brought the two of them out before hastily shutting the door. Nearing midnight, the moon was misty and there was no more noise from the banquet but within the Palace Courtyards to disrupt the night. The desolate moonlight, under the cover of the precious forest, was left with traces of the moon. The cold night wind, has cooled down, but it was still refreshing as it awakens the mind. In front of the hall, two similar female figures were facing one another. One who was emotionally excited with eyes full of sorrow, another who was expressing a sense of awkwardness. ¡°Eldest Sister, you¡­ Really don¡¯t remember me?¡± Seeing her sister after half a month, Qing Feng felt as though a knife was being twisted in her heart, and when she saw that clear and calm eyes, she could not see that usual pampering and warm look in her eyes. Did Eldest Sister really suffering amnesia? ¡°I¡­¡± She is called Zhou Qing, who comes from another era, and not her Eldest Sister Qing Ling. As a forensic doctor, she materialist person. But somehow she was interrupted from her life and have been transported to this era. This was not done willingly but it has since became an irrefutable fact. Zhou Qing wanted to say something but she could only say three words, ¡°I am sorry.¡± ¡°Its I am sorry towards you. If I did not insisted on committing suicide, you would not have been injured till you can¡¯t remember who you are.¡± The indifference that her sister is giving her was her karma. When Qing Ling thought of how lost and dazed her Eldest Sister felt, she felt a wave a self blame. She who has lost her memories, how fearful she must be?! When Zhou Qing recovered from her thoughts, the female in front no longer was stubborn and aloof like in the hall, but with a sense of remorse that Zhou Qing could not stand. She comforted, ¡°Don¡¯t blame yourself too much. Since what happened has happened, the most important thing is I am still living fine.¡± Even though, it was no longer the original person. Qing Feng¡¯s head was still lowered, thinking of her foolish actions of committing suicide, Zhou Qing cautioned her again, ¡°But you must never commit suicide or take likewise actions. This kind of method to escape is only a choice for the weak, you are not like those.¡± Do the weak will only use suicide to escape? As it turns out the anger and pride that she was pursing was actually a sign of weakness! Slowly raising her head, Qing Feng stared at the direction of the hall and coldly replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will not attempt suicide again. Because the person who should die is not us!¡± The person who cause the death of their parents in Hao Yue was that fatuous monarch, that instigator sitting inside! The hatred in her eyes stunned Zhou Qing momentarily. Qing Feng¡¯s hostility made her worried but it only lasted for a short while before her expression return to normal. ¡°Is Youngest Sister still alive?¡± Qing Feng asked cautiously. ¡°En, in the General residence.¡± Listening to Lou Xi Yan saying that Qing Mo was sent to the General residence, even though there was no news after that, she should still be alive. Qing Feng¡¯s hanging heart finally settled and after a long sigh of relief, she asked, ¡°Then have you seen Youngest Sister?¡± ¡°No.¡± Before being transported here, her good friend, Yun, was studying an evidence from a case ¡ª A golden eight trigram disk. After a red light flashed, she fainted and she woke up in another body in a different world. At that time, Yun was beside her too, thus she suspect that Yun was also transported. If Yun was also transported into another body like her, it would be difficult to find her. Zhou Qing can only start searching for her from Qing Ling¡¯s sisters. Qing Feng is definitely not Yun and if Qing Mo is also not Yun, she will then have to think of other alternatives. With disappointment and worrisome, Qing Feng sighed, ¡°That General Su does not seem to be a good person. I am worried that Youngest Sister will be bullied by him. She is still so young.¡± At the Palace Hall, she was only able to see Su Ling¡¯s back view and he was silent throughout the night, making her unable to determine what kind of person he is. But for someone who is constantly in wars and battles, he must not be the virtuous kind! ¡°Rest assure, as a General, it is normal for Su Ling¡¯s character to be cool and quiet. Even though he is not an accomplish general in words, he is definitely not impertinent.¡± During the short interaction in the Palace Hall, Zhao Qing felt that Su Ling was a relatively good person. There is a military leader quality in him that does not lose out to that of a literary official¡¯s. He spoke only a few words throughout the night but he paid attention to every detail. This kind of male will not purposely make things difficult for a female. Qing Feng was not as optimistic as Eldest Sister. Youngest Sister is timid by nature and usually they will protect her and help her to make decisions. But she was alone now, how will it be?! Why their fate is always being manipulated by other?! Taking a deep breath, afraid that Eldest Sister will worry, Qing Feng suppressed her erupting anger and try to calmly talk, ¡°Later, if Prime Minister Lou manage to convince the Emperor to leave together, you must leave with him immediately. It is better than having two people in lock up and one more thing, don¡¯t ever come into the Palace to visit me.¡± ¡°Why?¡± She is not Qing Ling and originally she did not intend to enter the Palace, but with Qing Feng deliberate instructions, Zhou Qing felt that there was something amiss. Qing Feng was stunned. Did Eldest Sister saw through it? Telling herself to cool down, Qing Feng shook her head and in deliberate casual tone explained, ¡°Yan Hong Tian has intentions towards you. If you go out, it would be best if you do not get caught up in the web. You need not worry about me. I will take great care of myself. If you have fully recovered, just send someone to inform me.¡± ¡°Qing Feng, whatever you do, you must remember to think through it thrice. It is never advantageous to act on impulse.¡± The steady voice pierce straight into her heart. The Eldest Sister that is saying that made Qing Feng surprised. This person, is she really her Eldest Sister? Amnesia would really make a big change in a person? The changed her, is it good or bad?! Qing Feng was still wondering, when the male voice from the hall that made everyone scared sounded again, ¡°Someone come and bring them in.¡± Gao Jing look towards them. Both of them did not make things difficult for him and obediently walk into the hall. After entering the hall, Qing Feng immediately felt that the atmosphere was a little incorrect. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression was no longer dark and he even showed a suspicious smile. Lou Xi Yan still looked indifferent but his brows was preoccupied. What did that exactly discuss? Qing Feng was still thinking about it when Yan Hong Tian announced, ¡°The sisters of the Qing fanily, with regards to the swap identities, Zhen will thoroughly investigate and give you a conclusion. With regards to Qing Ling suffering from the possible amnesia, it is suspicious. Zhen will consent the Prime Minister Lou to bring her back to guard. Before the truth is know, she is not allowed to leave the residence.¡± Yan Hong Tian consented Eldest Sister and Lou Xi Yan to return back to the residence! Qing Feng was secretly delighted but was also worried. Yan Hong Tian thoughts are hard to fathom. He is willing to let them go but will there be any conspiracy behind to it? Looking at Qing Feng, Yan Hong Tian coldly scoffed, ¡°As for QIng Feng, even if it was true that the Hao Yue officials send the wrong person in, you are aware of it and still entered the Palace as an imposter. Thus committing the crime of deceiving the monarch and will be thrown into the Imperial Prisons as of immediate. Once the truth is thoroughly investigated, then all crimes will be convicted together.¡± Thrown into the Imperial Prisons! Qing Feng was already mentally prepared. She took a deep breath and continue to stand proudly, neither begging for mercy or crying out. The place that was called Imperial Prison is definitely not a good place. Qing Feng gave Lou Xi Yan a look and Lou Xi Yan stared at her for a while before reverting and clasps his hands together towards Yan Hong Tian, ¡°The Emperor is wise, this official will retire.¡± ¡°En,¡± Waving his hands, Yan Hong Tian did not make things difficult for them. ¡°Lets leave.¡± Lou Xi Yan took Eldest Sister¡¯s hand and headed out the hall. Qing Feng look nostalgically at the road where the slender figure took. This goodbye, perhaps they will never have the opportunity to meet again. Suddenly Eldest Sister turn around and looked at her. Her eyes no longer held the look in the past but she could still feel her concerns. Having amnesia is fine! This is perhaps heavens¡¯ mercy for Eldest Sister and also her punishment. After smiling gently to the slender figure, Qing Feng suddenly turned away, no longer looking at her. The things that will be happening next, she will need to bear it alone. Chapter 16 After Lou Xi Yan and Zhou Qing left, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes coldly swept to the female standing quietly by the door. The moonlight shone from behind her, casting a long shadow of her slender figure. Different from the initial look of hatred and revengeful, different from the prudent and trepidation that she just displayed. She stood there silently with an indifferent expression on her face. Yan Hong Tian hated that expression. She should be afraid, should feel lost, should be fearful but not indifferent! ¡°Gao Jing¡± Gao Jing, who was always waiting by the door, respectfully replied, ¡°Here.¡± ¡°Send someone to Hao Yue to verify the matter, if there was anything false in her statement, immediately execute her!¡± The heartless words were spoken by the ice cold voice but Yan Hong Tian was still unable to see a trace of panic on that face like he wanted. ¡°Yes.¡± Gao Jing quickly turn to Ming Ze, who was standing outside the hall, and said, ¡°Send her to the Imperial Prison!¡± Ming Ze hesitated for a bit and the guard beside her replied, ¡°Yes.¡± With her back straight, Qing Feng turned and strode out of the hall and did not even look at Yan Hong Tian, she only left him a proud isolated view of her back. A faint smile crosses his eyes, the Qing family sisters are quite interesting. If she is still alive when the truth of the matter is verified, he¡¯d be interested to play with this sharp clawed kitten. Three long shadows, one in front of the other, walked along the dark Palace road. ZiShi (modern timing: 11pm ¨C 1am) has passed and the silence at the Palace Courtyard was far more bleak and dreadful. Except for the sound of rustling of the leaves cause by the blowing win, they could only hear one another breathing. Ming Ze slightly frowned. With his current martial arts abilities, it is not hard for him to hear that the breathing of the female in front of him is very rapid and disorderly. With her haphazard steps and gradually crooked shoulder, Ming Ze concluded that she has a problem. Just as he expected, Qing Feng suddenly stop after taking a few steps. With one hand propped against the wall, she slowly squatted down. It was already late, thus the guard, who was escorting her with Ming Ze, impatiently step forward and kick the squatting QIng Feng before saying, ¡°Walk faster, don¡¯t play dead!¡± The guard did not use much force but Qing Feng fell onto the floor and took a long time to stand up. Just as the guard wanted to kick her the second time, Ming Ze came forward and crouched beside her. Only seeing her already sick face, pale lips and gradually shorter breathe with a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, Ming Ze frowned. She do not look like a sick person is normally like, but her current situation and identity does not allow her to be treated by a physician. The guard from behind urged lowly and Ming Ze seized Qing Feng¡¯s arm to pull her up. After Eldest Sister left the Imperial Palace safely, Qing Feng¡¯s heart finally settled and now the pain in her lungs has reach to the point of unbearable. For her to leave the hall, she has already taken most of her energy up. Dry lips and scorching hot lungs made her wish that she has fainted so that the pain will not torment her any more. But the Heavens did not pity her even in such great pain, that made her tremble, her mind was still clear. Her shoulders was suddenly gripped and the force behind it make Qing Feng recover her senses. When she looked up, she again saw that pair of indifferent but compassionate pair of eyes. Its him¡­ That guard! His back is still facing towards the moonlight, Qing Feng was unable to see his looksand she also did not have the mood to observe others. Even though she stood up, she could only lean again the Palace wall. There was a low sigh beside her ear when the guard suddenly reach his hands out, grabbed the back of her robes and pushed her forward. From other¡¯s view, it seems that she was carried forward by the guard but in fact his other hand was holding her shoulder firmly and supported her when she walk. Qing Feng was somewhat surprise. Why¡­ Did he help her? She looked toward that pair of eyes but he did not look straight at her, instead keeping his sights forward. Qing Feng wanted to ask for his name but as there were others around, Qing Feng was afraid that she will bring him trouble thus she did not ask. With the support of Ming Ze, Qing Feng moved forward with great difficulty. The three took about half an incense stick time (1 incense stick time = 30 mins) to reach a stone house before stopping. The surroundings were dark and Qing Feng did not know where is it located in the Palace. Two lower ranked guards in green stood in front of the door. After seeing that it was Ming Ze and the rest, they let him through after asking a few questions. Behind the stone doors, there was a large covered area which was lighted by two torches but the area was darker than outside. In the middle of the area, a male was seated there. The other guard who was escorting Qing Feng went forward with a smile, ¡°Zhang Daren (title of respect toward superiors or anyone of higher status), you are on duty today!¡± Zhang Chen Yang turn around and his eyes past the guard greeting in front, onto the female that was carried by guard Ming Ze. That female was dress as a palace maid, her face was as white as a sheet and under the light, the two deep scars looked hideous. Zhang Chen Yang asked cautiously, ¡°Who is she? Why is she sent to the Imperial Prisons?¡± If it was the usual palace maids, it would usually be the eunuchs or mama who will bring them over. But this female was someone who brought here by the Imperial Guards, he has to cross-examine carefully as the Imperial Prison is not like other places! The guards quickly step forward and replied with laughter, ¡°She is a tribute from Hao Yue. It was said that the Emperor wanted Miss Qing Ling from the Qing family and she is the impersonator Qing Feng, the second daughter of the Qing family. The Emperor has sent someone to verify with Hao Yue and she will be held in the Imperial Prisons. It is indeed true, she will be a dead person!¡± ¡°So I see.¡± Zhang Chen Yang gave a clear nod and he understood that this woman¡¯s face is disfigured and have committed that much offences that even if she did not die in the end, she will not have the opportunity to climb up again. If one does not have a beautiful face in the Inner Palace meant that one do not have the qualification to fight for favour! Zhang Chen Yang loudly ordered, ¡°Someone come and take her to the dark rooms.¡± Ming Ze¡¯s face slightly changed. There are differences between the Imperial Prisons and the Ministry of Justice¡¯s prisons. The former was managed by the Emperor and the two Empress Dowagers. Those in the Palace, from the concubines to the servants, as long as they commit a mistake, they may be sent to the Imperial Prisons. Some may leave in one or two days, some will be imprison till death, thus Zhang Chen Yang asked such questions. The dark rooms are the deepest and most ghastly part of the prison, for Zhang Chen Yang to hold her there, it would seem to him that she will not be able to emancipate herself in the future. ¡°Yes.¡± Two green clad guards came forward and stood on either side of Qing Feng. Without the slightest pity, both of them dragged her towards the furtherest prison cell. Qing Feng was so weak now that she just let them drag her forward. Ming Ze slowly recovered his line of sight and turned to walk out of the Imperial Prison. With her such a weak body and the merciless and heartless prison, perhaps he will not be seeing her ever again. The green clad guard did not have any tender or protective feelings females as once both of them reached the last prison cell, he open it up and pushed her into it. Qing Feng fell to the ground in a bending position (on her hand and knees) and from behind her, a ¡°bang¡± sound was heard indicated that the heavy prison cell doors were shut. Qing Feng lay on the ice cold floor motionlessly. To her the pain at her palm and knees does not matters. In fact the coldness from the floor help her burning lungs to feel better. Sitting quietly on the floor, Qing Feng felt that her body became colder and her pale lips started to smile. Perhaps¡­ She will die in this prison! It would be good if she died, she will then be able to be reunited with her parents. Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister are alive so she is able to be accountable to her parents. Just when Qing Feng closed her eyes tiredly, an ice cold hand suddenly grab onto her ankles tightly. With a sudden pull, that force has dragged here all the way to a dark area, towards hell. The panic made Qing Feng scream. ¡°Ahhhh¨C!!¡± Chapter 17 ¡°Ahhhh¨C!!¡± A hand as cold as ice held on tightly to her ankle and drag her all the way to the back. That force was like it wants to drag her into the darkness, towards hell. The horror of it made Qing Feng scream, forgetting the pain in her lungs, as she struggled to get up from the floor. ¡°Let go of me!¡± The more Qing Feng struggle, the more strength was used by the hand to grip on her angle, till the nails was digging into her flesh. She did not feel any pain and only felt shrouded by fear, as she scream and tried to kick away that hand. Qing Feng felt that she has kicked that hand many times. She had already used up all her energy but that hand was still gripping her angle so tightly like iron pincers and still dragging her bit by bit. ¡°Come, come over here!¡± From the darkness, a cry that was not as low and husky as Qing Feng¡¯s imagination called out. It was a female voice, gasping lowly and sounded insane. Perhaps it was the fear that gave her strength, Qing Feng grabbed the slits between the floor stone bricks and crawl forward. The sounds of nails against the bricks emitted squeaky piercing sounds. Just when Qing Feng¡¯s fingers were almost paralysed and could no longer hold on, her feet felt cooler. Her shoe was fling off but the force at her feet loosen and Qing Feng immediately fell forward harshly. ¡°Quickly come here! Someone wants to kill you! Quick!¡± A hasty and anxious voice attracted Qing Feng to look back, but all she saw was the dark prison cell and a pair of hands appeared and waved at her like it was ready to pounce over. Qing Feng was shocked till she almost cry out. She did not know how big the prison cell was and how many others there was in the who was observing her in the dark. She could only retreated towards the back till her back was against the cold stone wall. ¡°Come her!¡± The hoarse voice hiss out exhaustively. Qing Feng covered her ears tightly as was afriad of hearing such a voice. It was as if the scary person was very close to her and could tear her up any time. ¡°What¡¯s the fuss, you don¡¯t want to live any more?!¡± A bang sounded in a distance, like it was created by a kick to the cell door and the rough growl sounded from the other side of the door. The pair of hands shrink back before disappearing into the darkness. For a long time after, that pair of hands no longer reappeared. Qing Feng gradually settled her hands down and listen carefully. The cell was so quiet that she could almost hear the wind blowing and fire crackling outside the cell and the ghostly female voice has disappeared without a trace. Could what just happen be part of her imagination? Impossible. The pain on her right foot reminded her that what just happen was not an illusion and her shoes and socks were obviously taken by that person. There was definitely someone else in this prison cell! Qing Feng took a deep breath and clench her hands into fist, with her finger nails digging into her palms. She hope that the pain will calm down her frighten heart. With her body slightly leaning forward, Qing Feng squinted her eyes hoping that she will be able to see what was in front of her but unfortunately, the only window in the cell was as small as her palm and it does not allow much moonlight through it. Thus, no matter how hard she tried, there was only a blanket of darkness in front of her. Unable to see anyone and unable to hear anything, Qing Feng however could feel a pair of dark eyes hidden in the shadows, keeping a close eye on her. She was like a prey, where that person could pounce and bite her any time. She once again lean against the cold stone wall. Qing Feng felt her entire body became cold and the depressed feeling in her chest made it difficult to breath. Qing Feng hugged her legs in the corner thinking that she will not be able to sleep with fear throughout the night but due to the suffering and pain that she endured during the past two days and night, she finally slept in the cold and dark prison cell. Qing Feng breathing gradually calmed down and once she was completely asleep, that shadow that scared her, slowly came closer to her¡­ ***** The setting moonlight shone through the window frame and into the luxurious room. The silver light was unable to overcome warmth of orange light. The soft light source was not from the normal candles but from the luminous night pearl that were place at four corners of the wall. Fist-sized pearls that were covered by an orange veil, which emits the warm light, not to bright but adequate enough to enhance the interior design of the chambers with more honour and luxury. ¡°What exactly happen tonight?¡± Xin Yue Ning has long changed out of her dress and sat infront of the bronze mirror in her white inner dress. Her female official, Shui Xin was paying attention in undoing her hair style and tidying it up. Even though Xin Yu Ning asked randomly, Shui Xin replied considerately, ¡°Answering mistress, it was in fact that the female who was sent to the Palace was not the Qing Ling that the Emperor wanted. She is Qing Feng, the second sister of the Qing family.¡± Xin Yue Ning was shocked, after which she smiled and said, ¡°Is there such a thing?¡± The person that the Emperor specifically wanted was sent wrongly? After noticing that Xin Yue Ning is interested in this topic, Shui Xin continued in a lower voice, ¡°It was said that the Hao Yue officials erred, sending Qing Ling to the Prime Minister residence and Qing Feng to the Imperial Palace. Because of that, the Emperor was furious that he send someone to Hao Yue to verify and at the moment, Qing Feng will be held in the Imperial Prisons and Qing Ling, with the help of Prime Minister Lou, was sent out of the Palace.¡± Lou Xi Yan obviously know that Qing Ling was a female that the Emperor wanted, but he still used his power to ensure her safe exit from the Palace. Presumably, he had fallen for Qing Ling. This female is indeed pretty capable for the Emperor to constantly bear her in mind and also for a usually indifferent Lou Xi Yan to interced for her. To think of what happened tonight at the banquet, Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face turned pale and a look of disgust unveiled. She angrily snorted, ¡°That Qing Ling woman is practically a evil thing.¡± She doesn¡¯t behave like a proper lady and of all things know how to perform autopsies! Really don¡¯t understand what the Emperor and Lou Xi Yan is thinking. How is this kind of scary woman interesting, there is a limit to being curious! Xin Yue Ning¡¯s expression was not good, she pressed her chest while she cough dryly for a few times. Shui Xin place the jade come down and brought the ginseng tea over. Xin Yue Ning drink a mouthful of ginseng tea before she was able to alleviate her mood and causally asked, ¡°Has Qing Feng been sent to the Imperial Prisons?¡± ¡°Yes, she was sent to the Imperial Prison one Shichen (1 shicheng = 2 hours).¡± Thinking of Qing Feng stubborn and arrogant look that night, Xin Yue Ning sneered, ¡°The Imperial Prisons is not a place to be in and she is a weak female. Don¡¯t know if she can survive or not.¡± Shui Xin lowered her brows and thought for a bit before replying softly, ¡°This servant knows what to do.¡± Placing the ginseng tea down, Xin Yue Ning seemed to think of something before specifically instructed, ¡°Don¡¯t do it too obviously.¡± The Imperial Prisons is a place where death is common and seeing at this time, the Emperor did not show any interest in Qing Feng, else he would not have thrown her into the Imperial Prison. Whether this woman is dead or alive, her influence on her is not big. But if Concubine Hui grasp on the matter and the word spreads out, it will not be worth it at all. Shui Xin docility replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Supporting Xin Yue Ning to the bed to sleep, Shui Xin quietly retreated out of the chamber. Chapter 18 During the warmth of the spring sun all the flowers bloom, a thrush which was just learning to fly was nestling in the branches above the chaos and finally landed on the tree branch just in front of the small window. It started chirping, as if it was telling the people behind the window to come out and view the wonderful spring scene. The sunlight shone through the small window on the the cold stone floor and also on the weak body. Even though the sunlight was warm, the body was still shivering slightly with eyes closed as she has yet to wake up. ¡°Bang!¡± The tightly closed cell door emitted a sound, alarming the bird at the window that it flew off and also awakened the still sleeping Qing Feng. Qing Feng open her eyes to see a sheet of whiteness and could not see anything clearly. After staring at the sheet of white light till her eyes hurt, Qing Feng then used her hands to cover her eyes. The scenes from last night flashed across her mind. She is currently in the Palace, in prison! Qing Feng immediately sat up but perhaps she got up too quickly, her chest suddenly pained and Qing Feng started to cough violently. With every cough, her chest thrashed, that kind of pain almost made her wish to continue sleeping and never wake. Qing Feng difficultly caught her breath when a ¡°Kuang Dang¡± sound was heard. A bowl of porridge was thrown into the cell through the small opening at the bottom of the cell door. Because of the large force, much was spilt out. She has not eaten anything for a day and night, not even a sip of water. Qing Feng struggled up and ran over to pick up the bowl of porridge to eat. The porridge was not even at her mouth when a stench of rotten whiff could be smelt, making the already thirsty throat retched up. This food is something that even dogs will not eat. In this huge Palace, could they not even afford a bowl of plain porridge? Or was it that the people held here are worst than dogs! Qing Feng sneered and was about to throw the rotten food away when the cold female voice again sounded, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die then you must stuff your stomach up!¡± It was the voice from yesterday night! Qing Feng¡¯s hand which were holding the bowl shook and she quickly turn her head over. The first thing she saw was not a human figure but hand hugging one of the trunks of the wooden barriers. The wooden barriers were very close to one another and could only allow a hand to pass through. The prison cell she was located in was on the top right and there was a palm-size window where the sunlight could pass through. As the window is too small, the light that shone into the cell was weak and the surrounding areas of the cell did not have additional windows which made it even darker. If that female did not make a noise, Qing Feng will not notice there there was a person at all. So it turns out that there was a fence between two prison cells. Qing Feng was still nervous but as compare to yesterday, she was much calmer. Placing the bowl down, Qing Feng slowly approach the direction of the fence and squinted her eyes, trying to see the female there. After searching for a long time, Qing Feng finally saw a shadow at the dark corner. Under such circumstances, it was hard to differentiate if that was a female or male much less able to see clearly her looks and age. Qing Feng could only guess that she should be a middle aged female around forty years of age with her vague stature and voice. That female was currently holding a bow and her had was as if it was buried into the porridge and poured the porridge into her mouth. And at the end she licked the edges of the bowl clean, as if it was the most delicious thing in the world. Qing Feng¡¯s brow furrowed as she looked that the rancid smell of the rotten porridge and then back at the woman at the corner. Her hands that were holding the bowl tightened and she threw the bowl to the side of the prison door, spilling the porridge all over the floor and also made a hole in the bowl. The female at the corner shuddered and turned around to look at Qing Feng. Qing Feng stared at her coldly and thought about how this female scared the hell out of her yesterday night. A night of terror. With an unknown anger emerged and Qing Feng coldly asked, ¡°What do you exactly want?¡± The female also looked at her for a long time and Qing Feng could feel the cold sight upon her. Just as she thought that the female will ignore her, the female suddenly laughed and replied in a neither heavy or light tone, ¡°Once you are here, there will not be a chance for you to get out alive. But you will not die immediately so slowly endure it.¡± Her current look was indeed quirky but as compared to the madness of yesterday night, she is not so different from a normal person now. Qing Feng started to get curious about this person and took a step forward and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Who am I?¡± The female coldly laughed but she did not continue her words. Even though she cannot see her expression, Qing Feng did not missed the tone of disdain and unwillingness. The story behind this person must not be ordinary. Not sure if it was hungry or tiredness or some other reasons, Qing Feng felt a bit dizzy and the waves of pain in her chest reminded her how ruthless the blow Yan Hong Tian gave. Qing Feng did not forget how crazy the female was the night before and retreated a few steps. Seated with her back against the cell door, she casually asked, ¡°Have you been here for a long time?¡± ¡°Not long.¡± The female was silent for a while. Just as Qing Feng thought that she will not speak any more, she replied softly, ¡°Only seven or eight years.¡± Only seven or eight years? She was crouching and hiding in the shadows. Qing Feng could only vaguely see that she is really thin and the prisoner clothes were tattered and dirty till the original colour cannot be seen. Her dishevelled loose hair was all over her back and covered her facial features. Seven or eight years¡­ The spilt rotten porridge emitted a stench of bad smell with the always dark cold prison cell, it would never be warm here or hope. Seven or eight years¡­ Perhaps she will not even last for seven or eight days. If she were to spend the rest of her life here, she would rather die! The metal door suddenly moved a little and the small square opening below once again open. The person outside paused and he seems to have seen the spilled bowl of rotten porridge on the floor ¡°You don¡¯t want to eat, then don¡¯t eat for these few days.¡± The man angrily shouted from outside the door. The corners of Qing Feng¡¯s lips raised not caring about what he has just said. This kind of rotten food, she would rather starved to death than to eat. Just as Qing Feng was laughing arrogantly, the guard standing outside brutally kicked her. Even though it was not kicked directly at her, but she was leaning against the cell door and that force from the kick went through the door an onto her chest. Qing Feng felt that her surroundings turned dark and a bout of heat flowed out of her throat. Qing Feng gently raise her hands to wipe her lips and the dark red blood stain her fingertips. Qing Feng frowned, it seems that she will die in this prison is not even seven or eight days. Chapter 19 ¡°You¡­ You vomited blood??¡± The alarmed female voice sounded from the corner and Qing Feng looked up, use her sleeves to wipe the blood stains and indifferently snorted, ¡°Will not die for the moment.¡± The blood dyed the sleeve and left dark red bloodstains on the blue cloth material. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes were unyielding, like that blood that she vomited was not her own, and the female who was calm and normal started twitching and chanting something, that Qing Feng wasn¡¯t able to hear, over and over again. ¡°It¡¯s her!¡± The female violently crawled to her feed and crazily leap towards Qing Feng. It frightened Qing Feng that she quickly backed towards the cell door. This time the female did not reach out and pull Qing Feng but only grab the wooden fence tightly, so tight that her fingers have stared to turn white. The female starred and Qing Feng, just like the night before, and crazily howled, ¡°It¡¯s her! It must be her poisoning! She was the one who poisoned! The female rushed to the next wooden fence and with the help of the faint sunlight, Qing Feng was finally able to see her looks clearly. It was a pale and colourless face, that there was not even a trace of red on her lips. Perhaps it was due to the perpetual lack of sunlight or perhaps it was the frequent starvation throughout the years that caused it. Her hair was extremely dry and sparse, there was practically no hair above her forehead. The only feature that was memorable was her pair of eyes. Her bloodshot eyes are widely open, as if the entire eyeball would fall out. The pair dark black eyes staring straight at you, as if it was penetrating your soul. When it was looking at another direction, that mixture of fear and hatred was found in that pair of complex eyes, even though it was during daytime, they are able make Qing Feng absolutely horrified. Qing Feng clutched her chest and was trying to calm her wildly beating heart but the disorder could not be appease in a short time. Even so, Qing Feng temp down the panic and stubbornly look at that female in the eyes. Don¡¯t know if the fake tough cold look that Qing Feng gave controlled the female or if she suddenly thought about something. The female slipped her hands back and shook her head while crying out fearfully, ¡°I don¡¯t know anything, don¡¯t know anything, don¡¯t kill me, don¡¯t kill me!¡± With both hands holding her head, the female started tugging her hair seemingly thinking to use it to cover her face, as if she would be able to hide if she did so. Qing Feng felt that she was surrounded by helplessness, fear and panic and with each cry, she hastily retreated back to the corner with her head buried between her knees crying, ¡°Don¡¯t kill me¡­ Don¡¯t kill me¡­¡± Even though she just vomited a mouthful of blood, Qing Feng felt a lot easier. As if the big rock that was pressing on her chest was moved and only left with a burning sensation at her throat. Qing Feng was curious, what made her this fearful, and leaned forward and asked, ¡°Who wants to kill you? ¡°It¡¯s her, it¡¯s her¡­¡± Fragments of murmuring was filled with fear and tears. Qing Feng continue to whisper, ¡°Who is she?¡± ¡°She¡­ She is¡­¡± The female at the corner kept trembling, Qing Feng paid more attention and carefully listen to the female intermittent whispers. Just as when the female said the name, the heavy doors of the prison cell suddenly swing open with a bang, like it was opened by a large brutal force. Fortunately Qing Feng was already near the wooden fence, in order to hear clearly what the female was saying, else she would have been hit by the cell door. The sound of the door slamming on the stone wall covered the weak female voice and Qing Feng thus was unable to listen to what she has said. The warden stood at the doorway and looked at Qing Feng who was sitting by the side of the fence before snapping, ¡°Come out.¡± Qing Feng held onto the fence and stood up, asking ¡°Where are you people taking me to?¡± ¡°This is a place where you don¡¯t have a turn to speak.¡± Qing Feng stood unmoving and the warden impatiently walked into the cell and grabbed Qing Feng clothes to lift her up and threw her out the prison door. Qing Feng could not withstand the force and fell directly on the hard stone surface. ¡°Get up.¡± The warden snapped at her in response. Listening to the ferocious voice, Qing Feng¡¯s jaws tighten, endured the pain in her chest and got up. She was not afraid of him but did not allow herself to be dragged out like a dog. The warden kept pushing her forward throughout the way and Qing Feng walked difficultly, every step her chest felt like it was rip apart and even though she felt better after vomiting blood, in exchange for a pain that was more intense. Just as she was unable to hold on, she finally reached the stone chamber where she was the night before. In the stone chamber, a warden was speaking to a old man in a respectable attitude. That old man had a head full of white hair and his snow white beard was so long that it almost reached the bottom of his belly, showing that he is of an old age but he has a ruddy face and his straight back indicated that his body was still very tough. Seeing her coming out, the old man nodded his head gently and kindly said, ¡°May Miss please sit.¡± Qing Feng already could not stand any longer and before the old man finish speaking, she has already sat down on the chair. When she was resting for a while, the old man only looked at her quietly, not saying a word. After she gradually caught some of her breathe, Qing Feng raise her hand, look at him alertly and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± The old man chuckled, stroked his long bear, totally ignoring Qing Feng suspicions and rude indifference, and good-naturedly replied, ¡°This decrepitude, Huang Jiao, is a physician.¡± Physician? There was doubts in her heart. Qing Feng does not believe it. There is absolutely no possibility for Yan Hong Tian to send the physician here. In this Palace, there is a lot of people that wants her to die, so who was the one that sent him here, and whatever for? Qing Feng bright eyes slightly narrowed and in a cold voice asked, ¡°Who let you come here?¡± The old man shook his head grudgingly and sat down across from her. He took out an exquisite dark red small pillow from the wooden box beside him and place it on the table. Without answering Qing Feng¡¯s question, the old man said in a lukewarm tone, ¡°May Miss please place her hand on the cushion.¡± He¡­ Really came here to diagnose and treat her? She look at the old man once again. His eyes was indifferent, the way he carried himself and his attitude made the people around him feel calm and even though Qing Feng still have some concerns, she still slowly stretched out her hands. Her chest still hurts a lot, to the point that she was unable to control. If there was no physicians to treat her, she¡­ May really die. The old man gently took Qing Feng¡¯s wrist. Qing Feng could obviously feel that his hands stiffen and she looked up to see that his face has became significantly solemn. Qing Feng understood in her mind that her injury is indeed very serious. The old man took almost an incense stick time (1 incense stick time = 30 mins) to feel her pulse and the two wardens looked at one another. Qing Feng felt her heart settling down and just as she wanted to pull her hand back, the old man finally moved and slowly stood up. He put the small pillow back into his wooden box and carried it, preparing to to leave the place. ¡°Miss should rest a lot.¡± ¡°Hey?!¡± Qing Feng thought that he would say something to her but who knows that the old man only said one sentence and left the Imperial Prisons in a hurry that he did not even gave her another glance. Chapter 20 The old man left like that and Qing Feng was brought back to the prison cell. Sitting by the cell door, Qing Feng stared straight at the small window that was shrouded in rays. This was the only place where one can see the world outside. At this moment, the sun should be setting but unfortunately this small window was unable to bring the warmth into the ice cold prison cell. The spring sun set but it was still cold and dark, as if portraying her mood at the moment. Huang Jiao? What is his purpose for coming today? Who sent him here? Yan Hong Tian place her here so that she can self-destruct or was it to kill the chicken to warn the monkey? Was Eldest Sister safe and sound and will Yan Hong Tian let her off? Can Lou Xi Yan able to protect her thoroughly? There were countless of questions and concerns that Qing Feng could not help but be overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. Footsteps were once again heard outside the door. Qing Feng immediately shifted off to the side, afraid that the cell door will suddenly open and hit her. Her body now is so weak that it cannot tolerate another round of torment. The warden stopped in front of the cell but did not open the door. He only used the small opening at the bottom of the cell door to place a bowl of ink black soup on the floor and ordered, ¡°Quickly drink.¡± What is this? Qing Feng quickly pick the bowl up to inspect. The dark soup was blacker than ink and when she bend down to smell, a strong herbal flavour with a slight fishy smell rose. This should be a bowl of medication. Is this sent by Huang Jiao? He left without a word and specially sent over medication. What exactly is his intention? Qing Feng thought about the blood she vomited in the afternoon and the female weird reaction. Could it be that someone was poisoned to death in front of her? ¡°Hey¡­¡± Qing Feng called out gently towards the other side of the prison cell and in the dark corner, the shadow moved towards the deeper corner. This medicine¡­ Is it poison? Staring at the ink-black medicinal soup, Qing Feng closed her cold eyes and with a flick of her wrist, all the medicine from the bowl was splashed onto the corner of the stone wall. The ink-black medication slowly flowed down the stone wall as the medication smell filled the small cell and lingered for a long time. ***** The Imperial Gardens The sun gradually set dyeing the entire sky red and the warm light shining onto the flowers, adding a layer of golden colour to the spring bloom with the dewy moisture, at this moment the flowers are indeed enchanting. Nothing more beautiful can be imagined of the Imperial Gardens scenery but it is a waste that not everyone is eligible to admire. And for those who could pick the flowers as they wish at this location were even fewer. Beside the alluring peony, there was a purple-clad female who was holding a pair of scissors, carefully cutting a batch of early opened peonies. That beautiful face had a faint smile and there was a white jaded palace placard indicating that she was not an ordinary palace maid but a female attendant. In the Palace, only mistresses ranked Concubine (second-ranked palace lady) and above will then be able to have female attendants beside them. Although an attendant is still a servant, but in the Palace, their position is higher than that of normal Talents (fifth-ranked palace lady) and Beauties (fourth-ranked palace lady). A lower ranked palace maid was holding a basket of flowers and standing behind a purple clad female. She carefully look at her surroundings and confirm that there were only two of them in the huge garden before leaning forward to whisper, ¡°Older sister Shui Xin, I heard that this afternoon Imperial Physician Huang went to diagnose Qing Feng.¡± While cutting the next pale pink peony, Shui Xin asked, ¡°Which Imperial Physician Huang?¡± ¡°Huang Jiao.¡± Huang Jiao? Shui Xin¡¯s pruning hands pause a moment and a sense of uncertainty flashed across her eyes. ¡°Who help her to call for the Imperial Physician?¡± Huang Jiao was the Imperial Physician for the late Emperor, his medical skills were superb and he won the Empress Dowager¡¯s and Emperor¡¯s trusts. Usually he would only be at home researching medicine and rarely did house calls. Who was able to request him to treat Qing Feng? Could it be the Emperor¡­ Although Shui Xin¡¯s face have yet to changed but the smile on her lips have gradually disappeared. Yi Yue quickly replied, ¡°This servant did inquire and know that it was not the Emperor who sent him over. However this servant did not know who requested Imperial Physician Huang to treat her.¡± Not the Emperor? Yi Yue¡¯s words did not alleviate Shui Xin¡¯s face but made her brows knitted tightly together, ¡°What sickness is she suffering from?¡± ¡°After Imperial Physician Huang took her pulse, he left in a haste and did not say anything. The medication that was sent over was brewed personally by Imperial Physician Huang. Thus I do not know what medication it was, much less what kind of sickness she is suffering from.¡± Yi Yue slightly lowered her head and cautiously peered Shui Xin¡¯s reaction, not daring to even breath louder. Older sister Shui Xin is the Empress¡¯s favourite attendant, if she felt that the work she done was lacking, then her future in the Palace will not be well any more. Shui Xin gently raise her hand and faintly replied, ¡°You can retreat first.¡± ¡°Yes¡± Yi Yue was secretly relieved, she place the basket of flowers down and respectfully bowed before quickly leaving. The purple figure still continued to slowly arrange the cut flowers, without changing her smile but her mind was preoccupied. This Qing Feng is not a simple person. She only entered the Palace for a short period and was now banished to the Imperial Prisons but she was able to get Huang Jiao to go over for medical treatment. Just who was helping her secretly and what kind of sickness is she suffering from? ***** So cold¡­ So so cold¡­ The bone chilling cold made the body felt like it has been soak in the cold sea waters. Qing Feng tightly curled herself up but was still unable to retain any warm. The chill spread throughout her body from her heart to her limbs. Her consciousness gradually got blur, if she were to continue to sleep, all the cold, hunger and pain will leave her. ¡°Second Sister¡­¡± This is¡­ Mo-er voice? Qing Feng heart seized up violently. Mo-er fear the dark the most. It is so dark here and so cold. How could she tolerated it? Mo-er¡­ Where are you? ¡°Second Sister¡­¡± An uncertain voice sounded from the distant, yet it seems close by her ears. Qing Feng thought of it and wanted to find her but she was not able to move her body. Regardless of how hard she struggled, her limbs was not cooperating. ¡°Feng-er. Feng-er¡­ Quickly save me¡­¡± ¡°Second Sister, pain, my face is so painful¡­ Save me!¡± Eldest Sister¡¯s and Mo-er¡¯s cries for help were constantly ringing by her ears. Qing Feng¡¯s heart was torn with anxiety as she struggled and use all her energy to shout, ¡°Mo-er!¡± Qing Feng opened her eyes and there was only darkness around her. Qing Feng desperately crawled up and listened carefully. Except for the prison guards¡¯ footsteps outside the door, she could not hear anything else. This was still the cold prison, there is no Mo-er or Eldest Sister¡­ Just now¡­ Was she dreaming? Fortunately its a dream. Her strength was instantly zapped away and Qing Feng fell to the floor as her tears have covered her face unconsciously. Mo-er¡­ Where exactly are you now at? She has always thought that she would never fear anything or afraid of anything. Her parents died tragically and left her but she was not afraid. Her heart was only filled with hatred. She picked the scissors and deeply cut her cheek. She did not even have a shred of hesitation and have already long determined to die. But at this moment, she was afraid, so afraid that she was trembling, so afraid that she choke with sobs. Her Eldest Sister¡¯s situation was not yet determined, her Youngest Sister¡¯s life is uncertain, she was afraid that if she died just like this, what will happen to them? It was her who ruined their face, it was her that cause her Eldest Sister¡¯s amnesia, if she were to die now, how could she face her parents?! She cannot die, she must live. For Eldest Sister and Mo-er and for her dead parents, she must live. Qing Feng raised her hands to wipe of the silent tears that fell onto her cheeks. There is no lack of tears in this prison. Chapter 21 ¡°Peng!¡± Taking the bowl out from the small metal door, the warden who was carrying the food bucket walked away. ¡°I want to eat!¡± Suddenly a long hand stuck out from the cell door and in a slightly harse voice, she shouted, ¡°Give me something to eat!¡± The warden squatted and peered into the small metal door. Looking at Qing Feng who was half lying down on the floor in order to stretch her hand out, he laughed and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you won¡¯t eat? Now you want to eat¡­ But can¡¯t!¡± From the start she was very mad. In this prison, no one is qualified to be proud! The warden wanted to life his legs to leave but Qing Feng grab his ankles and refused to let go. ¡°Give¨CMe¨CSomthing¨CTo¨CEat!¡± She has yet to find her Youngest Sister, she cannot die now. She has not eaten for three days and she must eat something, even if it is rotten or smells, she still will eat! As she used too much strength to grab onto the ankle, the nails sank deeply onto the flesh, hurting the impatient warden and irritated him that he lifted the other leg so as to step on the hands that was holding on to him. At this time, another warden passed by and patted his shoulder. He kicked the almost empty food bucketed and laughed, ¡°She wants to eat, so give her something to eat.¡± Both of them exchanged a look and the warden put his foot down and smiled. He picked an empty bowl to scraped half a bowl of porridge and squatted down to look at Qing Feng as he grab a handful of dirt and gravel and put into the bowl. He threw it beside Qing Feng¡¯s hand and coldly laughed, ¡°Eat! You better eat every single drop, or else¡­ Don¡¯t think of eating anything in the future.¡± If it is not the rancid smell that made one vomit is still there, she would have thought that it was a bowl of dirt. Slowly releasing the warden ankle, Qing Feng picked up the bowl and without a word, she started to stuff the bowl of porridge and dirt into her mouth. The other female in the prison was watching the silent female whose mouth was making gurgle noises. She did not know if it was because of the dirt in her mouth or was it because the critical moment, that cold indifferent gaze made her unconsciously trembled. Qing Feng obediently swallowed the rotten porridge covered with dirt as the two warden laugh loudly outside. It does not matter if your original identity is noble or that you have a stubborn temper, at the end of the day, won¡¯t you still be like a dog and beg abjectly for mercy? The two of them walked away laughing while Qing Feng holding tightly onto the bowl. As the dirt rattled in her mouth and the rotten porridge, that she once said that she will not eat even if she died, was swallowed bit by bit. ***** Bypassing the front courtyard is the trail towards the Imperial Prisons. Usually other than the patrolling palace guards, there are seldom anyone who would head towards that direction. Shifu (master or teacher) said that if this medicine cools, the effectiveness will decrease. The young medical attendant lowered his head, held on the tray tightly and picked up his pace. Just as he was about to cross the courtyard, a light blue figure suddenly appeared in front of him and scared the young medical attendant that his hands jolted and he almost spilt the contents of the bowl. It was fortunate that the oncoming person reacted quickly and manage to avoid bumping into the person. But in order not to bump him, the female twisted her foot and fell onto the ground. ¡°Ah¨C¡± The female clutch her foot and shouted painfully, ¡°You don¡¯t look where you walk!¡± Wen Yu looked at the female that has fallen on the floor, she had a palace maid hairstyle, young and was wearing an light blue palace outfit with embroidery. It seems that she is a favourite palace maid of one of the concubines. He cannot offend this kind of person. Her words were spoken bluntly but Wen Yu did not dare to talk back and instead carefully asked, ¡°Is this older sister all right?¡± The female move her ankle and immediately grimace in pain, ¡°My leg is sprained.¡± Wen Yu panicky repeated, ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m sorry!¡± The female raise her head and starred at him fiercely while she scolded him, ¡°What are you still standing there for, quickly support me up!¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Wen Yu finally recovered from shock before looking around him and found a stone table behind him. Wen Yu quickly put down the tray and ran back to the female¡¯s side to support her up gently and asked cautiously, ¡°Is your feet¡­ All right?¡± Propped by his hand to stand up, the female looked secretly at the bowl of medicine at the nearby stone table and unforgivably replied, ¡°Who says it is all right, it hurting to death.¡± The female¡¯s hand was tightly clutching his sleeves and refused to let go, as if she fear that he would run away. Wen Yu suffered speechlessly, even if she doesn¡¯t tightly grab him, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to run away! Tugging back and forth is not appropriate thus Wen Yu smile apologetically, ¡°This older sister, why don¡¯t I help you to check on the foot injury. If it is seriously, I will request a physician for you.¡± The female rolled her eyes and replied, ¡°There should not be any direct contact between men and women. Who needs you to check on my foot injury! Support me to walk a few steps to see if it can still move.¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Wen Yu foolishly supported the female to walk up front and totally did not notice that there was a light figure silently neared the stone table¡­ Limping slowly for a few steps, Wen Yu wanted to tell her not to walk so much since she sprained her ankle but the female still insisted to walk forward a while longer before stopping. Her rude and unreasonable attitude changed and she said, ¡°It is fortunate that I still can walk! Forget about it, I will just go back later to rub some medicated oil on it and it will be fine.¡± Wen Yu starred at her ankles and asked confusingly, ¡°Are you really all right?¡± Just now, she was still in great pain and now after two steps she was back to normal? Loosening his sleeves, the palace maid coldly snorted and criticising, ¡°In the future, be careful when you walk. This is the Imperial Palace, not other places. If you are still impetuous and instead bumped into one of the mistresses, you should worry about your skin.¡± ¡°Older sister¡¯s is correct in lecturing.¡± Wen Yu did not dare to say more and kept nodding his head. After ensuring with a secret glance that there was no one at the stone table, the female waved her hands and impatiently responded, ¡°It is fine. You can do what you need to do.¡± ¡°Yes. Yes.¡± Wiping his forehead full of sweat, Wen Yu was secretly rejoicing. This female looked like someone who is not to be trifled with. It is fortunate that her injury was not serious else if this matter was made public, Shifu will definitely scold him! Running back to the side of the stone table and picked the tray up, Wen Yu lowered his head as he hurried passed the female. He did not dare to glance at her, afraid that she will suddenly change her mind and not let him leave. Seeing Wen Yu walking out of the small courtyard, the palace maid then walked quickly to the stone table. Her limping foot did not show any signs of injury as she stood by the stone table. After verifying that there was no one else around, she then whispered, ¡°Older sister Shui Xin.¡± At the side of the stone table and behind the tree, a slender silhouette walked towards Yi Yue and was about to say something when a ¡°kuang dang¡± sounded nearby. ¡°My medicine! Oh no oh no¡­¡± Anxious panicky low voices sounded. The voice was clearly from the young medical attendant. Medicine was spilled? Yi Yue frantically said, ¡°Older sister Shui Xin, what to do?¡± It was so difficult for her to find this deserted place, where there are lush greenery around, to take action. But now the medicine is spilled, doesn¡¯t it meant that they have wasted their energy? Yi Yue¡¯s was not resigned but Shui Xin was clam with slightly furrowed brows. Suddenly a thought flashed through her eyes and Shui Xin tugged on Yi Yue¡¯s hand, anxiously said, ¡°Lets go quickly.¡± Its not possible for the medicine bowl to break without rhyme or reason, and it is after it was manipulated by them. It was only when it was so near to the Imperial Prison before it broke, who was it? Who exactly was helping her in the dark? Chapter 22 ¡°Ou¨C¡± The sounds of retching made people uncomfortable but the female who was in the dark felt pretty good as she chuckled, ¡°You will get used to it slowly.¡± ¡°Ou¨C¡± She will never get used to it! After taking many deep breaths, she could then forced down the nausea feeling, Qing Feng coldly snorted word for word, ¡°I will not be here for my entire life.¡± In order to survive, she has already eaten rotten porridge for a few days. But she did not drink the medicine that was sent over daily. She now do not trust anyone at all! She spoke firmly but the pale face and dark rings of her eyes made what she just spoken sound like a joke. The female ridiculed, ¡°If you don¡¯t die here it is already good. Even if you are able to leave here, what does it matter? Do you expect the Emperor to favour you?¡± Favour? Qing Feng sneered out loud, she wish for him to be dead! The female seemingly did not hear Qing Feng¡¯s laughter and fell into her own thoughts as she murmured, ¡°So what if you are favoured for a while¡­ You are of no match for her¡­¡± That helpless and fearful mumbling that she often hear, who is the ¡°she¡± that she is referring to? With her back leaning against the stone wall, Qing Feng softly questioned, ¡°Who¡­ Is she?¡± The female recovered from her thoughts, placed her head on her knees and hugged her arms but did not reply to Qing Feng¡¯s questions. Qing Feng frowned and sighed, ¡°So you are that afraid of her.¡± This sentence agitated the female, she looked up angrily and glared at Qing Feng, growling, ¡°I am not afraid of her. I only hate that the Heavens do not have eyes!¡± Qing Feng was startled by her sudden growl and wanted to talk more but the female has already curled herself up and retreated back to the dark corner. Who is this female? And for what reason is she held in prison for that many years? If she is one of the concubines, if her sins are not punishable by death then she should be thrown into the Cold Palace, unless she is a normal palace maid? Unlikely not. In a self-deprecating smile, why is she asking so many questions? The rays no longer shine through the small little stone window and the darkness swallowed her once again. ***** In Spring season, the Indian Azalea that was bestowed were blooming brilliantly in Ling Yu Palace. The rows of pink azaleas made the courtyard of the palace pleasant. No matter how beautiful the azaleas were, they cannot be compared with the female in the middle of the courtyard. Dress in a light yellow dress made her snow-like skin look transparent. Her lucid and elegant looks were not extremely beautiful but a slight smile made her look gentle and movingly. The palace maid, Wu-er, stared at the embroidery that the female was holding for a long time before she cannot help but ask softly, ¡°My Ladyship, why is your embroidered eagle have red eyes?¡± Her Ladyship¡¯s embroidery skills are superb and this embroidered eagle looks like the real thing and has an overbearing feeling to it. But the pair of red eyes looks very scary. Shouldn¡¯t the eyes of the eagle be black instead? The female stared intently at the embroidery in her hands and after listening to Wu-er words, she only gave a smile and not reply. ¡°Because what Zhen-er is embroidering is a black-winged kite.¡± Behind both of them came a voice with deep laughter. The palace maid face changed slightly and did not turn back but only half knelt to the floor and greeted, ¡°Long live the Emperor!¡± The pretty female was apparently calmer and gently place the needle into the brocade before slowly getting up and elegantly greeted, ¡°Chenqie(use by the Emperor women to refer to themselves. Only used when they are in front of the Emperor) greets the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian walk up to the stone bench and sat down before picking up the embroidery to look. He then casually replied, ¡°Get up then.¡± Wu-er quickly supported her mistress up before quietly retreated to the side. Chen Zhen walked up to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s side when suddenly there a tug at her waist and she was hugged to a sitting position in his arms. Putting down the embroidery, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°Zhen-er has not been embroidering for a long time. Why is there a sudden interest today?¡± Chen Zhen smiled and compliantly replied, ¡°A few days back, the Empress Dowager¡¯s budgerigar spoken again and she was very happy. The Imperial Household gave her another one but who knew that the Empress Dowager became furious. Chenqie thought that the Empress Dowager would prefer some else special.¡± After looking at the half embroidered eagle again, Yan Hong Tian broke into smiles, ¡°Zhen-er indeed have a pure heart and spirit.¡± The black-winged kite is in the hawk family and is definitely ferocious and respectable than the budgerigar. Both Empress Dowager has been silently battling for many years. This gift will definitely be able to win the Empress Dowager¡¯s favour. Moreover, she only sent an embroidery and will not offend his mother. Zhen-er has always been smart and this time was also not an exception. Chen Zhen gently smiled and did not take credit. At this time, a little eunuch stood by the palace door for a while before speaking in a lowered tone, ¡°Reporting to the Emperor, Steward Gao has came back.¡± Yan Hong Tian gently raised his hand and the little eunuch respectfully retreated out. Chen Zhen secretly saw Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands was still on her waist, she did not get up but sit on his legs unhurriedly but not leaning into his embrace. ¡°Paying respects to the Emperor.¡± Gao Jing stood at the palace doors and did not walk into the courtyard. While playing with Chen Zhen soft and supple hair, Yan Hong Tian casually asked, ¡°Is everything investigated clearly?¡± ¡°Yes. In order for the Qing family Sisters to be sent to Qiong Yue, the ruler of Hao Yue forced the deaths of the Qing family elders. The three ladies were overwhelmed with grief that they attempted suicide during their journey over. Fortunately they were rescued in time but because they self-disfigured, Qing Ling and Qing Feng look very much alike. The Hao Yue officials did not differentiate them apart and sent them incorrectly.¡± That pair of full of hatred, stubborn and unyielding eyes flash in his mind and Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands who was holding the tea, slightly paused before murmuring with a faint laughter, ¡°If so, then it is Zhen who wronged her¡± Chen Zhen did not overlook Yan Hong Tian¡¯s interested eyes as she picked up the brewed spring tea from the table to give to Yan Hong Tian and softly sighed, ¡°Emperor, its all the officials responsible fault that the wrong person was sent. She is a female, who lost both her parents, her face disfigured and also have to part from her sisters. She is so pitiful.¡± Yan Hong Tian took the tea cup which contain lukewarm tea, with the correct temperature, and looked at the eyes and brows of the woman in his arms, he suddenly smiled, ¡°All right. Since Imperial Concubine Hui has spoken, she will be spared.¡± ¡°Gao Jing, discharge her from prison, bestow Shu Yun Palace to stay and confer her as¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian paused a moment before the corners of his mouth hook up slightly and smilingly said, ¡°Confer her as Concubine Qing.¡± Gao Jing was stunned, it is against the normal rules for Qing Feng to be promoted from a no rank palace maid to that of a Concubine status and he hesitated for a moment before replying, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Gao Jing was about to turn to leave when Yan Hong Tian¡¯s deep pleasant voice sounded again. ¡°From this day forth, Shu Yun Palace will be renamed to Qing Feng Hall.¡± (Same spelling/sound as Qing Feng¡¯s name but has different meanings. Qing Feng Hall direct translation is Hall of Light Wind. Qing Feng name however, ¡°Qing¡± surname Green and ¡°Feng¡± name Maple.) ¡°Yes.¡± This time Gao Jing was not only stunned for a moment but his spine also turn stiff. Gently hooking Chen Zhen¡¯s chin, Yan Hong Tian smiled charmingly, ¡°Is Zhen-er satisfied with this?¡± With a touch of a dainty, Chen Zhen smile as she replied, ¡°Congratulation to the Emperor for gaining a beauty.¡± Looking at the quiet and well-behaved female in his arms, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes flashed a look of cool certainty. Thinking of that pair of stubborn but truthful eyes, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips once again raised to an arc. Qing Feng, during the days in the Imperial Prisons, did you learn what is it to be submissive? Chapter 23 ¡°Concubine Qing?!¡± The hand that was carrying the white porcelain cup trembled and spilt hot tea out. Xin Yue Ning was scalded by it that she immediately released her hand and as the tea fell onto her lap, a pale hand steadily caught the falling cup in time before it landed. Seeing that Shui Xin managed to catch the tea cup and that not even a drop of tea was spilt onto her, Xin Yue Ning gave a sigh of relief. But once she thought of how the Emperor actually confer a woman from an external nation as a Concubine, Xin Yue Ning¡¯s fury raised again as she glared at Shui Xin and asked in annoyance, ¡°The Emperor truly confer her the title of a Concubine?¡± The tea cup was still in her hands but the hot tea has almost spilt completely. The fair hands was scalded red but Shui Xin only frown lightly and place the tea cup on a shorter table beside her before whispering back, ¡°Yes, the Emperor also bestowed Shu Yun Palace as Qing Feng Hall.¡± The Emperor changed the Palace name for Qing Feng?! Is Qing Feng that charming, or is it¡­ Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face darken, ¡°Is it Imperial Concubine Hui who request the Emperor to confer Qing Feng as a Concubine?¡± ¡°Imperial Concubine Hui did indeed plead for Qing Feng, but¡­¡± Shui Xin have not yet completed her sentence but once Xin Yue Ning heard that Imperial Concubine Hui did get involved in the matter, she no longer could carry on listening and in a feat of anger, started knocking the entire tea set onto the ground.¡±Bengong knew it was her! In order to curry favour to the Emperor, she can do anything!¡± The breaking sound of the tea set startled the palace maids standing outside the hall and despite their trembling, their heads hanged lower and no one dared to look into the house. However, only Shui Xin stood alone by Xin Yue Ning¡¯s side and her expression did not change one bit. ¡°Why are the things that Bengong gotten you to do is not accomplished till now?¡± If Qing Feng at that time died in the Imperial Prison, then there will not be any Concubine Qing today! Xin Yue Ning has already spoken in a lowered voice but the tone was still obviously unpleasant. Shui Xin did not show any trace of panic while she slowly bow and whispered back, ¡°Even though Qing Feng has been held in the Imperial Prison, there was still someone who requested Imperial Physician Huang to treat her. This servant thinks that as she still have someone secretly protecting her, before verifying who was protecting her, we must wait for changes and it would be unwise to act rashly before ¡°Is it Imperial Concubine Hui that is interfering?¡± Two of them have been fighting for five or six years already, just how much Imperial Concubine Hui is capable, wouldn¡¯t she be clear? As long as it involves Imperial Concubine Hui, the Empress will be in disarray. A faint look of helplessness crosses Shui Xin¡¯s eyes and she could only reply, ¡°This servant will continue to investigate.¡± Seeing that she has yet to find out any news, Xin Yue Ning impatiently said, ¡°Retreat.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Shui Xin quietly retreated out. Once she is out of the hall, Shui Xin pulled out her hands that was scalded swollen red by the hot tea and headed toward the Imperial Medical Institute. In the hall, Xin Yue Ning coldly look at the tea stains with her lips pursed. Chen Zhen, you put up such an act. You think you can depend on the Emperor¡¯s love of seeking novelty to gain more of his pampering? Or is it that you think that a disfigured woman will not pose a threat to you? Humph! Bengong wants to see you shoot yourself in the foot! ***** Night came as scheduled. In the darkness of the prison, Qing Feng¡¯s body curled up and kept shivering. It was already the start of summer but she still felt as though her surrounding is ice. The only motivations to keep her going were her kind-hearted Elder Sister and her young and timid Youngest Sister. She will not and dare not close her eyes. There was sudden noisy shuffling of feet outside the door but Qing Feng had no more energy to bother about it and only heard a ¡°hua¡± sound. The tightly shut main doors were opened up suddenly and Qing Feng could felt that there stood a number of people outside. The bright torches made her eyes hurt and it was only after a period of time could she then adapted to the brightness. Qing Feng saw a male grinning as he stepped in the prison cell and clamoured, ¡°Congratulations to Miss! No, no, it should be Your Ladyship Concubine Qing. Please come here, Gao Daren is waiting for you outside.¡± He is¡­ ¡°Zhang Daren¡± which the guards were eager to please when she first came to the Imperial Prison. He should be the highest ranked here. What did he just call her as? Qing Feng have yet to sort out her chaos before the man walked to her side and shouted to the wardens, ¡°What are you standing there for, quickly support Her Ladyship out.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The two wardens quickly ran over, one of them held on her arm and dared not use much force and carefully pick Qing Feng up from the ground. Barely standing up, Qing Feng look at the warden who help her up. This was the same person who sprinkled gravel and dirt to the porridge. When their eyes meet, that male did not dare to keep eye contact. Qing Feng could feel that his hands was shaking and his breathe started to get shorter. What is actually going on? They are calling her Ladyship, how is that possible? How could Yan Hong Tian, that cold and heartless guy, will let her live pleasantly? Qing Feng was still thinking secretly when she was already supported of the cell. At the same time, the female who was hiding at the corner of the cell looked lifted her head. Seeing this empty prison cell, her eyes was filled with sadness. She indeed is able to leave this place as she has hoped to but once she is out, what can she do? Qing Feng was brought out of the prison. The night wind blew but she did not tremble because of it. The cold started spreading from her chest to the rest of her limbs. ¡°What is wrong with her?¡± A familiar voice made Qing Feng slowly lift her head. The person speaking was¡­ Gao Jing? Qing Feng understood. He has returned which meant that Yan Hong Tian has already know about cause of the switch-a-roo with her sister. But even with that, Yan Hong Tian did not need to confer a title to her. The word guilt will never be in his dictionary and also¡­ She has assassinated him before. Qing Feng¡¯s face was white till it was becoming green and she look sluggish, from a look, it can be seen that she is seriously ill. Gao Jing¡¯s question may be casually asked but Zhang Chen Yang was scared that he broke into a cold sweat before quickly replying, ¡°Her Ladyship Concubine Qing was not feeling well for these few days but please do not worry Gao Daren, Imperial Physician Huang came over to diagnosis and there are daily medicine treatments. She will indeed recover after she leave here to rest for a few days.¡± Gao Jing waved to the two palace maids beside himself and the two immediately walked to Qing Feng¡¯s side and took Qing Feng over from the guards. ¡°Lets¡¯ go.¡± Gao Jing did not speak any words to Zhang Chen Yang and left hurriedly with a few people. Zhang Chen Yang looked on as Qing Feng pacing away and silently signed. This time he indeed misjudged. In the Palace, once a wrong step is taken, there will be many consequences beyond redemption. He can only hope¡­ That she is not a revengeful person! After this event, he must be even more cautious. The two palace maids looked thin but their strength were not small. They supported Qing Feng to walk for quite some time but they were not panting. After walking about half a stick of incense (modern timing: 15 mins), both of them finally stopped. Qing Feng lifted her head once more and saw rather big and gorgeous palace, with a semi-circular courtyard filled with white peonies, which floral scent filled up the entire area. The wide open doors and the bright candlelight made it easy for her to see the purple veil curtain in the hall. That tall and aloof figure was out of place with the surrounding beauty. Chapter 24 Yan Hong Tian? Qing Feng sneered. He indeed did not let her go easily! Yan Hong Tian is truly a scary man. Every time when she faced him, she would need courage and strength. Qing Feng took a deep breath, resisted the pain in her chest with great difficulty and raised her head with clenched teeth, and took big strides into the bright hall. Once in the hall, Gao Jing faced the back facing tall figure and said, ¡°Paying respects to the Emperor.¡± The two palace maids was just about to support Qing Feng to kneel but Qing Feng suddenly struggled out of their hands and refused to even bow. When Yan Hong Tian turned around, he was just in time to see her struggling out of the hands of the palace maid and stood alone staring at him. That messy and scattered hair covered half of her face and her dirty and torn clothes made her look battered and exhausted. But that pair of unyielding eyes was still that bright and piercing. Yan Hong Tian did not get angry when she did not perform the greeting, instead he was in a good mood and smiled, ¡°Zhen somewhat missed your angry look.¡± There are many different type of beauties in the Palace and they all use different type of tactics to attract his attention but she will definitely not do it. When she look at him, the hatred in her eyes were like a ball of flames burning hot and fiercely, as if it cannot wait to burn him to ashes, like how is it now. Yan Hong Tian gently raise his hand and Gao Jing understood his actions. He faced the kneeling palace maids and gave them a look. Both of them immediately bowed and retreated out. Yan Hong Tian walked slowly towards Qing Feng, deliberately ignoring the burning look she was giving and looked at the beautifully decorated palace before laughing, ¡°Are you satisfied? This place will be yours from now onwards.¡± The pain was burning in her chest but Qing Feng felt chills throughout her body. The candlelight in the hall and the swaying curtain veils started to dazzle her and blurred everything in front of her. Even Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression, she was unable to see clearly. As she did not want him to discover any abnormality, Qing Feng slightly lowered her head, hoping that the fainting feeling will quickly pass. ¡°You don¡¯t care?¡± To Yan Hong Tian view, Qing Feng¡¯s silence was dismissive. Yan Hong Tian pinched her chin, lifted her head and sneered, ¡°You must not care about the ¡®Concubine¡¯ status then?¡± Hearing his words, Qing Feng was stunned for a moment. He really conferred her as a Concubine? With her chin held tightly, she was unable to move and have no more energy to struggle as she look into Yan Hong Tian unreadable deep eyes. Qing Feng whispered, ¡°What do you want?¡± For him to confer her as a Concubine, there must be a motive and she now do not have much ability or energy to think about it. In order for her to stand in front of him by herself, it has already took all of her strength. He has guessed that she will not be happy but would show a bit of disgust or aloofness. But her calm look made Yan Hong Tian not used to it and that hoarse voice which was unlike a female also made his brows furrowed unconsciously. He remembered that even though her voice was cold it was still mildly sweet to his ears. Lifting her face higher and with no hair obscuring, Yan Hong Tian could see clearly the scars on her face. The incisions were so deep that it almost reaches the bone and it ruined her beautiful right side of the face. His hand run through the uneven scars and Yan Hong Tian softly sighed, ¡°Your actions are ruthless.¡± Qing Ling also has two scars on her face but compared to hers, it was not worth any mention. He heard that they self-disfigured themselves and this woman could do that to herself was indeed fiery. She ruthless? Qing Feng ironically laughed, ¡°Not as ruthless as you.¡± Seizing by force, doing as he likes, a person life in his eyes does not worth a mention at all. If it was not for him, her parent will not die and her sisters will not have reduced to this! ¡°What a sharp mouth.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s sarcasm was only meet with a icy smile from Yan Hong Tian. At this moment, Qing Feng felt a sudden warm above her lips and the hor blood surge up her brain. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s breath enveloped her. He¡­ Actually¡­ Qing Feng desperately struggled but she could not get out of the hand that was wrapped around her waist. With the pain in her chest and the indignant that she currently felt, Qing Feng¡¯s surrounding turn black¡­ The struggling female suddenly complied to him? Yan Hong Tian loosen his grip on her and looked down¨C The female in his arms have a flushed red face with eyes closed and was gently fallen into her arms. It was obviously that she did not complied to him but have fainted! She actually fainted like this? When he was kissing her? Yan Hong Tian was stunned for a bit and there was also a trace of anger but he could not help but laugh. ¡°Someone come. Summon Huang Jiao.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± All the while, Gao Jing did not dare to be too fare away and indeed after a while, he heard Yan Hong Tian voice coming out from the hall. But the deep voice showed a faint sign of laughter. Yan Hong Tian picked up the unconscious female in his arms and carried her into the chambers before gently placing her on the bed. Just a few days in prison, the blue palace uniform was already dirty and her black hair was covered with dust and the originally white skin was full of dirt. This look of hers does not match with the noble surroundings. Yan Hong Tian did not care about it and sat beside her and for the first time leisurely stared at a fainted female. The candlelight illuminated her, her face is no longer as pale as a sheet, her chapped lips were not tempting and her brows started to wrinkle. ¡°Qing Feng¡­¡± Whispering her name and looking at the deep scars on her face, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mouth arced up, ¡°Little kitten, protect your little paws well, Zhen have not played enough.¡± ***** Wu-er stood behind the screen and carefully watch her mistress embroidering in the room. The Emperor had dinner with her Ladyship but did not stay overnight at Ling Yun Palace. Normally, if there is no urgent matters of the nation that requires the Emperor¡¯s final decision, the Emperor will always say over at Ling Yun Gong. Moreover when the Emperor leave today, he did not return to the Imperial Study but headed directly towards Qing Feng Hall. ¡°Where did the Emperor gone to?¡± Only upon hearing the question coming out from the room, Wu-er then walk out from behind the screen and softly replied, ¡°Report to my Ladyship, the Emperor¡­ Indeed went to Qing Feng Hall.¡± The hand that was holding the needle paused and Chen Zhen said softly, ¡°All of you can retreat.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Wu-er and the rest of the palace maid responded and retreated immediately. Once the doors of the hall was closed, most of the embroidered silk was violently thrown to the ground. Chapter 25 In front of the exquisitely carved red sandalwood bed, Huang Jiao took the female¡¯s pulse. Don¡¯t know if due to Yan Hong Tian standing behind or is it due to the seriousness of the condition that his brows were tightly knitted and there were beads of sweat forming on his forehead. ¡°Is her illness serious?¡± Yan Hong Tian showed an expression of impatience. Huang Jiao took his hand back and respectfully replied, ¡°Concubine Qing¡¯s illness is not serious but her injury is very serious. The condition of the injury is most likely internal trauma and moreover these few days the Imperial Prison environment is very cold, with improper diet and the medicine that this subject has sent over were not consumed. Now¡­¡± ¡°Save her.¡± A deep voice interrupted Huang Jiao words. That blow from that day, even though he did not use his full force, would be very damaging for a female¡¯s body. He almost forgotten that blow to her. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression was extremely cold and Huang Jiao could only reply, ¡°This official will definitely try.¡± Try? Yan Hong Tian chuckled, ¡°To do one¡¯s best for what was entrusted to you by him, who rarely ask that from you. You better not disappoint him.¡± To request a physician for someone who was imprisoned by him, can only be done by Lou Xi Yan. He really like Qing Ling that much that he would be involve in anyone related to her? Yan Hong Tian was laughing but Huang Jia broke into a cold sweat. Fortunately he did not say anything more and left the hall smiling. ¡°Zhen wants her alive.¡± After that one sentence, Yan Hong Tian strode away leaving Huang Jiao in a state of alarm. ***** Being surrounded by darkness darker than ink was something that she got used to as it was the colour in the Imperial Prisons. The pain that was tormenting her for days has seems to ease up and Qing Feng just slept like that. Eldest Sister¡¯s and Youngest Sister¡¯s faces flashed pass and Qing Feng frantically open her eyes. All she could see were light purple silk curtains and under her body was no longer the cold stone floor. A refreshing and light sandalwood was burned to allow one to clam down and the light from the dawn was glaring. Qing Feng rubbed her temple and before she could recover, a sigh from nearby sounded, ¡°Awake at long last.¡± Qing Feng half propped up her body and saw a lean figure holding a bowl, lifting the curtain and walking over. That white long beard made Qing Feng recognise him ¡ª Huang Jiao. He took her pulse when she was in prison. Her chaotic mind immediately cleared up all the moments that happened last night. Qing Feng¡¯s face brush a colour of white as she nervously search around the house. Only when she did not see Yan Hong Tian¡¯s shadow, did she then secretly sighed in relief and mock herself. She really is full of herself to think that Yan Hong Tian will still be here waiting for her to wake up. For him to get a physician to see her is considered kind already. ¡°The medicine is ready. This medication must be drink while it is hot to be effective.¡± Huang Jiao stop at a distance away from the bed and a palace maid went up to receive the bowl of medication and walked to the front of the bed. After kneeling, she place the bowl of medicine gently in front of her. Another maid also came to her side and carefully support her shoulder so that she can comfortably sit up. Qing Feng only discovered that other than Huang Jiao in the room, there was also two palace maids. But before she could look at them, the familiar smell made Qing Feng frown. ¡°Your injuries, if it does not receive any treatment within three days, it would be impossible to turn the situation around.¡± This female is intensely suspicious and if during those days she was willing to drink the medication that he has sent, her injuries will not be this serious. Fearing that Qing Feng still have additional concerns and refuse to be medicated, Huang Jia consoled, ¡°Since you are already out of the Imperial Prison and is conferred as Concubine Qing, some things you should not be over-exerted.¡± Qing Feng scoffed and laughed, ¡°Living in this beautiful palace would only make one die faster.¡± Qing Feng indifferently grab the bowl of medication and drank it. Like what he has said, if she does not take any medication she will die in three days. She has no choice. The medication was a bit hot and Qing Feng drank it up ferociously. The palace maids served her tea to gurgle but she only furrowed her brows and did not complain a word and continue to drink it without any water. Huang Jiao shook his head, with this lady¡¯s character living in the Palace, it would definitely be difficult. After the bitter taste of the medicine faded, Qing Feng looked at the two female who were busily delivering tea and water. Clean fair faces, delicate features and slim figures wearing the light blue dresses that made both of them look elegant and pleasant. Both of them look young but it can be seen that they are of a rare beauties. Qing Feng stared at them and the two of them exchanged a look before quickly getting up and knelt down in front of her bed and softly greeted, ¡°This servant, Lan-er and Xia Yin, greets your Ladyship.¡± ¡°Are you the palace maids arranged by Gao Jing?¡± Qing Feng did not mention for them to raise thus the two persons continued kneeling and docilely replied, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do get up.¡± They are considerate, well-behaved and it can be seen that they are taught with great care. Qing Feng did not make things difficult for them and faced the older female of them and said, ¡°Xia Yin, go and pass a word that I want to see Gao Jing.¡± Xia Yin hesitated for a moment but she did not say any thing more except to reply respectfully, ¡°Yes.¡± When Xia Yin left the hall, Qing Feng then said to Lan-er, who was standing beside her, ¡°You too can retreat.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lan-er quietly retreated out the hall. Huang Jiao packed up his medical box and bowed saying, ¡°You are badly injured and should not exert too much energy or expose yourself to the cold. Take the medication punctually, recuperate peacefully then the injury will recover slowly. This Official will take his leave.¡± Even though he is an Imperial Physician, he have to avoid to be alone with any Mistresses. Her deliberately sending others away is definitely because she wants to question him. Indeed, once he finished his sentence, Qing Feng¡¯s hoarse voice immediately asked, ¡°There is one thing that would required your help to explain.¡± Huang Jiao helplessly forced a smile out but did not continue her words. Qing Feng pretended not to have seen his difficult expression and continue asking, ¡°Who was the one that invited you to treat me?¡± Huang Jiao resolutely replied, ¡°Naturally it would be the Emperor that summon this official to come.¡± The Emperor? ¡°I am referring about the time during my imprisonment.¡± Qing Feng did not allow any perfunctory. She has always return grudges with revenge and grace with gratitude. She does not like owing other favours. Seeing that if he does not say it, this Concubine Qing will not let the matter rest. Even if he was to escape today, she will still haunt him till she gets the answer she wants. Huang Jia smiled calmly and replied, ¡°It is the Prime Minister that requested this old official to go to the prison to treat you.¡± ¡°Lou Xi Yan?¡± Qing Feng was stunned. That night under such chaotic circumstances, he was able to notice her condition? Why would Lou Xi Yan help her? Is it because of Eldest Sister? Or¡­ Whatever the reason it was, he managed to bring Eldest Sister out of the scary Palace which is already something she owed him. Now he even requested a physician to treat her. She owed him this favour which she will pay it back to him when there is an opportunity! When Qing Feng was lost in her own thoughts, Huang Jiao took the opportunity and said, ¡°This official will retire.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Huang Jia just walk till the curtain when Qing Feng called him again. Huang Jiao lament in his heart, isn¡¯t she hard to deal with? Seeing Huang Jiao with an obviously stiff back, Qing Feng felt funny as she clearly said, ¡°Thank You.¡± She held him back to say this? Huang Jiao looked back and only saw Qing Feng laughing. Her pale face, damaged face did not affect her hearty smile. Such a frank female, it¡¯s a pity¡­ That disfigured face. After bowing, Huang Jiao left Qing Feng Hall. Her current body was not suitable to move around, just a wilful laughter, her chest started to burn in pain. After catching her breath, Qing Feng was about to lie down and rest for a while when Xia Yin soft voice sounded from outside the hall, ¡°Your Ladyship, Gao Daren has arrived.¡± Already arrived? She thought that to see Gao Jing, she would at least need to wait for half a day to a day. She did not think that after a stick of incense (modern timing: 30 mins) he would have arrived. Struggling to sit up, Qing Feng replied, ¡°Invite him in.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Xia Yin lead Gao Jing into the hall. Gao Jing stopped before the curtain and slightly bend down to perform his greeting. Qing Feng softy said, ¡°Let¡¯s avoid the formalities.¡± ¡°For what reason does Concubine Qing summoned me for?¡± Divided by the curtains, Qing Feng was not able to see his expression. His neither light or heavy voice could not tell if he was angry or happy. Qing Feng did not want to speculate any longer and replied in a cold voice, ¡°I want to ask you for a person.¡± A person? Who? Chapter 26 ¡°Move faster! Do you not want to eat with these dilly-dallying?¡± Under the hot sun in the open courtyard, there were piles and piles of baskets full of clothes, draperies and curtains. Beside the well, there were three large stone pools that were soaked with different types of clothes. Ten over palace maids were under the scorching sun washing the clothes without daring to lift up their heads. Many of them have bloated white fingers that was due to long soaking hours. Even so, the old mama was still in the courtyard nagging continuously. The female in the Laundry Bureau are all low ranked palace maids and could only endure such punishments and scoldings silently. Holding a newly brewed tea, Lan Fang pleasing said, ¡°Mama do cool down. The sun is too fierce, do sit down and drink this tea. Let this servant watch over these people.¡± She was actually a lower ranked mama and for the palace maids to flatter and serve her like that, the old mama felt rejuvenated and her expression became better. After receiving the tea from Lan Fang, the old mama spoke, ¡°Well, you watch closely then. Don¡¯t let them get lazy. There will be another batch of clothes coming in later.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lan Fang crisply answered with a look of undisguised pride. Coughing lightly, Lan Fang exploited her power and lightly shouted, ¡°All of you listen up, your hands better be agile. If these are not done today, no one will be able to eat!¡± Fu Ling gently shook her head, they were all lower-ranked palace maid. No one was noble than the other, with only a little bit of power, why is there a need to suppress and trample on others? Fu Ling gave a self-deprecating smile, it would seems that she is confused. Why would it be different in here? Aren¡¯t all the female in the Inner Palace like this? Over these ten over days, every day was spent washing and starching clothes till both hands were red and swollen. Each time when wringing the clothes, there will be an unbearable tingling sensation. Fu Ling picked up the washed curtains and her trembling hands almost made the curtain fall onto the ground. Lan Fang look at her and took the curtains from her hands to the palace maid beside her and a tough pretence scolded, ¡°Seeing you this clumsy, go there to bring the dry clothes back.¡± Drying clothes is much easier than washing and starching. Lan Fang gave Fu Ling a wink, Fu Ling hesitated for a moment but did not say anything before she got up and walk towards the drying field. The palace maids beside Fu Long was unhappy but under Lan Fang¡¯s stare, they all silently resented but did not complain. Lan Fang recovered her line of sight delightfully, its not that she pity Fu Ling but it was that Fu Ling is a female medical attendant and knows some medicine. They are low ranked maids that the physicians will not bother to diagnose them and those medical attendants abilities are not has high as Fu Ling. If she were to take care of her often, then when she is not feeling well she will be taken care of. There were two person who walked into the yard. One was Wu Mama, who was responsible for the entire Laundry Bureau, and the other was a not young or old eunuch. After seeing who has came in, the arrogant old mama immediately hid her arrogance and respectfully walk up and flattered, ¡°Wu Mama, how come you are here.¡± Wu Mama eyes swept the yard one round, ignored the old mama attentiveness and with an urgent voice called out, ¡°Call out the palace maid by the name of Fu Ling here.¡± ¡°Yes yes.¡± The old mama agreed readily but for a moment she could not remember who in the Laundry Bureau was called Fu Ling. It was Lan Fang who was quick witted and immediately said, ¡°This servant will go and get her.¡± Fu Ling did not go far before hearing Zhi Lan¡¯s shouts. When she turned her head, she saw that in the Qing Courtyard stood Qu Mama and an eunuch. She felt a dread but nevertheless Fu Ling still walked towards them. Wu Mama secretly sized her up before asking, ¡°You are Fu Ling?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± A simple and neat face that was quite pretty and her quiet temperament was indeed more special than the average palace maid. Wu Mama waived her hands and said, ¡°Pack up and leave with Gonggong.¡± Go where? She has doubts but Fu Ling did not ask them. She was only here for half a month and there was nothing much to pack. Rolling her sleeves down, Fu Ling followed the eunuch out quietly. Wu Mama looked at the leaving figure of Fu Ling, and could not help but to raise her mouth. She actually left with the eunuch without batting an eye. This female really go with the flow or was it that her thoughts run too deeply? Lan Fang walk to Wu Mama¡¯s side and softly asked, ¡°Wu Mama, where is Fu Ling going?¡± Usually when palace maids leave, they would pack up their own stuff but there was even a Gonggong coming over to lead her out. This made Lan Fang curious. Wu Mama laughingly said with a bit of sarcasm, ¡°The Emperor newly conferred Concubine Qing specially requested for her to wait upon. She will no longer be a lowly palace maid.¡± The title of Concubine is of high rank, following by the side of such mistress, the identity would be higher than that of others. Lan Fang was silently cursing, Fu Ling always put on an aloof and indifferent appearance but she was the same like others, clinging onto the powerful. As she did not know which mistress she was serving, Lan Fang gave a sweet smile and pretended to be casual as she asked, ¡°Which beauty is Concubine Qing?¡± ¡°It is that Miss of the Qing family that was sent from Hao Yue.¡± ¡°What?¡± That ¡ª Ugly monster?? Lan Fang¡¯s almond eyes widen. That scary and terrifying face, the Emperor actually like that? Just a few days ago she heard that she was thrown into the Imperial Prisons. Only ten over days has pass and the pheasant has became a phoenix?! Lan Fang shocked look made Wu Mama jump up in fright, and she shouted lowly, ¡°Find out so much for what. Go and work.¡± There were baskets of unwashed laundry at her feet and there was a pool of dirty water behind her. Lan Fang felt resigned. Back then both of them went together to serve the Qing family Miss. But today only Fu Ling landed in such a good job. She has only herself to blame, if she was not in the hurry to flee, the person that would leave here today is her instead! Chapter 27 During early summer at noon, the sunlight penetrated through the foliage on both sides of the palace roads. When it shone on anyone, it would not be scorching hot but still remained dazzling. Fu Ling¡¯s head was slightly lowered as she silently followed the Gonggong, who was walking in front. She did not make any inquiries on where she will be taken to, not because she doesn¡¯t care but because even if she ask it would be useless. If the destination was a place that could not be told, her questions will not bring her any answers but make others feel burden, so why bother? The Laundry Bureau was the furthest courtyard in the Inner Palace, they have walked so far and only just stopped in front of a palace hall. Fu Ling lifted her head to look at the palace door and could recognise that this was Shu Yun Palace, where Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s Palace. After Imperial Concubine Shu died due to a difficult delivery, no one has been residing there. When she saw the palace plaque indicated ¡°Qing Feng Hall¡± in large new characters, she could not help but secretly sighed. That year Imperial Concubine Shu was the only favoured one in the entire Inner Palace, which was so noble and respectable, but now after she is gone for less than three years, not even the Emperor, but afraid that not many eunuchs and the palace maids would have remembered her. When Fu Ling walked into the hall with her head down, a young female came up to her and secretly sized her up before asking politely, ¡°Are you older sister Fu Ling?¡± Older sister? The palace maids are also divided into third, sixth and ninth grades. Looking at her light blue palace uniform and accessories, it can be seen that she was one of the palace maids closer to one of the mistresses. Even though her rank is not as high as a female attendant, but there was no need to call her, a low ranked palace maid, as older sister? Fu Ling was filled with doubt as she cautiously replied, ¡°This servant is indeed the one.¡± As she kept her head down, Lan-er could not clearly see her looks and after hearing herself calling her older sister, she also did not show any signs of surprise or take any advantage of the verbal comments. She has a calm temperament and humble attitude thus should be very good to get along with. After all she is a specifically requested palace maid by Concubine Qing and would be a favourite. By pleasing her, in the future her life would be significantly better to get by. Putting on a smile, Lan-er smilingly said, ¡°I am Lan-er, older sister please come with me.¡± The heart that was as calm as a lake the entire time started to feel waves forming. Fu Ling quietly speculated, when she was in the female medical courtyard, she have provided diagnosis to a number of unfavoured Talents (fifth-ranked palace lady) and Beauties (fourth-ranked palace lady) and it was never her turn to treat Jieyus (æ¼æ¥ ¨C third-ranked palace lady). After she went to the Laundry Bureau, it is impossible to have any contact with any mistresses. Who exactly wanted to see her? Fu Ling did not have time to think in detail as Lan-er has brought her in front of a big screen and softly respond to the other side of the screen, ¡°Your Ladyship, older sister Fu Ling has arrived.¡± Even though she doesn¡¯t understand what was going on, Fu Ling still acted in accordance to the palace etiquette and knelt down to greet, ¡°This servant, Fu Ling, greets your Ladyship.¡± ¡°Lan-er, you can withdraw.¡± A muffled female voice was heard from the room. As the sound was too soft, Fu Ling almost could not hear her words but Lan-er who was standing beside her, bowed before retreating out of the room. The person inside did not speak for quite some time. In the big hall, it was so quiet that she could only hear her own breathing and Fu Ling felt her heart beats increase which was a never known type of fear. Its a good thing that the person inside did not let her wait for very long before saying, ¡°Fu Ling, come in here.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± This time the voice sounded lightly louder and Fu Ling felt that it was familiar. However she could not remember where she heard it before and did not dare to delay for too long. Fu Ling walked through pass the screen and lifted layers of curtains and stood at the corner. ¡°Come over and give me a hand.¡± That female voice, quite pressed for breath, sounded again. Fu Ling lifted her head and looked towards the bed and saw a white-clad female clutching the bed frame on one hand and the other hand holding on to the bedside, trying to stand up. Her black hair scattered down and her white clothes made her face look even more paler. That pair of eyebrows, proud nose and delicate lips were so pretty that even her side view is beautiful to alarming proportions. It¡¯s her? Until the female turned and look at her, the other side of her face with the hideous scars were seen, Fu Ling only then dare to confirm that she is Qing Feng. No wonder this place is called Qing Feng Hall. Fu Long sighed secretly, life is indeed not for one to speculate. Half a month ago, she was a ¡°gift¡± that was sent over by Hao Yue for peace and now she is a high and almighty Concubine. Fu Ling stood at the corner motionlessly staring at her, with eyes filled with unconcealed surprise. Qing Feng could not help but laughed, ¡°Was this so surprising?¡± It seems that her turning into a Concubine overnight has indeed scare a number of people. After Fu Ling recovered, she lowered her head as usual and walk toward to supported her before respectfully replied, ¡°This servant know her sins.¡± After standing up, Qing Feng frowned and look at the female standing at her side. She was unable to read what she was thinking through her calm face but she could feel the alienation from Fu Ling respectful reply. If she only want one more palace maid, why would she have specially picked her? Qing Feng originally thought of walking to the lounge chair by the window to sit but now she changed her mind. Qing Feng once again sat down before holding on to Fu Ling wrist to pull her over and sat her down together. Fu Ling was surprised and wanted to get up but Qing Feng grabbed her hands tightly and did not release. She did not dare to struggle and after some deliberation, Fu Ling eventually sat down. It was only when Fu Ling obediently sat down then Qing Feng released her hands. She remained silent and Qing Feng did not beat about the bush and directly said, ¡°You are the first one I saw when I came to this Imperial Palace and also the first one that did not flee from me but lend me a helping hand. I hope that you will stay by my side but of course if you are unwilling, I can help you to to go back to the female medical courtyard. I know you were a female medical practitioner before.¡± Fu Ling continued to sit quietly and look indifferent, as if what Qing Feng said did not affect her any bit. She replied respectfully but coldly, ¡°This servant is only a lowly palace maid with average medical skills. Staying here will not be able to resolve any grief for your Ladyship.¡± She helped her out of the compassion of her heart, not because to cling to the powerful. If she wanted to do so, she would not need to be a lowly palace maid at the age of twenty. Qing Feng laughed as she asked, ¡°You think I keep you by my side is to get you to do what?¡± Fu Ling in fact was unable to guess the reason for Qing Feng to keep her and neither does she want to think about it. She just remained silent. When Fu Ling was silent again, Qing Feng did not get annoyed. She lean gently at the head of the bed and ask randomly, ¡°Fu Ling, in the entire Imperial Palace, is there someone you can trust?¡± Fu Ling¡¯s heart fluttered and her different eyes showed some traces of waves. Even if it passed quickly, it did not escape from Qing Feng¡¯s eyes. With one hand propping her forehead, Qing Feng patiently wait for her answer. After quite a long while, Fu Ling whispered back, ¡°No.¡± Qing Feng shook her head and chuckled, ¡°Really sorrowful.¡± Even it was said with a smile, the words and tone indicated dissatisfaction and sarcasm towards the Imperial Palace was not disguised one bit. Fu Ling¡¯s lips could not help but hook up slightly. This female is unyielding and straightforward which is considered unique in the Palace. However, one will not know how long can this uniqueness can be maintained. ¡°The most distressing thing is that I am being caught up in this misfortune but¡­¡± Qing Feng paused and her clear eyes looked towards Fu Ling who was sitting beside. Qing Feng whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t want it like this.¡± What does that sentence mean? Does it mean to trust oneself or to tell her that she will be absolutely loyal? The word trust is easy to say but it is the most valuable gift in the world. Fu Ling is unable to guess her thoughts and do not know how to answer, but Qing Feng¡¯s expression was similar to hers, their sharp gaze made others hard to escape. Fu Ling mumbled back, ¡°This servant is dull, don¡¯t know¡­¡± ¡°Fu Ling.¡± She looked pained thus Qing Feng have already guessed that she either pretending to be foolish or rejecting her. Qing Feng interrupted Fu Ling¡¯s words and frankly said, ¡°There is a possibility that I will once again be imprison in the Imperial Prisons and in the next time, I would not be as lucky to be able to survive it. Do think about it carefully before deciding to stay or not. I will wait.¡± ¡°The Empress has arrived!¡± Qing Feng hardly finished her words when the eunuch¡¯s sharp voice from the outside of the hall sounded. It sounded piercing but everyone could hear it clearly. Qing Feng¡¯s brows firmly knitted. What did she come here for? Chapter 28 The Empress? What did she come here for? During the Palace banquet, she was only a ¡°gift¡± and was demoted to a palace maid. Xin Yue Ning was already so aggressive, thinking of ways to ensure her demise and now she is conferred a Concubine title, how would Xin Yue Ning let her off. Qing Feng looked at Fu Ling who was standing by her side and lightly pat her shoulder before whispering, ¡°There is a space for clothing behind the curtain, you can withdraw there first.¡± She can tell that Fu Ling is reluctant to stay, in that case it would be better for her to hide so that she will not be dragged into any trouble. Qing Feng used a hand to prop herself up with the bed frame and struggled to get up in order to walk towards the screen. These few steps has already used up all her energy and she did not notice that from the moment that she told Fu Ling to withdraw, a look of surprise crossed Fu Ling¡¯s eyes and she was¡­ Touched. Although Qing Feng do not know Palace etiquettes, but as she was born in a noble family, she is aware of how to receive when the Empress arrive. In order to avoid Xin Yue Ning to find trouble for her when she comes in, Qing Feng walk out in front of the screen and knelt down. As she has not gotten out of the bed for a long time, when her knees bend, her entire body almost fell flat to the ground when a slender arm reached out and held on her shoulders. Qing Feng looked up and saw Fu Ling kneeling beside her with that familiar calm expression and she did not release the hand that was supporting her. Why did she not leave? Two of them look at one another but before there was any opportunity to say anything, a golden embroidered shoe has already stepped into the hall. ¡°Tens of thousands fortunes for the Empress.¡± (It¡¯s a form of greeting.) Qing Feng¡¯s head was bowed but she was not thinking of how Xin Yue Ning will make things difficult for her. Instead she was thinking about Fu Ling who was beside her, she was indeed someone who is soft-hearted. For her to achieve such level of indifference, how much deception and disappointment did she experienced? ¡°Younger sister is unwell so please don¡¯t stand on ceremony and quickly get up.¡± Even though the bright and clear female voice was not warm, but it was not piercing to the ears. Qing Feng lifted her head and saw that Xin Yue Ning did not bring many palace maids and mama as she expected. There was only a twenty odd years old young female. She possess a tall lean figure with a gentle yet sober temperament who just stood there quietly, yet does not seem to be like a servant. Fu Ling supported Qing Feng to the wooden chair beside for a seat while Xin Yue Ning took a look at the decorations in the hall. She lightly shook her head and put on a deeply sorrowful face and smiled, ¡°To think that three years have passed but this Shu Yun Palace did not change at all, the Chinese peonies still bloomed that well. It¡¯s no wonder. That year, in order to help find the best Chinese peonies for Imperial Concubine Shu, the Emperor has sent people all over the six kingdoms. The memories are still vivid but it has turn into Qing Feng Hall, it is indeed the new generation replacing the old one.¡± The words sounded emotional but ridicule can be heard between the lines. Qing Feng felt impatient and softly asked, ¡°For what reason does the Empress come here for?¡± The corners of Xin Yue Ning¡¯s mouth spreads as she said, ¡°Bengong heard that younger sister health is badly affected thus made this special trip to see you.¡± Since when were they this affectionate to each other? Qing Feng remain calm even though she could not unveil Xin Yue Ning¡¯s hidden intentions and instead politely reply, ¡°It¡¯s only a small cold. Dare not trouble your Ladyship.¡± Sighing softly, Xin Yue Ning laughed softly, ¡°The Emperor has already conferred you as a Concubine. This Inner Palace is now your home and since Bengong manages the Inner Palace, naturally will also take great care of you. Younger sister need not stand so much ceremony and refer one another as sisters. There are so many rules and regulations in the Inner Palace, wait till your health is better, Bengong will let Shui Xin come over to guide you on the palace rules. Bengong may be harsh but is all bark and no bite, only afraid that you have carelessly offended those vile characters without knowing.¡± To be referred as sisters? Qing Feng wrinkled her nose, she only have Eldest Sister and Mo-er, these two sisters. Xin Yue Ning today¡¯s performance and that of the banquet was vastly different but the tone of superiority and contempt for others are still the same. Qing Feng sighed and replied, ¡°It is indeed that I oddly often meet monsters and demons.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face instantly turn cold. Fu Ling was secretly scared and handed Qing Feng the tea next to her before lightly shaking her head. Qing Feng curled her lips and did not continue to talk. After drinking a sip of tea, Qing Feng then replied, ¡°Thanking the Empress for reminding.¡± ¡°It¡¯s easy to see the Underworld King but the little demons are hard to deal with. Younger sister should be even more careful. Bengong still needs to go to Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s palace so younger sister must rest well and recover quicker. The Emperor like you this much, you must live up to his divine grace.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s expression was still not good and it seems that she is in no mood to continue with her, thus got up and walk out the hall. ¡°Respectfully sending the Empress off.¡± Shui Xin follow behind Xin Yue Ning, when she stepped out of the hall, she glance upon the female beside Qing Feng. She actually dare to step forward to stop when Qing Feng was insulting and Qing Feng actually listen to her. The clothes that she was wearing was what low ranked palace maid wore, why would she appear in Qing Feng Hall? Who is she? Feeling a gaze upon her, Fu Ling looked up and crossed Shui Xin vision. Both of them watched one another for a moment before Shui Xin smiled at her and turned to walk out of the hall. Fu Ling¡¯s brow firmly knitted. That female just now should be Shui Xin, the Empress¡¯s dowry female official who has been with the Empress since she entered the Palace for about ten years and is now the close female official of the Empress. She did not have any interactions with her but heard all about her. From the two Empress Dowager to the palace maids and eunuchs were all full of praise for her and today, she was indeed gentle and elegant. But that smile of hers, what does it mean? Qing Feng propped her chin up and shook her head while smiling, ¡°Did not think that trouble will come so quickly.¡± The brows of Fu Ling, who was beside her, were almost knitted to a knot. After staying in the palace for so long, she knows that the Empress¡¯s actions were not done for no rhyme or reason. ¡°You can leave. I will get Gao Jing to transfer you back to the female medical courtyard.¡± Qing Feng was about to call Lan-er who was outside when Fu Ling suddenly said, ¡°This servant is willing to stay at Qing Feng Hall.¡± Qing Feng was stunned, ¡°Why?¡± Chapter 29 ¡°Why?¡± At first Fu Ling was reluctant to stay, even though this trip of the Empress did not make things difficult but it was not truly to express her goodwill. Under such circumstances, why would she suddenly change her mind? Qing Feng is puzzled. ¡°This servant¡­ Want to stay by your Ladyship¡¯s side¡± Qing Feng face sank and coldly said, ¡°You are lying, I want to hear the truth.¡± A faint disgust was heard in the ice cold voice. Fu Ling raised her head and immediately saw a fury pair of eyes. She slightly hesitated thinking that she should not have lied to her, why did she lie to her? If she wants to stay, won¡¯t the words ¡°someone to trust¡± will touched her? Looking at the peonies¡¯ blooming outside the window, Fu Ling softly replied, ¡°This servant entered the Palace at twelve and till now it has been eleven years and have worked in the Imperial Kitchens, Weaving Department and female medical courtyard. And now this servant fear that she can no longer return to the Laundry Bureau. If not here, where else will she go?¡± Trust in this Imperial Palace is too precious. She also wanted to try if it is possible to trust someone. Only because there was nowhere to go? Qing Feng was a little disappointed, ¡°You have been in the Palace for so many years so you should be very clear about my current situation. Did you think it through clearly?¡± ¡°En.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head and did not say anything else. ¡°Good. You just stay beside me then.¡± Staring at Fu Ling gentle and calm profile, Qing Feng said word for word, ¡°But you must remember that I hate deception and betrayal.¡± With silent shimmering eyes, Fu Ling bowed her head low and replied, ¡°This servant will bear in mind.¡± ¡°And do not call me Ladyship from now on.¡± ¡°Yes Mistress.¡± Fu Ling obediently changed her words, seemingly taking Qing Feng¡¯s words as orders and be in all obedience. Qing Feng felt inexplicable irritated and she waved her hands, ¡°You can retreat.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Watching Fu Ling leaving figure, Qing Feng furrowed her brows. This kind of elusive and profound thinking person, is it right or wrong to keep her at her side? ***** During which she was in bed for over ten days, Yan Hong Tian did not once reappear. The Empress or other concubines also did not bother her. Fu Ling was careful and considerate and the chest pain gradually faded. Everything was calm. Letting Fu Ling spend a few silver to bribe, she was able to hear a few news about Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister. They were staying at the Prime Minister Mansion and the General Mansion respectively and could occasionally see one another. Even though it was just knowing these things, she was still very happy. At least Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister can meet up. Huang Jiao removed the acupuncture needles and took her pulse for a while before speaking in relief, ¡°Your injury is healed about seventh to eighth tenth. Rest well and continue to take the medication and your body will slowly recover. It¡¯s just that you have to be more careful in the future, don¡¯t overwork, especially don¡¯t catch a cold and you must not get furious.¡± Her internal injuries dragged for days before treatment thus have left the roots. If she could maintain her lifestyle like now, it would not cause any problems. Qing Feng kept thinking of how to find out more news about her sisters thus whatever Huang Jia have said, she did not listen at all. After he finish speaking, Qing Feng then recovered and smiled, ¡°I understand.¡± Qing Feng was not listening but Fu Ling was listening very detailedly. For the Imperial Physician to say this much, it meant that the injury will not be able to be completely healed. Fu Ling asked softly, ¡°Do you meant that the illness that Mistress is suffering from still have remaining issues? With regards to daily meals and medication, what areas should attention be focused on?¡± Huang Jiao, who was packing up his medicine box, paused and looked at the female at the side. Her beautiful face and clear eyes indicated a intelligent and detailed girl. Huang Jiao laughed, ¡°You know medicine?¡± Fu Ling gently shook her head and replied, ¡°This servant only learn a few years in female medical courtyard and crudely recognized some medical ingredients.¡± So she is a female doctor. Huang Jia nodded his head satisfyingly and said, ¡°Good. Come over here, I will explain to you what areas you should pay attention in the future.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling followed Huang Jiao out to the outer chambers. The early summer sun shone through the purple silk curtain and laminated the entire floor. After stretching a bit, Qing Feng got up and walked to the windows and took a deep breath. A light flower fragrance tingled with the breeze, made one instantly refreshed and accompanied by the light pink flower petals that were vying to be the most glamorous. The flower arrangements may not be as noble as the Mudan (Tree peony ¨C Queen of all flowers) but it has a flare of attractiveness. Xin Yue Ning was not wrong, these Chinese peonies are indeed the best kind. It¡¯s just that she preferred the autumn begonia flowers lofty feeling. Thinking a while, Qing Feng suddenly said, ¡°Lan-er, get me an outer wear.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lan-er brought a plain light yellow flower dress for Qing Feng to wear. Qing Feng then open the curtain up and headed out of the hall. Lan-er did not dare to slight and quickly kept up, ¡°Your Ladyship, where do want to go?¡± Xia Yin immediately took out a paper umbrella. The afternoon sun is vicious enough to make one faint, going out to view flowers at this time was not good. ¡°Just walking around, you all need not follow me.¡± Just as Fu Ling came back after sending Huang Jiao out, Qing Feng raised her hand and said, ¡°Fu Ling, support me out for a walk.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling took the umbrella over from Xia Yin and supported Qing Feng out of Qing Feng Hall. Lan-er was slightly annoyed and complained softly, ¡°Older sister Xia Yin, that Fu Ling knows medicine and knows how to please her Ladyship. In the future at Qing Feng Hall, will there be a place for us?¡± Placing the empty medicine bowl into Lan-er hands, Xia Yin replied as she was tidying up the bed, ¡°Just do what you are suppose to do. Whoever her Ladyship decide to favour is not controllable by me or you.¡± Curling her lips, Lan-er mumbled back, ¡°I understand.¡± Lan-er brought the bowl which previously contained the medicine out of the hall and Xia Yin looked around. After confirming that no one was around, she took out something from her sleeves and quietly tucked it under Qing Feng pillows. ***** During noon, the mistresses naturally stay at their own palaces to rest and there will not be many people on the palace roads. In a distance, there was a light green paper umbrella and there was two lean figures walked over under the hot sun. Both of their steps were light and slow, as if bringing a trace of coolness to the hot summer afternoon. ¡°Fu Ling, you should know Lou Xi Yan. What¡­ Is he like? Fu Ling thought for a while before softly replying, ¡°This servant did not have any contact with Prime Minister Lou and don¡¯t know how he is like. But from what the other people from the palace, he is refined, humble and also the official that the Emperor rely on the most.¡± After a long time, Qing Feng suddenly asked, ¡°Has he taken a wife yet?¡± Eldest Sister is gentle and elegant. For her to be concubine, it would be a great grievance but for Lou Xi Yan such a figure, did he not have any wife? ¡°Prime Minister Lou do not have a wife yet, but¡­¡± Fu Ling did not finish speaking when there was a white fluffy thing that suddenly jumped out of the roadside bushes and onto Qing Feng legs. ¡°Ahh!¡± The sudden turn of events scared Qing Feng that she screamed. She just recovered from a serious illness and now her leg was severely hit. Qing Feng¡¯s legs could not help but stumble backwards. ¡°Be careful.¡± A deep male voice sounded by her ears and a large hand grabbed her arm. With this force of support, Qing Feng could stand straight and firmly. When the hand released, Qing Feng looked back and saw a familiar pair of cool eyes. Chapter 30 ¡°Be careful.¡± A deep male voice sounded by her ears and a large hand grabbed her arm. With this force of support, Qing Feng could stand straight and firmly. When the hand released, Qing Feng looked back and saw a familiar pair of cool eyes. That pair of eyes¡­ It¡¯s him?! The man who helped her on her most difficult night. She recognised that pair of eyes. A trace of surprise also crossed the man¡¯s indifferent eyes but it quickly disappeared and avoided looking at her again. The cold indifference from the man was like a bucket of ice water, which made Qing Feng¡¯s excited heart calm down. She silently recover her line of sight and look towards the thing that scared the daylights of her. The white image was like a cat yet also look like a dog and bit her clothes and not let go. She was afraid that it would sudden bit people thus Qing Feng dare not kick it. Fortunately another male approached and picked it up, enabling Qing Feng to get rid of it. Two young palace maid was searching the entire way when they heard Qing Feng scream. They quickly ran over and saw the furry thing was in the arms of the man before both of them secretly sighed in relief. They greeted Qing Feng with half a bow, ¡°These servants deserve to die for not watching Xue-er well and frighten her Ladyship. Seeking your Ladyship¡¯s forgiveness.¡± ¡°Xue-er?¡± Qing Feng look at the man who was holding the furry thing. It has snow white fur but she was unable to tell if it was a cat or dog. Fu Ling took a step forward and whispered into her ear, ¡°It is the Emperor¡¯s younger sister favourite dog by the name of Xue-er.¡± So it was actually like this, no wonder when these two palace maids¡¯ lips were begging for forgiveness, their faces showed no fear. One have to pay regards to its master when one wants to beat a dog. When Fu Ling explained so carefully, isn¡¯t it a reminder that this Princess Chao Yun is someone that cannot be offended. With a light hook on her mouth, Qing Feng replied coldly, ¡°It¡¯s all right. In the future don¡¯t let it run around like that.¡± ¡°Thank you your Ladyship.¡± The palace maids carefully carried the dog over from the man and run towards the direction they came from. The man looks around thirty years old, tall and upright, with a handsome face and wearing a sword around his waist, portraying an air of valiant but as compared to the generals in the battlefield, he was lacking the air of a hero. Seeing him wearing a dark red military uniform, she guessed that he should be the Imperial Palace Guards and not of low rank. Qing Feng smiled and asked, ¡°You are?¡± The man replied in a deep voice, ¡°The Imperial Guards Section Leader, Guo Yi, greets her Ladyship Concubine Qing.¡± ¡°Excuse the ceremony.¡± Looking at the person behind who helped her who was now taken a few steps back, Qing Feng casually asked, ¡°And you?¡± ¡°This general is Ming Ze.¡± Qing Feng nodded her head and no longer look at him. She looked at Guo Yi and politely said, ¡°Thank you for the help that Daren gave.¡± ¡°We do not deserve it. Protecting the mistresses is part of this official¡¯s duty.¡± Guo Yi¡¯s reply was considered respectful but not warm. Qing Feng did not say anything else and brought Fu Ling to continue walking down the Palace road. After both of them have walked further away, Qing Feng then slowed down the pace and raise her lips with a smile in her eyes. So his name is Ming Ze. It was difficult to see his face in the dark night and it was actually he was actually that young and have a darker skin tone like those military personnels. His burly physique was different, his face was handsome and temperament was cool. Even under the strong sun, that indifferent made one feel that he is enveloped by a thin layer of ice. If it wasn¡¯t his indifferent eyes, she was afraid that she won¡¯t have recognised him. Qing Feng¡¯s faint smile was as gentle as the spring wind blowing the willow. What was it that made mistress¡¯s mood this cheerful? Fu Ling was secretly speculating but did not speak out of turn and just quietly followed behind Qing Feng. ¡°You were just saying that Lou Xi Yan do not have a wife yet?¡± Fu Ling cast away her doubtful eyes and truthfully replied, ¡°Prime Minister Lou have yet married a wife but the Emperor and Empress Dowager have the intention of betrothing the Princess Chao Yun to Prime Minister Lou.¡± Everyone knows that Princess Chao Yun is in love with Prime Minister Lou for years and getting married was a sooner or later a thing. That Princess Chao Yun again? A dog was treated so preciously is evident that she is favoured. If she become the official first wife of Lou Xi Yan, what will Eldest Sister do? ¡°Only not seeing you for a few days, you have the energy to get out of bed. You are indeed an aggressive kitten. It seems that Zhen have worried for nothing.¡± A deep voice sounded from a distance majestically ridiculing. Fu Ling quickly knelt down and call out, ¡°Long Live the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian! Qing Feng¡¯s balled her fist unconsciously and her heart tightened. Even though every time she sees him she will feel a fear from her heart but she still forced her self to face him. Under the hot sun, he strode over wearing the bright yellow dragon robes with the vicious charm covered by the domineering air of a monarch. As his figure neared, that pressure made one unable to breath. Qing Feng silently took a deep breath and lowered her head with knees slightly bend, she said, ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s black eyes were shimmering as he hook her chin up and laugh, ¡°Little kitten, where is your sharpen claws?¡± Qing Feng has put on the palace dress and tidied up. From far, there was some sort of grace but this weak look was not like her. Claws? Qing Feng coldly scoffed and the bright eyes look to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark deep eyes as she replied with smile but yet not a smile, ¡°The Emperor is joking, the cat¡¯s claws are only for catching mice and entertaining its master. Really sharp claws are only for breaking the enemy¡¯s throat.¡± Her voice was no longer hoarse. The clear smooth female voice was said with a smile but also had a trace of unruliness and killing intent. After a moment, Yan Hong Tian laughed loudly, ¡°Well said!¡± This is his impression of what the little wild kitten is light, if the hard to find toy became so docile, wouldn¡¯t it be boring? Yan Hong Tian laughed heartily but Fu Ling and the eunuch standing beside was frighten and broke into a cold sweat. Qing Feng¡¯s eyebrows were knitted, what so funny about it? She hates this kind of feeling, like she was a pet he captured and her emotions are used to entertain him. ¡°Emperor, the Prime Minister and Dan Daren have been waiting for quite some time.¡± Only Gao Jing dared to cut in when the Emperor and concubines are speaking. Yan Hong Tian nodded his head and headed to the Imperial Study but he stopped walking after two steps and clearly spoke, ¡°Yes, inform the JingShiFang that tonight Zhen¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian turned back and looked at Qing Feng and laughed, ¡°Will stay at Qing Feng Hall.¡± Stay overnight? And not visiting? According to the ancestors regulations, only the Empress can share a night with the Emperor. Even the four imperial concubines could not do so but the Emperor want to stay overnight at Qing Feng hall? Even though it was not according to regulation but the Emperor insisted so no one dare to say anything else. Also with regards to the bed affairs, Gao Jing do not like to comment much, thus replying back, ¡°Yes.¡± Yan Hong Tian cheerfully walked away in big steps while Qing Feng¡¯s face tuning from red to green then from green to black¡­ Chapter 31 ¡°Long live the Emperor¡­¡± When Yan Hong Tian walked quickly into the Imperial Study, the two person who was waiting in the hall bend down to bow. ¡°You may rise.¡± He casually waved his hand and interrupted their unfinished words. Yan Hong Tian sitted on the golden dragon seat and asked, ¡°How is the preparation for the celebration on going?¡± ¡°The invited countries and honoured guest list are being drafted by the Ministry of Rites. The various time of things that are required for the celebration and the cost has been calculated by the Ministry of Revenue. With the Ministry of Defence and Personnel collaboration, the deployment of troops are arranged and the various departments are all prepared. It will be reported up within these few days.¡± Lou Xi Yan orderly replied with a peaceful look, without a trace of waiting in the Imperial Study for almost half a sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours). ¡°Good.¡± Yan Hong Tian gave a satisfied nod, letting the celebration matters handled by Lou Xi Yan made him feel assured. Seeing the silent Dan Yu Lan, Yan Hong Tian slightly furrowed his eyebrows, ¡°Official Dan, with regards to the death of the Seventh Princess, what was Northern Qi¡¯s reply?¡± Today during the morning court, Dan Yu Lan also had a preoccupied look, if it was not about Northern Qi using it as a pretext to make a fuss and cause a disturbance? Dan Yu Lan as if has collected himself, said, ¡°This official has sent a messenger to escort the Third Prince back and informed the Northern Qi King of the entire story and he was not angry with our country and especially brought back a thousand year jasper as a token of apology, hoping to repair the relationship and form an alliance.¡± Hu Xi Ang poisoned the princess so as to deliberately provoke the relationship between Northern Qi and Qiong Yue and also to retaliate the Northern Qi royalty. Thus with regards to Northern Qi internal problems, the Northern Qi ruler wanted to present the Seventh Princess to the Emperor to please Qiong Yue and definitely will not make things difficult for Qiong Yue with regards to the Seventh Princess death. A small country like that want to be in an alliance with Qiong Yue? Northern Qi really calculated it really well. After listening to Dan Yu Lan¡¯s words, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brow slightly narrowed and he coldly replied, ¡°Accept the jasper and do not bring up about the alliance.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Dan Yu Lan finished speaking and took a step back. He was silent for a while, like he had something to say but yet frowning as he think. Seeing his hesitant look, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°Official Dan, is there anything else to report?¡± Dan Yu Lan gave a look at the Lou Xi Yan who was standing beside him and after thinking for a while, he then replied softly, ¡°Recently in the capital there was a murder of a bounty hunter. During the investigation and trial, this official found that also involved the case of the stolen Treasury¡¯s gold and is still investigating. That year it was an existing miscarriage of justice. The one million liang of gold did not flew off without wings..¡± There are many doubtful points in the case and many of the clues were pointed out after the Qing sisters investigate. Prime Minister Lou is protective of Miss Qing Ling and if he request for them to be involved into the case, Prime Minister Lou will not agree to it. ¡°Oh?¡± There was a flash of colour that crossed Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes. For what reason did Dan Yu Lan look at Lou Xi Yan when he was reporting about the gold case and why is his two favourite officials collaborating so willingly? Yan Hong Tian glanced at Lou Xi Yan but he still stood calmly. The dark eyes look back and forth between both of them before Yan Hong Tian broke out, ¡°Use all your abilities to get to the bottom of this case. It is a must to track down the whereabouts of the one million liang of gold.¡± ¡°Obeying the Emperor¡¯s command, this official will retire.¡± Yan Hong Tian did not get to the bottom of it and Dan Yu Lan secretly sighed in relief as he performed a hand greeting and quickly left the Imperial Study. The gold case that year was a hot and bustling topic, which involves a lot of high ranking officials and at the end when the matter rest, Lou Xi Yan was clearly aware of the reason than Dan Yu Lan. Yan Hong Tian did not pursue the case to the bottom so as to listen to Lou Xi Yan to elaborate. Under Yan Hong Tian¡¯s intense watch, Lou Xi Yan lightly coughed and said, ¡°Emperor, this official has one thing to report.¡± ¡°Speak then.¡± Yan Hong Tian picked the freshly brewed spring tea and waited for Lou Xi Ya to explain. ¡°This official and Qing Ling have an affinity with each other and is prepared to get married after the celebration. May the Emperor grant it.¡± The voice was bright and captivating but it was not about the case that Yan Hong Tian wanted to hear. His hand holding the tea cup stiffen as Yan Hong Tian suddenly look up and gravely asked, ¡°You are marrying her as the official wife?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lou Xi Yan replied calmly but Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face became dark and heavier, ¡°What are you going to handle Xuan-er?¡± Lou Xi Yan¡¯s brow slightly knitted but quickly resumed its usual and his warm voice replied coldly, ¡°There is no love between this official and the princess, moreover this official health has always been not good, thus to be matched with the princess would be wronging the princess.¡± ¡°Lou Xi Yan!¡± A bang sound that was made by Yan Hong Tian by throwing the warm cup of tea from his hands to the study table. As the force used was great, the tea spilt to the table and drip down from the table. In the big Imperial Study, it was so quiet that only the sound of water dripping on the jaded floor boards were heard. The forehead of the eunuch were filled with sweat as they quickly clean up the spilt tea with trembling hand and almost afraid to breathe. Lou Xi Yan stood silently in the middle of the hall. Even though the atmosphere was frosty, it apparently did not bothered Lou Xi Yan. After quite some time, Yan Hong Tian said in a low voice, ¡°Zhen have never force you to marry Xuan-er, you do not need to rush into marriage.¡± Lou Xi Yan signed and in a firm yet helpless tone replied, ¡°This official is not young any more and Ling-er is a female that this official admires thus it is time to get married.¡± He choose to get married at this time, not all because to avoid Yan Ru Xuan but it is Qing Ling that made him have the urge to get married. There was such a unique female in the word that could make him puzzle, touched and even obsess. ¡°Do you know who you are?¡± Yan Hong Tian coldly reminded him, ¡°You are Lou. Xi. Yan.¡± Additional words were not needed. Yan Hong Tian believe that Lou Xi Yan knows the what does these three words represent. Not mentioning that Xuan-er and his mother will not agree, the entire Lou family elders will not sit by idly. Moreover he is marrying a powerless female from a different country as the official wife, his close aunt, the other Empress Dowager will never agree to it. Lou Xi Yan¡¯s lips slightly raised and with a smile that clears the sky and a look of indifference, he said laughingly, ¡°And what of it? And what of it? So suave! Yan Hong Tian suddenly started laughing and teased, ¡°Qing Ling is that enchanting?¡± The first time seeing Qing Ling, he was stunned with her beautiful features, that gentle temperament, that feminine disposition. It was an absolute beauty that all man would want in their arms but now that Qing Ling¡¯s face is disfigured and her character was not as per before, why is Lou Xi Yan that obsessed? Lou Xi Yan laughed but did not reply. It is good that only he knows about Ling-er¡¯s good points. Both of them grew up together since young so he was familiar with Lou Xi Yan¡¯s expression. He was bent on marrying Qing Ling. Yan Hong Tian waved his hand and half-heartedly replied, ¡°This issue needs to be considered in length. You withdraw first.¡± ¡°This official will retire.¡± Lou Xi Yan did not say any more and performed a hand greeting before leaving the Imperial Study. It is seldom seen for Lou Xi Yan to be that persistent and he was happy to watch the excitement but once he thought about Empress Dowager¡¯s nagging and Xuan-er tears, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s head started to ache. Chapter 32 The light green paper umbrella and the two lean figure was the same as before but their pace is no longer light. When it was near shenshi (modern timing: 3 ¨C 5 pm), there were many more people that were coming and going from palaces. Even though their head was bowed down, they could not help but to steal a look at the female from Hao Yue, who was conferred as a Concubine in one month. After seeing the scar clearly on Qing Feng¡¯s face, they all gasped and hang their heads lower. The reactions of the people in palace were seen by Fu Ling, one did not need to have an acute sense of observation to see the glimpse of contempt and the slight astonishment and mockery in their eyes. Fu Ling slightly turn her head to look at Qing Feng. Throughout the entire thing, she was staring ahead, without releasing her pursed lips, like she did not feel everyone¡¯s attention but her pace quicken. Recovering her line of sight, Fu Ling followed Qing Feng back to Qing Feng Hall without a word. The two of them just entered the place when Lan-er joyfully came out and smilingly said, ¡°Congratulations to your Ladyship, just now Wu Gonggong from the JingShiFang came by to convey a message, the Emperor tonight¡­¡± ¡°Get out.¡± Cold words interrupted Lan-er chattering. Qing Feng¡¯s expression was cold and dark, Lan-er stood stiffly, unsure what did she do wrongly. There are numerous beauties in the Palace, when they heard that the Emperor will require their attending, they would be filled with joy but the mistresses she serve is just too temperamental. Lan-er looked at Fu Ling, who was standing behind Qing Feng, for help but Fu Ling only shook her head gently. Lan-er was still in a daze when Qing Feng suddenly snapped, ¡°Get out!¡± Lan-er started trembling under Qing Feng¡¯s cold stares and cried out a ¡°Yes¡± before quickly retureating. Qing Feng open the many layers of curtain and walked into the inner chambers. Seeing the slender yet proud and aloof figure, Qing Feng hesitated for a moment and did not follow. She gently closed the door and headed out of the hall. The blazing sun shine through the half open wooden windows, that were carved with flowers, down onto the beautiful silhouette. The faint smell of peonies filled the room and with the occasional breeze, it should be a pleasant summer afternoon but the shrouded figure, that was standing in front of the window, did not felt the warmth of summer and trembled slightly. Qing Feng folded her arms and tightly wrap her body. Even so, she could not suppress the rising chill from her heart and the accompanying fear and nausea that was devouring her. Attending at the bedchamber! During the first time when she heard those words, she was excited because it means that she can be close to Yan Hong Tian, she can kill her enemy with her hands but now¡­ She cannot do that. Her Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister is still alive and they are still living in Qiong Yue. If she assassinate Yan Hong Tian, they will die. In the ruin temple, she has nearly killed them once, she will not do harm upon them the second time. Thus the words ¡°attending at the bedchamber¡± is like a cold snake wrapped around her neck that was choking her. Qing Feng¡¯s narrowed eyes were staring at the blue sky outside the window. The dazzling bright sight sting her eyes as a tear fell from her eye silently, the slender fingers dug deep into her flesh. Father, Mother, what should this daughter do, to submit to humiliation and obediently let others trample oneself? She do not want to be resigned¡­ Really don¡¯t want to take it! As the sun gradually set in the West, Lan-er was holding the scissors and was triming the peonies without looking, showing a face full of gloom. Perhaps it was due to the scare that Qing Feng gave in the afternoon, Lan-er did not go near to Qing Feng¡¯s room. Xia Yin walk to Fu Ling¡¯s side and whispered, ¡°Fu Ling, the hour is late, if her Ladyship does not start to prepare it would be too late. At that time when the Emperor start to blame, us getting punished is a small thing but her Ladyship will also be convicted.¡± Attending to Emperor¡¯s bedchamber was a major event in the Inner Palace. Her Ladyship needs to bathe, groom, immerse in fragrance¡­ If anything is neglected which lead to the Emperor being unhappy, everyone will need to suffer. JingShiFang¡¯s steward has sent the mamas from ShuQingChi to help Qing Feng to groom. After waiting for half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours), the mamas were already very impatient. Fu Ling look at the doors, that are closed for the entire afternoon, then look at worried looking Xia Yin and finally nodded with a reply, ¡°I understand, you can go and prepare.¡± Fu Ling walked to the front of the door and gently knocked. Just as she was about to open her mouth, Qing Feng¡¯s sharp but sorrowful eyes flashed over made her swallow what she wanted to say. Fu Ling cannot go in or retreat and could only stand stiffly in front of the doors before a voice called out from the room, ¡°Come in.¡± ***** At the time to light up the lamps As night falls, all the palaces started to light up the lanterns and the palace maids and eunuchs also started to carry lanterns around. At the small trail behind the JingShiFang, a female dressed as a palace maid did not carry a lantern and deliberately hid herself under the shadow of the tree. With the dark and hazy night, it doesn¡¯t look like there was anyone there. There came a person running from far on the trial. Wu-er took a step back and squinted to see the person¡¯s stature and face before going forward and whispered, ¡°Did you inquire into it?¡± The eunuch look left and right and determined that there was no one around before replying very softly, ¡°Replying older sister, tonight the Emperor has appointed Concubine Qing to attend at the bedchamber. At this moment he is at the Xi Xia Hall accompanying the West Empress Dowager for dinner.¡± Wu-er thought for a while before asking, ¡°Concubine Qing attending at the bedchambers was decided through the flipping of tablet?¡± ¡°No, I heard that during noon the Emperor had a chance encounter with Concubine Qing at the gardens and decided to spend the night at Qing Feng Hall.¡± A chance encounter? A look of disbelief crossed Wu-er eyes. How can there be a chance encounter happen in the hot mid afternoon in the gardens? This Qing Feng indeed have some skills, she even found out about the Emperor¡¯s path. Her Ladyship did not guess wrongly, Qing Feng should not be underestimated. Wu-er pulled out a small pouch from her sleeve and place it on the hands of the eunuch, whispering, ¡°All right, you can go back first. Be quick-witted in the future. If there are any movements in Qing Feng Hall, you should tell me everything.¡± Secretly weighing the money pouch, the eunuch smiled flatteringly, ¡°Rest assure older sister, this little one¡¯s heart will always be with her Ladyship Imperial Concubine Hui.¡± Wu-er waved her hands and replied, ¡°All right, quickly leave.¡± The eunuch carried the little money pouch in his arms and ran back nimbly. Only when the eunuch has gone far away, Wu-er then headed towards another direction. ***** Before the bright polished bronze mirror, sat a white-clad female. The plain white clothes made her jet black hair even more enchanting but the female impatiently stopped that hand which is busy placing more makeup with a cold voice, ¡°Enough, however it is covered up, it¡¯s still the same.¡± Qing Feng is secretly a little proud and happy, the two scars were unable to be covered up by any amount of makeup, just like the pain that she felt when she lost both parents, the loss will never ever be filled up. Fu Ling obediently placed the powder down. In fact, Qing Feng complexion is very good, she did not even need any powder and her skin was already clear and translucent. She did not style her hair up and only let some strands of her hair hang down to obscure half of the scar so that she will look significantly gentle and beautiful. Fu Ling¡¯s heart was praising, this is the case of a beauty. That willow eyebrows that does not require one to draw a curve, that pair of eyes that were as deep and vast like the seas and her skin which were as soft and smooth like jade. If her facial appearance was not destroyed, she should be a supreme beauty? Fu Ling picked up the lip rogue and lightly pad it on her lips. A touch of bright red colour immediate made this cold lips look vivid, Fu Ling could not help but admire, ¡°So beautiful.¡± It was indeed beautiful, in the bronze mirror there was an enchanting female, who was like a delicate flower in spring waiting for someone to pick. Staring at herself in the bronze mirror, she felt hate. Why! Why did she do herself up to please Yan Hong Tian! Why! The raised hand rubbed the colour off her lips and left a residual red on her mouth. Qing Feng was still not satisfied and suddenly picked up the comb on the table and threw it to the mirrow. The smooth mirror was dented by her and could not reflect the pretty appearance before Qing Feng stopped. Qing Feng¡¯s frenzy look scared Fu Ling endlessly and she quickly lightly patted Qing Feng¡¯s back so that she can catch her breathe. Fu Ling anxiously spoke, ¡°Mistress mustn¡¯t be angry, your injury has not yet fully recovered.¡± Injury? She would rather die now¡­ Leaning against Fu Ling, and seeing the twisted face in the mirror fill with craziness, Qing Feng¡¯s heart start to hurt. Why is she like this? Didn¡¯t she decided? Because of her dearest sisters, the only family in the world, no matter what she must endure. As long as it can exchange a lifetime of peace for them, no matter what she become, what will it matter? Painfully closing her eyes, Qing Feng said in a trembling voice, ¡°Fu Ling¡­ Help me to put on makeup again.¡± Her pride and dignity will be broken tonight, why care about her face? ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling picked up the silk cloth and wipe the residue away from Qing Feng¡¯s lips. She felt heartache for this weak but stubborn female. The life in the Palace only just begin. The moon has risen high above ones head, the cool moonlight shone on the blooming peonies making the flower look paler as compared to the beauty they were during the day, but retains the beauty in a different style. Lan-er supported her chin and set on the steps of the porch facing the dark palace ally outside the hall and murmured, ¡°Older sister Xia Yin, Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm) has passed. Will the Emperor come over tonight?¡± It is at this timing, if he were to come he would have came earlier. In fact, it is good that the Emperor doesn¡¯t come. Qing Feng chased away the ShuQingChi¡¯s mamas and only left with Fu Ling who was helping her. She was so eccentric, if the Emperor really come, she was unsure what will actually happen. Xia Yin gently admonish Lan-er with a stare and whispered, ¡°You always shoot your mouth off. Be careful of getting yourself into trouble.¡± Casting a sidelong glance at the shut doors, Lan-er pouted slightly which a face of disapproval. At this time, a piercing voice sounded from outside the hall. ¡°The Emperor has arrived!¡± The Emperor indeed came! Lan-er stuck out her tongue before she quickly got down her kneels to perform a greeting. Lan-er twitched her mouth towards the room but refused to say anything. Xia Yin shook her head helplessly and softly called towards the room, ¡°Your Ladyship, the Emperor has arrived.¡± It was really quiet in the room and Qing Feng did not come out to receive. Lan-er and Xia Yin exchanged a look and was unsure what to do. At the same moment, Yan Hong Tian strode in to the hall. ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Lan-er kept her head bowed and that pair of bright yellow boots suddenly stooped at the steps and no longer walked forward. Lan-er¡¯s heart tighten as she raised her head to glance and only saw the Emperor¡¯s handsome face expressionlessness, his eyes looking on coldly at the shut door. That not angry but powerful energy of a monarch scared Lan-er so much that she quickly bowed her head lower. The Emperor has arrived but Qing Feng did not come to receive and even don¡¯t open the room doors. The Emperor must be angry about it! Lan-er is scared witless, Xia Yin felt ill-at-ease and that door, which was closed the entire day, choose this moment to open¡­ Chapter 33 ¡°The Emperor has arrived!¡± The loud shrill voice outside the hall informed the arrival, Fu Ling can feel Qing Feng¡¯s body stiffening. Her brows knitted tightly and she took a deep breathe before getting up to walk out of the inner chambers. With heavy steps, she stood in front of the doors for a long time, unwilling to open it up. ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Soon the palace maids voice can be heard from the courtyard. Fu Ling stepped forward to open the doors but was stopped by Qing Feng. Fu Ling looked worriedly at Qing Feng, the Emperor has already reached the doors but she doesn¡¯t go out to receive, it is can be seen as a charge of disrespect! ¡°I will do it myself.¡± Qing Feng low voice trembled as she raise her hand and tightly clutching the door latch. That slender pale fingers started to show her veins when she take another deep breath and Qing Feng pushed open that heavy wooden door. Outside the door, Yan Hong Tian stood below the steps in a black robe, and when the doors opened, that dark sharp eyes locked onto her. Qing Feng continue to keep her head raised and tried very hard to oppose his cold look. But she herself know that her heart was trembling. At this moment, she is afraid. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes slightly narrowed and size up the female who dared to obstruct him outside the door. With long black hair draping her back and flying as the wind blow and that plain white gown was wrapped tightly around her, which look colder and more arrogant than the previous red dress. Her red lips, which was so red as blood, stood out the most as it was the only colour on her. Even though the doors are open, Qing Feng still did not perform a greeting and wearing a pale white plain dress, she looked face to face with Yan Hong Tian, scaring everyone till they broke in a cold sweat and waiting in bated breath. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips suddenly raise and form an elusive smile and did not blame Qing Feng for the disrespect before striding into the room. Yan Hong Tian did not say anything making Qing Feng unsure if she should be relief or her caution level should be raised. Until Yan Hong Tian¡¯s figure has pass her and held her hand, Qing Feng recovered from shock. Yan Hong Tian swept his eyes over to Fu Ling, who was behind Qing Feng, and Fu Ling broke into a cold sweat and did not dare to stay. She quickly retreated out and even when she closed the doors, her heart was still pounding. She started to admire Qing Feng, that fierce monarch¡¯s air suppressed anyone who was looking at him, don¡¯t even mention of exchanging looks. In the room, there was only two persons facing off in a room filled with candlelight. Yan Hong Tian pinched Qing Feng¡¯s chin and lifted her face. Under the flickering candlelight, her skin looks elastic and her bright red lips are moist and plump. The bright eyes started to shine uneasily as he came closer. Yan Hong Tian chuckled, ¡°Still considered as a beauty if you dress up properly.¡± His big hand slide over her supple black hair as the mischievous glint appear in Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes and he asked, ¡°Where did you hide the knife this time?¡± The two bodies were tightly affixed together and the summer clothes did not obstruct the warm from one another¡¯s body. Qing Feng¡¯s hands was on Yan Hong Tian chest and his hot body temperature made her flustered. She tilted her head the other side. Qing Feng did not see him and do not want to want to hear him speak. She only wish that this night be over quickly. Unfortunately, it is impossible to ignore Yan Hong Tian¡¯s presence. Qing Feng¡¯s waist suddenly tighten as if it could almost strangled her and Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hateful cold voice rang beside her ears, ¡°Qing Feng, did not think that there will be a time that you will act as a mute.¡± She obviously told herself to not argue with him and endure everything but once she saw his overbearing egoistic manners, Qing Feng could not help but ridicule, ¡°You know that I can no longer assassinate you so why bother saying something useless. If I want to kill you now, I will presumptuously use a knife again.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Yan Hong Tian laughed softly and loosen his hand around her waist a little. Qing Feng could finally breath and Yan Hong Tian took that time to close the gap between her face and made her suffocate again. That pair of dark eyes was filled with interest and he said in an extraordinarily pleasant voice, ¡°What will you do? Poison?¡± Qing Feng was stunned a moment, how is there such a man so temperamental? Discussing with another how to kill him and also be able to laugh so easily and be so relax about it, like it was an interesting topic. Qing Feng finally understood that Yan Hong Tian is here to poke fun at her. Looking at the female in his arms, who was obviously gnashing her teeth in anger but chose to remain silent, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brow unconsciously wrinkled up, ¡°Are your sisters really so important to you?¡± Why ask a question when he knows the answer! Qing Feng bit her lower lip and made up her mind to not be bothered about him. The worst is just her being strangled by him. Qing Feng mentally prepared herself and the pain at her waist was no longer there. Qing Feng looked down and did not see the flash of admiration in his eyes. She only heard a light disdain scolding, ¡°Unfortunately¡­ You are now as weak as an ant, anyone will be able to pinch you to death.¡± Those words undoubtedly have stepped on Qing Feng. Qing Feng snapped her head up and sneered as she replied, ¡°My life is just like an ant, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, but so what of it? You don¡¯t understand what is mutually dependent for life and blood is thicker than water.¡± In the six nations, everyone knew that the changes in Qiong Yue these years. Yan Hong Tian was forced to abdicate by his own younger twin brother in a coup and he was eradicated by him. He is such a person, how would he know what is familial love? ¡°You really know how to make Zhen angry.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s voice is very light, so light that Qing Feng¡¯s hand could not help but tremble. She knows that she is afraid of him but she was fascinated by provoking him again and again, as if to justify her exsistence. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes and voice made Qing Feng unable to guess his mood. The previous moment it seems that he wanted to eat her up but the next moment he loosen his hands around her waist. Unsure of what he wanted, Qing Feng stared at him alertly, and only saw Yan Hong Tian seated on the wooden chair nearby and uncharacteristically whispered in a relax manner, ¡°Prime Minister Lou is cultured and refined. He also treat females tenderly and thoughtfully. The females who want to be Prime Minister¡¯s wife is like the number of carps in the river. Don¡¯t know if Miss Qing Ling could endure the future loneliness?¡± Sure enough, Qing Feng¡¯s brows were knitted and although she tried to remain calm, an obvious stagnant breath disclose her current feeling. Yan Hong Tian did not feel that it was enough and he continued saying, ¡°By contrast, your younger sister will never be lonely, the General Mansion do not have a single female in it. Even if General Su don¡¯t like her, she will be wanted by many others.¡± What? There is no females in the General mansion? How¡­ How would Youngest Sister live? Thinking of Mo-er being surrounded by men, Qing Feng¡¯s face instantly paled. Very satisfied with her reactions, Yan Hong Tian sneered, ¡°Worried about them? Let Zhen teach you how to protect them.¡± When he finish speaking, Yan Hong Tian carried her by her waist. When Qing Feng could exclaimed in astonishment, she was already carried to the inner chambers and trapped on the embroidered bed. ¡°The first step is to become Zhen¡¯s woman, the best is to be the most favoured woman.¡± Both of her wrists were tightly held by Yan Hong Tian, his breathe has been mixed with hers as Qing Feng cried out, ¡°Yan Hong Tian, you are shameless! Let go of me!¡± She just had a moment of uncertainty, thinking that he would really tell her but this man do not deserves any hope at all! Yan Hong Tian covered her body with his weight and his burning temperature. The strange experience of his body crossing hers made Qing Feng fearful, so fearful that she use her strength to struggle. Yan Hong Tian lowered her hand and both of their forehead and nose were touching and they were breathing each other breathe as a restless and dubious atmosphere charged around them. Qing Feng¡¯s breathe was chaotic but Yan Hong Tian surprisingly coldly said, ¡°Little kitten, your claws are very sharp but trying to claw at anyone and showing all emotions on your face can only lead to you losing badly. As someone who is struggling for her life, you are not qualified to care about the life and death of others.¡± Just a rose with thorns, it would only provoke others to pick and is of no use. Sssss¨C Yan Hong Tian with one hand holding both of her arms and the other hand ripped the purple veiled drapes. The drapes landed on her face, leaving Qing Feng incomprehensible. ¡°Qing Feng, the most incorrect thing that you did in your life is to destroy this face!¡± The veil covered her face and in her eyes, Yan Hong Tian cold and heartless voice sounded more vivid in her ears. At this moment, Qing Feng¡¯s heart felt like it was hammered by something and her mind was never clearer. She finally understood. Yan Hong Tian did not care if there is one more or one less female, either did he care about her admirable face or body. He came here only to humiliate, possess and conquer her. This is the most cruel revenge he can do on her. Don¡¯t even talk about her pride, her basic dignity was trampled under his feet. Qing Feng no longer struggle and she did not move at all¡­ She can no longer tell if her vision has blurred that the thing in her eyes are tears or veil. The red candle continue to burn and crackling but on the embroidered bed and hot bodies were riddle with wounds on that cold heart. This night was the hottest summer night and it should be a quiet night due to the low calls of the cicadas, which seems to be extraordinary restless. When the Emperor was attended by the concubines, the people in the palace can only wait in the courtyard and not go near the inner chambers. The candle light was swaying and there were crushing sound occasionally but due to the distance, one cannot hear clearly. With the setting of the moon, the soft cicadas sound made one doze off, except for the guards standing outside the hall with swords, a few eunuchs and palace maids who were on night vigil lean again the doors and started dozing off. Fu Ling stood by the bed of flowers and rest her hands on her knees with her head bowed, not knowing if she was deep in thought or catching a nap. Feeling a light pat on her shoulders, Fu Ling turned her head and heard a soft female voice in her ears, ¡°Fu Ling, you are not accustomed to be on night vigil and was worn out the entire day, go and rest. I will wait upon from outside.¡± Xia Yin stood behind her and smiled as she look at her. Her eyes were clear and bright without a sleepy or tired look. It was already the third of the five night watch (modern time 11pm ¨C 1 am), for Xia Yin to still be that refreshing, Fu Ling was marvelled. She was really impressive for the Imperial Household to train the palace maids to such a level. In the female medical courtyard and Laundry Bureau, even though it was exhausting but night vigil were rarely needed. Even though she was sleepy, it was still her duty today so how would she let someone else do it. Furthermore, there will still be more night vigils in the future and she cannot keep troubling others. Fu Ling got up and softly replied, ¡°I am not tired, you can go and rest.¡± Looking at her rather persistent manner, Xia Yin smile and said nothing more as she heading towards the side courtyard. Fu Ling lightly yawned, afraid that she will fall asleep, she did not sit down again and instead walk to the big tree next to the courtyard, walking round the thick tree trunk. After walking for quite a while, she then realised that this strange move of hers in the middle of the night has attracted the looks of the guards standing outside the hall. Fu Ling awkwardly smiled. The seven to eight guards outside the hall was staring at her, save for one person who looked straight ahead but was watching alertly all around. That person¡­ Looks very familiar. Using the bright moonlight, Fu Ling look for a long time before she could see clearly that he look like the guard that they meet in the afternoon, by the name of Ming Ze. Angular facial features, aloof alienating temperament, its seems that a person that is not easy to get close to. Her mind suddenly thought of her Mistress bright and warm smile and Fu Ling¡¯ heart trembled unknowingly and her legs unconsciously walk round the tree. Not knowing how long she has walked, until her feet start to hurt, Fu Ling then recovered and look up to the skies. The skies has turn marble white colour of the dawn, with the orange rays glowing through the grey clouds. Fu Ling was stunned, the night already passed?! Looking back, the candlelight has already been extinguished and there was total silence. Gently stretching, Fu Ling mocked at herself, she actually walked the entire night? Far off the palace road, there came an entire group of people. Fu Ling squinted her eyes to look, the person right in front was Wu Gonggong and behind him there was a few eunuch carrying some currently unidentified things. They walked very quickly and reached Qing Feng Hall in a short moment time. Fu Ling slightly bowed and lowly greeted, ¡°Wu Gongong.¡± Wu Zhi Qiu glanced at her and saw her appearance before he pause in his steps. Its her? That low ranked palace maid that was serving Qing Feng in the beginning, he didn¡¯t think that she was also in Qing Feng Hall. Qing Feng was let out of prisons and was immediately conferred as a Concubine, and also have the ability to make the Emperor stay for the night, she is presumably a formidable female. For her to keep Fu Ling at her side, it would meant that she see her as her trusted aide. Wu Zhi Qiu calculated in his heart and put on a gentle smile and replied, ¡°Oh, its Fu Ling. In the future, you need not stand in ceremony.¡± Fu Ling did not exchange conventional greetings with him and just smiled. Seeing that she does not know about ways of social relationships, Wu Zhi Qiu did not bother about here. He walked to the front of the door and gently knocked twice before softly calling, ¡°Emperor, Chensi (modern timing ¨C 7 am to 9 am) is approaching.¡± With Wu Zhi Qiu¡¯s soft voice, will the people inside, who are still asleep, heard it? Just as Fu Ling expect that no one will respond, a male voice responded, ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Wu Zhi Qiu waved over a few eunuch and they followed him into the room. Only one eunuch holding up a tray, covering an unknow object with a bright yellow silk, remained behind. Fu Ling secretly sighed, that voice was soft but it did not seem like it was just woken up. Does the Emperor have to be so vigilant at all times? Fu Ling was thinking about it when Yan Hong Tian¡¯s tall figure have reach out of the courtyard. Fu Ling quickly performed a bow and only saw the the bright yellow boots passing off quickly. Wu Zhi Qiu followed Yan Hong Tian with a bowed back and carefully asked, ¡°Emperor, to keep or not to keep?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t keep.¡± Yan Hong Tian commented without hesitation before striding out of Qing Feng Hall. ¡°Yes.¡± After getting the answer from the Emperor, Yu Zhi Qiu did not follow him. He brought the eunuch who was holding a tray, into the room. Don¡¯t keep? Suddenly understanding the meaning behind those words, Fu Ling¡¯s facial expression slightly change. She quickly got up and followed Wu Zhi Qiu into the room.She quickly retreated out and event when she closed Chapter 34 Don¡¯t keep? Suddenly understanding the meaning behind those words, Fu Ling¡¯s facial expression slightly change. She quickly got up and followed Wu Zhi Qiu into the room. ¡°Get out!¡± When Wu Zhi Qiu walk pass the screen into the inner chamber, there was a growl heard from the bed. The sound was not loud but that hoarse angry and repressed growl indeed scared Wu Zhi Qiu and his footsteps also stopped. Fu Ling who was following closely stood forward and bowed to Wu Zhi Qiu before she quickly open the layers of curtains. Approaching the edge of the bed, Fu Ling was shock at the sight. The wide embroidered bed is in a mess, the white silk sheets are knitted together and one can see stains of red on top of it. Qing Feng curled her body up and tightly wrapped herself up, leaving her head outside. Qing Feng did not cry and only remained so tightly curled. That jet black hair with the white silk sheets stain with blood chilled Fu Ling¡¯s heart. Fu Ling went in for a long time but there was no sound. When Wu Zhi Qiu ran out of patience, he broke out, ¡°Your Ladyship, the medication should be taken when it is hot.¡± Yes, there is still medicine to take. Only then, Fu Ling recovered and just as she was about to explain to Qing Feng, she have already sat up slowly and coldly ask, ¡°What kind of medicine?¡± It would be best to give her a poison. The voice was dull and made one feel uncomfortable. Qing Feng originally bright and clear eyes was now bloodshot and bleak, that sharp gaze was no longer there. Fu Ling bend forward and softly spoke by Qing Feng¡¯s ear, ¡°It is a secret remedy. Only upon the Emperor¡¯s consent, the concubines then could¡­ Be pregnant and produce heirs.¡± ¡°Bring it here!¡± Qing Feng wanted to laugh out but unfortunately she could not do so. She hated Yan Hong Tian and it is impossible for her to give birth to his child. This bowl of medicine is something she wish for. Qing Feng took the bowl of medicine and drank the concoction in one breathe. The thick black concoction was bitter but Qing Feng did not think so. As Qing Feng tilted her head upwards to drink the medication, Fu Ling was shocked to find that there was red marks all over her neck. Fu Ling¡¯s face turn red, she have seen the red imprints left behind after such night but this was her first time seeing it that scary. After seeing Qing Feng drinking the medicine through the veil, Wu Zhi Qiu bowed and brought the eunuch out the hall. Returning the medicine bowl to Fu Ling, Qing Feng curled up her body and lay down silently. In a light tired voice she said, ¡°You can also leave.¡± ¡°This servant will prepare hot water for your bath.¡± Fu Ling quickly withdrew. The Qing Feng now make her feel very uncomfortable. Outside the window, the birds were singing but in the inner chambers, all was quiet. Yan Hong Tian has reached his goal and will not come again in the future. As for her, what should be lost has been lost, there is nothing else. Qing Feng slowly close her eyes. ***** The day just broke, the morning sun has yet to be wrapped in the clouds and the day just barely started. In the exquisite and glamorous palace, a female wearing a deep plum coloured long dress with her hair not yet tied up as she sat on the soft chair and with half squinting eyes frequently looking outside the hall. A female clad in blue walked over from afar, once she entered the hall, Xin Yue Ning immediately sat up and asked, ¡°Did the Emperor allow the dragon seeds (used to refer to the Emperor¡¯s swimmers *wink*) be left behind?¡± ¡°No.¡± Hearing Shui Xin¡¯s reply, Xin Yue Ning gave a satisfactory hint of a smile and said, ¡°Inform Wu Zhi Qiu that in the future if the Emperor flip the name plates, let him put Qing Feng¡¯s name plate right in front.¡± As long as she does not bear the dragon¡¯s seed, it is all right to let Qing Feng be proud. The most important thing is to suppress that bitch, Chen Zhen! ¡°Mistress, even though Qing Feng features are damaged, she is still a beauty and have a famous reputation, thus she would think that she is superior than other. If you help her this much, it would only make her grow faster and may be decremental to you in the future.¡± The last time she saw Qing Feng, Shui Xin felt that Qing Feng is impatient this time and showed of her ability which will be difficult to amount up to anything. However if there was a day when she calm down, she will be indeed a tough character to handle. At the moment the Mistress only wanted to blow Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s prestige away but did not see the future difficulties. Xin Yue Ning disagree and laughed, ¡°Only a non-local female without any backing in the official court. Basing on just that little looks and small smarts, even if she is favoured, what can she do? In contrary, that Chen Zhen who has the favour of the Emperor for so many years and also with the support from her brother and maternal uncle, did not put bengong in her eyes. If she were to be pregnant, this mistress position of the Inner Palace will be changed!¡± Once she is done settling Chen Zhen, settling Qing Feng is just an easy thing. Shui Xin face look calm but her eyes could not conceal her worried look as she persuaded softly, ¡°But this servant heard this morning that Prime Minister Lou has requested a decree from the Emperor yesterday, to marry Qing Ling as his official wife.¡± Lou Xi Yan is harder to deal with than Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s maternal uncle. The Lou family is also much more powerful than the Chen family. ¡°What? How is this possible?¡± Is Lou Xi Yan crazy? That person called Qing Ling, what is so good about her? That news made Xin Yue Ning spun into disarray but after thinking for a while, she seemed to calm down and replied, ¡°Princess Chao Yun has love and admire Lou Xi Yan for so many years, the Emperor will not agree to let him marry Qing Ling. Even if the Emperor agree, the Empress Dowager will not agree. This matter has many variables, you can just carry out Bengong wishes first.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Xin Yue Ning has lost her patience thus Shui Xin did not continue to persuade. She slightly bowed and quietly retreated. ***** Shenshi (modern time: 3 pm ¨C 5 pm) has long passed and under the layers of embroidered bed drapes, the person lay quietly there after bathing for the entire day. Opening the curtains at the window, Fu Ling lowly advised, ¡°Mistress, you have not eaten for a day, please have some bird¡¯s nest porridge.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s back faced her while she was lying down and turned a deaf ear to what she had said. Fu Ling walked closer and set down on the edge of the bed whispering, ¡°This servant heard a news today.¡± The person on the bed still ignored her, Fu Ling deliberately said loudly, ¡°It is about Miss Qing Ling.¡± After speaking, Fu Ling no longer talk and the inner chambers is filled with silence. A moment later, the previously person with no reaction suddenly turned around and anxiously spoke, ¡°What news?¡± Fu Ling took the advantage to hand over the bird¡¯s nest porridge over. Staring at her, Qing Feng sat up and took the bowl. While scooping the porridge into her mouth, she asked, ¡°What exactly is the news?¡± She eventually ate something. Fu Ling secretly gave a sigh of relief before replying, ¡°Prime Minster Lou have requested a decree from the Emperor yesterday, to marry Miss Qing Ling as his official wife.¡± The spoon in Qing Feng hands paused and she asked unbelievably, ¡°Really?¡± Official wife! Even though in her heart, this position is what her Eldest Sister truely deserved, but¡­ Lou Xi Yan wanted to marry a non-local female as his official wife. Is that possible? ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s affirmative answer made Qing Feng surprise turn into a form of disturbance and she asked, ¡°Where did you hear this from?¡± ¡°This news was spread in the Palace since morning. Heard that when Princess Chao Yun heard this news, she almost fainted. Both the East and West Empress Dowager rushed over to comfort her. This thing will not pass like this. Only afraid that you will be implicated into the matter¡­¡± Miss Qing Ling is located outside the palace and have Prime Minister Lou¡¯s protection thus naturally nothing will befall on her, but there will be impact on her. ¡°What is there to be afraid of?¡± Qing Feng softly snorted, ¡°Lou Xi Yan is not afraid, I also do not have anything to fear.¡± She is only carelessly living in the palace. ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat already.¡± She handed the bowl back to Fu Ling and Qing Ling asked curiously, ¡°There are two Empress Dowager in the Palace?¡± ¡°En.¡± Fu Ling look at that the half eaten bird¡¯s nest porridge in her hands and secretly shook her head but did not comment anything on it. She stood up and place the bowl on the low table at the side before replying softly, ¡°The West Empress Dowager is originally the favourite concubine of the Late Emperor and she borne two sons and a daughter, of whom is the Emperor. The East Empress Dowager is the Late Emperor¡¯s official wife and the Empress. She did not have any children all these while and the Late Emperor place the Emperor under the care of the East Empress Dowager to adopt. After the Emperor ascended to the throne, then there was the title of East and West Empress Dowager. In addition¡­ The East Empress Dowager is the paternal aunt of Prime Minister Lou.¡± Paternal aunt? So it was like that. No wonder Yan Hong Tian treated Lou Xi Yan with significantly higher tolerance. With Lou Xi Yan¡¯s type of identity, for Eldest Sister to marry into the Lou family, it would be even more difficult. However Qing Feng was not very worried about Eldest sister because Lou Xi Yan had already requested a decree from the Emperor, so he must have a plan in place. ¡®Prime Minister Lou marrying a non-local female as his official wife¡¯ kind of news, if it wasn¡¯t spread by someone with hidden intentions, will anyone in the palace will dare to do it? Qing Feng¡¯s lips slightly raised, it would seems that Lou Xi Yan is sincerely treating Eldest Sister. If he really manage to be her husband, it would be Eldest Sister¡¯s good fortune. ¡°Your Ladyship.¡± Outside the screen, Lan-er carefully called out softly. She scolded her yesterday because of the suppressed anger in her chest, even though Qing Feng need not apologise to Lan-er, her tone of voice was obviously much milder, ¡°What is it about?¡± Lan-er sighed secretly and replied softly, ¡°Someone from Xi Xia Palace came to reply Empress Dowager¡¯s imperial decree, requesting you to head to Xi Xia Palace for a banquet at Youshi (modern timing: 5 pm ¨C 7 pm).¡± Trouble indeed came so fast! Qing Feng expression was slightly heavy as she impatiently replied, ¡°Say that I am not feeling well and will not go.¡± The Empress Dowager conferred a feast, even the Empress don¡¯t dare to not go. If she were to return the message as such, a calamity will indeed befall on them. Lan-er hesitated for a moment but didn¡¯t dare to say anything, thus she only cried back a ¡°Yes¡±. Just when she was about to withdraw, Qing Feng suddenly exclaim, ¡°Come back.¡± Lan-er waiting outside the screen for a while but there was no response from inside. She raise gradually to look over and saw Qing Feng sitting on the bed with her head slightly down. She was unable to tell what sort of expression it was. Suddenly Qing Feng raise her head and replied, ¡°Answer back indicating¡­ I will be attending the banquet on time.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lan-er quickly straighten her body to avoid Qing Feng¡¯s gaze and quietly withdrew. Qing Feng barely propped her body up using the bed curtains, unsure if it is the effect of the bowl of medicine, there were waves of throbbing at her abdominal. Qing Feng clenched her teeth and forced herself out of the bed before saying lowly, ¡°Fu Ling, help me to dress up.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling quickly approach to support Qing Feng to sit down before the bronze mirror. The sunlight from outside the window shone on her face. Fu Ling could clearly see that her face was so pale that it scared others and the red marks on her necks and faint bruises on her wrist were clearly visible. Fu Ling was worried, her looking like this, how would she attend this obvious ill-bearing banquet? Chapter 35 The sun gradually set and with the sky filled with clouds, the rays are no longer scorching hot but the air was more sultry than in the afternoon. In the Yang Xin Lake, the lotus was swaying in its stems along with the light breeze but it was unfortunate that it was not cooling or refreshing. The humid warm wind made one feel more uncomfortable. Two shadows was walking along the lake, slowly headed towards the direction of Xi Xia Palace but they were walking with difficulty. After drinking that bowl of medicine, her abdomen started to throb in pain. Qing Feng have to rely on Fu Ling¡¯s support in order for her to continue to move forward. Even though she know that the banquet tonight was held to make things difficult for her, Qing Feng still decided to go. She wanted to see what kind of tricks can the Empress Dowager play and also see how powerful is that Princess Chao Yun. It was such a hot day but Qing Feng¡¯s hand that was holding on to her was getting colder. Fu Ling looked worriedly at the pale made up face of Qing Feng and said in a worried tone, ¡°Mistress, lets rest at the pavilion in front before continuing on.¡± Qing Feng looked up and saw that there was a small pavilion in the lake filled with summer lotuses but in order to reach there, one will need to walk through the winding bridge. After reaching there, she will be able to reach Xi Xia Palace faster. Qing Feng was still contemplating when her sight was attracted by an oncoming female. She was dressed in a light purple attire, her waist was adorned with silver tassels and gold threads shimmered as she elegantly walked. From afar, it was like painting of a beautiful female, that noble and demure look made one surprise and envious. Qing Feng sighed secretly, what a beautiful female. Looking along Qing Feng¡¯s line of sight and seeing the oncoming person, Fu Ling slightly frown and whispered into her ears, ¡°Mistress, this is Imperial Concubine Hui.¡± She is Imperial Concubine Hui? She is truly a beauty carved from clouds. For the Palace to have such a beauty, no wonder Xin Yue Ning was that jealous and Yan Hong Tian favoured her that much. When Qing Feng was sizing Chen Zhen up, Chen Zhen also noticed her standing not farHer abdomen started to hurt away. The jet-black hair hanging behind her and the blue dress she wore fell onto the ground which outline her slender figure and made is graceful. She stood like that facing the water, like a a cloud by the horizon, fluttering by the wind and pondering about uncertainties. When both of their sights set on one another, Chen Zhen was secretly apprehensive. Such clear bright eyes, ice-cold and sharp yet clear and lucid. It has been a long time since such eyes appeared in the Palace. No wonder the Emperor treated her favourably. Under her surprise and slight anxiety, Chen Zhen nodded her head lightly to Qing Feng and smiled. Qing Feng¡¯s heart hesitated before she returned the smile. ¡°Two younger sisters are heading to Xi Xia Palace for the banquet?¡± Both of them did not have time to greet another when a female voice sounded from behind them. Both of them turned their heads and saw Xin Yue Ning wearing a glamorous outfit and was smiling at them. Two of them exchanged a look and greeted, ¡°Greeting the Empress.¡± Qing Feng saw a faint impatience in Chen Zhen eyes. It seems that these two bear deep grudges. ¡°Two younger sisters shouldn¡¯t stand on ceremony.¡± Her mouth say those words but Xin Yue Ning only extended her hand to prop Qing Feng up and softly asked, ¡°Is younger sister¡¯s health better these days?¡± Chen Zhen got up and seems to be used to Xin Yue Ning habit of creating difficulties. The elegant gesture of extending her hands made Xin Yue Ning seem disrespectful. Qing Feng is interested in Imperial Concubine Hui who was the most favoured within the Inner Palace. She secretly observe her while she withdrew her hand that was held by Xin Yue Ning naturally and replied, ¡°Many thanks for the Empress concern, it is no longer a hindrance.¡± The wind by the lake is quite big, making the scarf around Qing Feng¡¯s neck flutter. The females in the Inner Palace are very sensitive and will not let go of any tiny hints of a secrets, let alone the little red marks that were on Qing Feng¡¯s neck which cannot be covered. Chen Zhen¡¯s watery shimmering eyes flashed, even thought it quickly recovered to a calm state, it was still noticed by Xin Yue Ning. Chen Zhen, you too have such a day. You have finally taste the jealousy of guarding an empty room for the entire night! Xin Yue Ning, whose mood was considerably good, pretended to help her to arrange her scarf as she laughed, ¡°The Emperor shouldn¡¯t have. Younger sister¡¯s health just improve and he should be more considerate.¡± Her cynical tone of voice made Qing Feng frown, the Empress is using her to provoke Imperial Concubine Hui? The females in the Palace really do not have anything else to do? Her abdominal started to hurt and since Qing Feng did not want to be involved in their silly jealousy game, she simply kept her mouth shut. Qing Feng¡¯s silence was somewhat unusual and Chen Zhen only smiled while she stood at the side. Seeing that no one continue her words, Xin Yue Ning felt that it was uninteresting and said melancholy, ¡°It is getting late, two younger sister will head with Bengong to the location.¡± Humph, Chen Zhen, Bengong will like to see how long you can endure it! ¡°Yes.¡± Three of them silently walked all the way to Xi Xia Palace and into the hall. Qing Feng only knew then that there are really a lot of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s women. In such a big house, there was already more than twenty females waiting there, each as beautiful as a flower. For those who were qualified to come for this banquet have already made Qing Feng dazzled and who knows how many are there who were not qualified to be there. Qing Feng scoffed, Yan Hong Tian blessings is indeed not shallow. When everyone saw the arrival of the Empress, they came forward to pay their respect in succession but their sight stopped at Qing Feng. Especially for those who had stayed in the Palace for a number of years but only remain at the title of Beauty or Talent were staring a hole into Qing Feng. Qing Feng was not afraid of them looking but only felt impatience. The female in the Palace is numerous and comparison is not made by the titles but by the appearances, thus it is not worth fighting. ¡°The Empress Dowager has arrived.¡± After the loud voice has spoken, a larger physique, fifty over years old woman walked in with support from a mama. ¡°May the Empress Dowager have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± ¡°All rise.¡± The gentle voice sounded kind. Qing Feng raise her head to look at the highest seating position. That woman was dressed in a deep plum long dress and her hair is styled simply making it look rustic and her smile is very friendly. She is the Empress Dowager? Qing Feng was quite surprised. The West Empress Dowager was not what she imagine. Qing Feng secretly observe and the West Empress Dowager suddenly look at her with a pair of smiling eyes which made Qing Feng shuddered. After looking at her for a while, the West Empress Dowager did not make things difficult for her and smiled to everyone, ¡°Today is the first day of the month, the Reverend from Xiu Yun Temple has prepared vegetarian courses for Aijia (how Empress Dowager refer to themselves instead of using I). Aijia specially invited you all over to taste and spread the goodness of Buddhism.¡± ¡°Thanking the Empress Dowager for the banquet.¡± ¡°Do be seated.¡± The Empress was naturally seated on the right side of the Empress Dowager and constantly whispering a few words with the Empress Dowager. Imperial Concubine Hui sat at the next row, deliberately avoiding seating at the same level as the queen. Qing Feng¡¯s pain was hard to bear thus she did not have any mood to observe the rest and sat at a position at the back. After she was seated, she realised that many female sat behind her. There were only six or seven of them who dared to sit in front of her. She now could somewhat understand why others are jealous of her. An old mama walked in from outside the courtyard and whispered a few words to Yang Zhi Lan. The edges of Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s lips hooked up and she said smilingly, ¡°Today Aijia also invited a special guest.¡± Everyone was secretly guessing who was the person that the Empress Dowager regarded as a special quest? Without a long wait, the old mama brought a female into the hall. The female was tall and she has an elegant face. It is just that on her cheeks, there were also two scars. Everyone lingered between Qing Feng and that female and they quickly understood the female¡¯s identity. Elder Sister? Seeing clearly the female appearance made Qing Feng¡¯s heart jump up to her throat and the hand that was holding the teacup tighten. Why did her Elder Sister enter the Palace? So the purpose of the banquet was not to direct against her, but¡­ Elder Sister? Receiving Qing Feng¡¯s alarmed look, Zhou Qing looked towards her direction and was surprise for a moment before she recovered her calm and patient smile. That calm and confident smile made Qing Feng¡¯s heart stabilize a little. ¡°You are Qing Ling?¡± The question interrupted the exchange of looks and Qing Ling magnanimously said, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Come and sit by Aijia.¡± Zhou Qing walked magnanimous to her side. Yang Zhi Lan at first looked at her from top to bottom to size her up. Just as she about to have goosebumps on her hands, she smile, ¡°Prime Minister Lou does have a good eyesight, indeed a girl full of life. The name given is also good, the name reflects as the person, don¡¯t you all say so?¡± The breath that was held by everyone could finally release. The news that Prime Minister Lou will be marrying Qing Ling has cause an uproar in the Palace. At one side it is the Empress Dowager and the other side it is possibly the future Prime Minister Furen. All of them did not want to offend either side. Now it seem that the Empress Dowager did not want to become enemies with Qing Ling thus everyone naturally follow up the Empress Dowager words with praises of Zhou Qing. ¡°Ling-er will sit beside Aijia. Everyone is here, call for the meal.¡± After saying that, it was really arranged for her to sit at her left hand side, facing the Empress position. In a short while, the dishes were laid on the table but Qing Feng have no desire to eat. For whatever reason does the Empress Dowager call Eldest Sister and her to the Xi Xia Palace? Qing Feng could not eat the fine cuisine but Zhou Qing still remained in melancholy. At this time someone laughing asked, ¡°What does Miss Qing do during her pastime?¡± Pastime? ¡°Performing autopsy.¡± Zhuo Qing coldly spoke and the large hall fell silent. Ke ke¡­ Qing Feng choked on the tea and her mouth could not help to laugh. Eldest Sister really dare to say that! Eldest Sister is kind hearted and normal like to take care of injured animals. She also love reading and she also believe that she have studied on some medicine. If it is said that her own Elder Sister did the autopsy in the Great Hall, she would definitely not believe. Even though there were people in the palace who authenticate it, Qing Feng will still not believe. During the Palace Banquet, Qing Feng was brought away by Yan Hong Tian and did not see the terrifying scene. Personally experiencing the turmoil in the Palace Banquet, Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face turn white and felt nauseous. In contrast, the Empress Dowager is much calmer. The hand which was picking the food up paused and her face still have the friendly smile as she said, ¡°Concubine Qing have not seen her older sister for quite some time and must be missing her. It would be good to have Ling-er to stay in the Palace for some days so that the two sisters can talk.¡± Zhou Qing have yet to refuse when Qing Feng, who was faster than her, replied back, ¡°Thanking Empress Dowager¡¯s grace, the wedding is imminent. Eldest Sister must have numerous things to prepare and furthermore, for a prominent official wife to enter the Palace frequently, it will not reflect well.¡± Not to mention Yan Hong Tian may have hidden intentions for Eldest Sister, Princess Chao Yun must not take it lying and for the Empress Dowager to do as such, meant that there is a plan in place. She will never ever let her sister enter the Palace. Wedding is imminent? It has reached the stage of wedding preparation? The Empress Dowager and Emperor have agreed? Everyone was secretly surprise but dare not make any comments. When the Empress Dowager heard the word wedding, her expression darken. Even though there was some anger, but her words that she spoke did not reflect as such, ¡°Those complicated things should be handled by men. But what Concubine Qing said is reasonable. How about this way, Ling-er will be marrying Prime Minister as his wife and needs to learn court etiquette. Aijia will help to get a decree from the Emperor to enter the Palace justly and honourably. Like this both you sisters will be able to be reunited.¡± ¡°Empress Dowager¡­¡± ¡°All right, this is settled.¡± The Empress Dowager waved her hands and refused to let her speak more. Qing Feng wanted to speak more but Elder Sister gave her a look which stop her from speaking again. It was just a worried look but it felt like a long forgotten warm to Qing Feng. The Empress Dowager used so much energy to get Elder Sister to enter the Palace and will definitely not have any good intentions. Qing Feng was thinking of how to get her Elder Sister out of this danger when a eunuch piercing loud voice called out from afar, ¡°The East Empress has arrived.¡± The East Empress Dowager? Lou Xi Yan paternal aunt! What is she here for? The eunuch¡¯s voice just finished, a woman in a grand dark red outfit walked in surrounded by eunuch and palace maids. A face that was maintained properly and a tall figure made her look younger than the West Empress Dowager, she look like she is in her early forties. Her noble and extravagance outfit and the air of importance as comparison made the West Empress Dowager look simpler and approachable. Her sudden arrival put the group of concubines in a state of panic as they got up to greet, ¡°Greetings to the Empress Dowager, may the Empress Dowager have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± ¡°Get up then.¡± Not looking that the whole floor of kneeling women, Lou Su Xin headed towards Yang Zhi Lan. Yang Zhi Lan quickly got up and greeted with a smile, ¡°Older sister please quickly sit down. Why do you have time to come over here?¡± ¡°Heard that younger sister is having a banquet in the palace. Aijia came over to join in the crowd.¡± Lou Su Xin swept the floor with her eyes and seemingly randomly asked, ¡°Do continue what was spoken before.¡± Unfortunately everyone kept their head bowed and no one dared to answer. It seems that everyone is afraid of her. The West Empress Dowager intimately pat Zhou Qing¡¯s hand and smiled, ¡°Heard that Xi Yan will be marrying but he hid the bride so well. So I specifically gotten someone to invite her in to take a look. She is indeed a pure hearted and spirited lady. One will like her when one look at her. Just now we discussed about letting the Emperor pass a decree to let Ling-er enter the Palace to learn the etiquette and she can also accompany Concubine Qing. Both of them have left home for so long, they must have lots to say.¡± Her eyes only drift pass her, Zhou Qing doubt that Lou Su Xin didn¡¯t even look clearly at her appearance. Lou Su Xin put on an arrogance and distinctively said, ¡°Oh its about this matter. Xi Yan¡¯s health is weak since young, every spring and summer he would easily fall ill. Ling-er knows acupuncture and she treats him when he gets sick, thus he literally begged me to let Wu Mama leave the Palace to teach Ling-er the palace etiquette. Aijia was unable to win him so it was agreed as such.¡± The West Empress Dowager obviously know the change in situation and she changed the subject. She smiled, ¡°So this was the case. Since it is related to Xi Yan¡¯s health, that let this matter rest. Older sister rarely come here, lets eat a meal together.¡± ¡°All right.¡± The two Empress Dowagers sat there and the atmosphere which was not joyous became depressing. Everyone ate this meal with difficultly. After the last dish, Lou Su Xin put down her pair of chopsticks and said a few pleasantries before leading Zhou Qing out of Xi Xia Palace. Qing Feng look at the back view of Zhou Qing walking away and started to worry endlessly. This East Empress Dowager is so domineering and she suddenly appeared today to take Elder Sister away. Wonder where do her intentions lie at? Princess Chao Yun is the only pearl in the West Empress Dowager¡¯s palm. With the marriage news of Prime Minister Lou spreading like wildfire in the Palace, for the West Empress Dowager to hold this banquet and invite Qing Ling, it is certainly not as polite as it seems on the surface. But when it just started, the East Empress Dowager messed it all up and in the end the person was also taken away. It was obvious to all that the West Empress Dowager¡¯s current mood is definitely darker than her current facial expression. Everyone started to retire, as Qing Feng stood up, Yan Zhi Lan suddenly said, ¡°Concubine Qing just entered the place a short while ago. Do stay behind and speak to Aijia.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s steps slips, indeed, what needs to come will definitely come. Yang Zhi Lan failed to keep Eldest Sister here so now she should be venting it out on her. Chapter 36 Everyone started to retire, as Qing Feng stood up, Yang Zhi Lan suddenly said, ¡°Concubine Qing just entered the place a short while ago. Do stay behind and speak to Aijia.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s steps slips, indeed, what needs to come will definitely come. Yang Zhi Lan failed to keep Eldest Sister here so now she should be venting it out on her. Qing Feng coldly went back to her original position to sit down and did not fear much in her heart. She will adopt measures appropriate to the actual situation and do not think that the Empress Dowager is more terrifying than Yan Hong Tian. Chen Zhen walked by Qing Feng¡¯s side and looked at her. The complex look in her eyes made Qing Feng puzzled. It was not pity and neither was it rejoicing in her misfortune. That moment was too short of a time for Qing Feng to identify what emotions it was before she left. Imperial Concubine Hui¡­ Is it because of her extraordinary intelligence that got her the title? Qing Feng could not help but to be curious about this elegant and sophisticated female that one was not able to figure out. ¡°Concubine Qing, come closer to Aijia¡¯s side.¡± Qing Feng was still watching the retreating figure of Chen Zhen when Yang Zhi Lan gentle voice sounded behind. Qing Feng turned herself back and only realised that the people in the hall has already left, save for one old mama standing behind the Empress Dowager, the palace maids have all been brought away. Fu Ling who was standing behind also disappeared and was most likely also driven out of the hall. Qing Feng walk to Yang Zhi Lan and stood by her side. Not before finding out what the Empress Dowager was thinking, Qing Feng lowered her head and her sights were courteously on Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s waist and below, thus not offending her Yang Zhi Lan secretly sized up this female beside her. Her body is as delicate as a willow, her creamy skin, the side of her face without the scars was so beautiful that it made one¡¯s heart palpitate. Even though her head is bowed and she was looking down, it was neither servile nor overbearing and her conduct was natural and unrestrained. The Qing family in Hao Yue was not of blue blood but they were a family with a literary reputation. The upbringing of the daughters that they brought up should not be bad. Yang Zhi Lan felt that her performance so far was quite satisfactory and she said smilingly, ¡°Sit down.¡± Qing Feng complied her words and sat down. The serving mama handed a cup of hot tea over as Yan Zhi Lan smilingly said, ¡°Are you getting used to staying in the Palace?¡± Qing Feng unenthusiastically replied, ¡°Used to it.¡± ¡°Its good that you are used to it. Once a female enter the Palace, she will only live surrounded by the four walls. Aijia was afraid that you will be bored.¡± Far more than being bored! Qing Feng¡¯s scoffed in her heart. Yang Zhi Lan made her stay back not only to talk about these irrelevant stuff. Qing Feng hope that she would finish quickly as she wanted to leave this place as soon as possible to inquire about where did the East Empress Dowager brought her Elder Sister to. Qing Feng was always silent and her brows are knitted. Yang Zhi Lan have been living in the Palace for a long time and read numerous number of people thus she know that she no longer have any patience and also did not want to go through the pleasantries. Yan Zhi Lan bluntly said, ¡°Aijia understands that it is difficult for you sisters to come to Qiong Yue from Hao Yue and Aijia felt pain for you. Xuan-er and Xi Yan are childhood sweethearts and they have a good relationships thus marriage between them is a matter of time. Ling-er, that child is clever, for her and Xuan-er to take care of Xi Yan together, it will make Aijia feel assured.¡± She saw Lou Xi Yan growing up. He has the appearance of modest, easy-going and harmless but in reality he has his own thoughts and is hard to read and manipulate. It is not possible to stop him from marrying Qing Ling but the most important thing is to protect Xuan-er official wife status. It is hard to convince from Lou Xi Yan thus she could only start from the Qing sisters. Take care together? The Empress Dowager meant¡­ To let Princess Chao Yun and Elder Sister marry Lou Xi Yan together? For them as a non-local female it would not be possible to marry Lou Xi Yan as his official wife and be of the same rank with the Princess and marrying into the Lou family at the same time is considered a good alternative, but¡­ It will wrong Elder Sister. Yang Zhi Lan saw her seriously considering, her mouth slightly curved. If Qing Ling married to Lou Xi Yan, it also meant that Qing Feng is related to this country Prime Minister and her position in the Palace will also be solidified. She wouldn¡¯t to be so stupid not to grab on this big support! Lightly sipping a mouthful of tea, Yan Zhi Lan softly sighed, ¡°Ling-er able to receive Xi Yan¡¯s affection and become the Prime Minister Lou¡¯s concubine, it is her good fortune and also your good fortune. But you must know how to make good use of this blessing. The most important thing no matter what you do or live is to be clear to your heart and act cardinally.¡± Concubine?! She wanted Elder Sister to be a concubine?! Qing Feng lifted her head and looked at Yang Zhi Lan and only saw the white jade teacup in her hands, looking relaxed as she sipped and appreciated her tea. The mouth showed a faint smile, even though she was dressed plainly and her words were gentle, but the look that she gave naturally showed her superiority. Be clear to your heart and act cardinally! Qing Feng mocked herself, she finally understood. She really presumed too much. In this Imperial Family who is more noble than anything else, letting her be a concubine is already flattering to them! Qing Feng suddenly got up and look alertly towards Yan Zhi Lan, who was sitting on a wooden chair, and clearly said, ¡°The Empress Dowager is right, we sisters never wanted to receive favour with the rich and powerful in the hope of any advancement. It¡¯s just that Prime Minister Lou is the head of the family and the Prime Minister of a country and it¡¯s not for women to decide on who he wants to marry.¡± That word women was spoken louder by Qing Feng, with her eyes particularly looking at Yan Zhi Lan coldly. The meaning was implied clearly. Lou Xi Yan was not someone she can offend so she comes to trample on them sister. Don¡¯t even think of it! Suddenly it was like Qing Feng was a different person. Yang Zhi Lan was shocked for a moment and Su Mama, who was behind her, recovered and scolded lowly, ¡°Insolent!¡± This is considered insolent? Qing Feng sneered and gave a side bow before saying, ¡°It is late, Qing Feng do not dare to continue disturbing the Empress Dowager¡¯s rest and will retire.¡± She already understood the Empress Dowager¡¯s mind and she will not be able to persuade her Elder Sister to be a concubine so that she have a better life in the Palace, thus staying behind any longer will be useless. The Empress Dowager did not give any orders and she said she wanted to leave. In this entire Inner Palace, there was no one who dare to be so rude and simply lawless! Su Mama took a step forward and wanted to punish Qing Feng but Yang Zhi Lan lightly raise her hand to indicated her to withdraw. Yang Zhi Lan have recovered and saw the arrogant and obstinate Qing Feng infront of her but she continue to give a kind smile and said, ¡°You are tired too, retire then.¡± Qing Feng turn away and walked off. Seeing her arrogant figure striding away, Su Momo could not help but spit out, ¡°This Qing Feng really failing to appreciate favours.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. The females who just enter the Palace, which one was not filled with arrogance.¡± Yang Zhi Lan did not even attach any importance to Qing Feng. It would be too easy to settle her but the most difficult was Qing Ling. Lou Su Xin came over to Xi Xia Palace to bring her out tonight, it must be because of Lou Xi Yan¡¯s request. What is exactly so attractive about that female that made Lou Xi Yan so infatuated till like this?! Xuan-er¡­ What should be done? ***** The night wind gradually picked up, sweeping up the humid weather, making it not refreshing. The lotus filled pond started to also sway with the wind. As one look from afar, one can see the stem bending so much as though it could be broken by the wind. It would seem that there is a possibility of a large storm coming. Many twigs were blown onto the paths. Chen Zhen lowered her head and kept quiet throughout the walk and not look at the greenery by the side of the roads. Just as she was about to step on it, Qu-er quickly came forwards and supported her arms and urgently said, ¡°Your Ladyship, please be careful.¡± Her Ladyship usually drink lesser tea during the night, but in tonight banquet, she did not eat much and keep drinking tea and now she put on a face full of restlessness. Wu-er could not help but ask, ¡°What is your Ladyship worrying about?¡± Chen Zhen paced slowed down significantly as she was staring at the lotus leaves in the lake. She suddenly asked softly, ¡°What do you think of Qing Feng?¡± ¡°She¡­¡± So the reason behind her Ladyship entire night of uneasiness was because of Qing Feng. Wu-er pondered for a while before she replied, ¡°She has some qualities that make her stand out from the crowd.¡± She did not see such a female being so calm with a ruined face. It was heard that she disfigured her own face. How ruthless she has to be for it to be hurt like that? Just the thought of doing it with a knife on her face and her hands started trembling. Wu-er¡¯s words were just spoken and Chen Zhen pace slowed down a bit and her body stiffen. Wu-er sense that she have spoken the wrong words and quickly consoled, ¡°But your Ladyship should not need to be too worried. Even though Prime Minister Lou really married her sister Qing Ling and be her support, she is still non-local and will not shake your Ladyship position¡­¡± Wu-er panic explanation did not widen Chen Zhen¡¯s heart, instead it made her smile bleakly. Chen Zhen softly sighed and replied, ¡°The Emperor favourite¡­ Is exactly this standing out from the mass.¡± The soft voice was almost dispersed by the blowing wind as Wu-er face turn to a shade of white and she scolded herself stupid secretly. How can she forget her mistress character. Her Ladyship care the most of the Emperor, the socializing that she do normally was done to please the Emperor only. What status of power did her mistress care for? Wu-er anxiously spoke, ¡°Your Ladyship, even though she stands out from the crowd, it will only a fresh perspective. After a long while, it would not last for long. Your position in the Emperor¡¯s heart is not a place that anyone can replace!¡± Irreplaceable? Chen Zhen mouth hooked up and a smile filled with bitterness appeared. Didn¡¯t she replace Imperial Concubine Shu and became the Emperor¡¯s most favoured female in this entire Imperial Palace? In this Imperial Palace, which female is not irreplaceable? The gentle wind started to make a mess of her hair near her ears and Chen Zhen softly remarked, ¡°Look at the skies, it seems that the weather will change. Lets go back.¡± Wu-er look up the skies and saw the dark night like a the thick black ink from the ink-slab. She could not see the clouds but heard the muffled rumblings of the thunder. During the early summer, isn¡¯t it common to have a rainy night? Wu-er did not understand why her mistress is in such a melancholy mood. It was only the same kind of rain¡­ ***** The kapok tree in the courtyard of the Xi Xia Palace has faded and the snow white veils drift with the wind. Under such a night, such a landscape would be unique but unfortunately Fu Ling did not have the energy to appreciate the view. The Empress Dowager made Qing Feng remain behind to talk and she was chased out of the hall early on. Princess Chao Yun was beloved flesh and blood of the West Empress Dowager! For the Princess, the West Empress Dowager will dare to do whatever it takes. Qing Feng is still remain in the Palace, how would she cope with it? The more Fu Ling thought, the more anxious she got and she kept looking towards the hall. She initially thought that the West Empress Dowager will not let the matter drop so easily but she did think that in time of less than half a cup of tea, Qing Feng will be out. Although Fu Ling did not heard what the West Empress Dowager said to Mistress, but looking at her depressed expression and her eyes burning with rage, it must not be anything good. Fu Ling did not dare to ask more and quickly followed her out of Xi Xia Palace. Both of them walked out of Xi Xia Palace barely when the rain started to fall from the skies. At first the rain was not big but Qing Feng¡¯s health just got better, if she get caught up in the rain all the way to Qing Feng Hall, afraid that she will be seriously ill. ¡°Mistress, you should go back to Xi Xia Palace for shelter from the rain. This servant will go back for an umbrella.¡± Fu Ling pull Qing Feng to walk back but Qing Feng was unwilling to head back. She squinted her eyes and found that there was a small pavilion in a short distance and replied, ¡°There is a pavilion up ahead, lets head there for shelter and wait for the rain to stop before continuing.¡± She would rather be rained upon then to return to Xi Xia Palace. The rain started to get heavier and the small pavilion was built for decorative purposes and could not shelter them much from the rain. Unfortunately Qing Feng did not wait for Fu Ling advise and lifted her skirt and ran to the small pavilion. Fu Ling could only follow her and hid in the small pavilion. In the small little pavilion, both of them stood there quietly, neither spoke anything and their ears were filled with the pitter-pattering sound and very often there would be a flash of lighting bursts. The night wind and rain kept blowing in and the pavilion was only that big and there was nowhere to hide thus both of their skirts were wet. Fu Ling cautiously look at Qing Feng, she stood with her back facing her. That slender back was very straight and atmosphere was like she was few thousand li away, the cold rain hit her but she was motionless. The rain was dense and light and did not get heavier. But it would also seem like there were any signs of stopping too, thus this rain will continue for quite some time. ¡°This servant¡­ Had better go back to get that umbrella.¡± ¡°Fu Ling?¡± When Qing Feng recovered, Fu Ling was already joggling towards Qing Feng Hall and it was futile to stop her, thus Qing Feng did not bother about managing her. The East Empress is Lou Xi Yan¡¯s paternal aunt and for her to come that sudden, what is her exact intentions? Is Elder Sister still in the Palace? Or has she already left safely? She did not see Princess Chao Yun today, what kind of female is she is? If finial there was no other choice but to marry Princess Chao Yun and attend to one husband, will Elder Sister be bullied? There are numerous questions in her heart but she could only guess blindly without any alternatives. Qing Feng¡¯s heart started to get more restless and she did not want to wait in this small pavilion thus she lifted her skirts and walked out into the rain. After she exited the small pavilion, Qing Feng only realised that the rain was actually heavier than she has expected. Her skirt has already pasted itself to her pants and she can¡¯t even open the legs up to walk. The rain water went into her eyes, making Qing Feng unable to see the road ahead clearly. She wanted to fasten her pace to reach Qing Feng Hall but she accidentally trip over her dress and fall forward. When Qing Feng was in a state of shock, there was a cold and different voice with a slight helpless tone that sounded by her ear, ¡°Do you walk without seeing the road?¡± Qing Feng was surprised thus she suddenly raise her head and saw that pair of indifferent eyes again, ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Chapter 37 When Qing Feng was in a state of shock, there was a cold and different voice with a slight helpless tone that sounded by her ear, ¡°Do you walk without seeing the road?¡± Qing Feng was surprised thus she suddenly raise her head and saw that pair of indifferent eyes again, ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Ming Ze! Just like the first time she saw him, he was by her side and just like how he stood in the dark, his facial expression was not seen clearly by her. It is just that this time, he was carrying an ink-black big umbrella and that forever quiet eyes finally looked at her. Unlike that cold pair of eyes, his hands were warm and strong. The temperature from his palm permitted the cold rain and made Qing Feng¡¯s heart jump like the rain and wind outside the umbrella. The female¡¯s, who was standing in front, hair was half wet and there were streaks of hair that were paste onto her forehead. Her hands was grabbing the dress that were stuck on her calf and her embroidered shoes were so soaked that one can easily squeeze water out of it. Ming Ze felt that it was funny. Why is it that every time he sees her, she always looked like in a sorry state? Actually he has seen her standing in the pavilion earlier on to hide from the rain and did not want to walk over. But he did not expect that she will suddenly rushed out of the pavilion and run clumsily. Seeing her standing firmly, Ming Ze took his hand back and his deep voice asked, ¡°In such a big rain, why are you not staying in the pavilion, where are you going?¡± The deep voice with a hint of reproach sounded in her ears again. Qing Feng finally recovered her senses and her eyes suddenly shone as she urgently said, ¡°You are a guard for the Palace right?¡± Ming Ze was silent for a while before nodding his head, ¡°En.¡± ¡°You just came in from the Palace gates?¡± ¡°Which gate are you asking about?¡± There are two main entrances and four side entrances. Which gate? Qing Feng was ignorant about it as she did not know which gate her Elder Sister will come in and out from. She was trying her luck since she do not have anyone to ask now. Qing Feng urgently continue, ¡°Don¡¯t care about which gate, did you see the lady who was invited to attend the Empress Dowager¡¯s banquet go out? She is a bit older than me, her face is also scarred, she is about as tall as me¡­¡± ¡°You are asking about¡­ Your sister Qing Ling.¡± ¡°Yes! Exactly her!¡± Qing Feng was also gesturing her Elder Sister¡¯s appearance. She was overjoyed with Ming Ze¡¯s words as it means that he definitely seen Elder Sister. Even if Elder Sister did not leave the Palace, it would be good to know where she is. ¡°She¡­¡± The sound of the rain was too loud thus Qing Feng was unable to hear clearly what he said. Anxious to know the news pertaining Elder Sister, Qing Feng took a step forward and leaned forward¡­ He had not seriously look at her appearance before. The deepest impression of her was the scars that ordinary people will not be able to bear and that pair of stubborn bright eyes. Upon a close look, he finally understood how the ¡°Three Qing Family Sisters¡± got famous in all of the six kingdoms. The rain has washed away the powder from her face and wet her elegant outfit. With a plain outfit and no powder, she still looked that beautiful. Previously, Ming Ze did not know that beauty could consist of such sharp features and she was that kind of female. As long as one look at her clearly, one will never able forget. Ming Ze¡¯s expression started to look weird and was silent for a long time. Qing Feng became anxious, ¡°What happened to her? Say something!¡± Could it be that Elder Sister encountered some danger? Qing Feng tugged at Ming Ze¡¯s sleeve, lest he change his mind and refuse to tell her any news of Qing Ling. She was sure impatient. Ming Ze chuckled, ¡°She was picked up by Prime Minister Lou before the rain came down.¡± ¡°Really?¡± That is great, this person really took a long time to answer! She was so worried to death just now and Ming Ze¡¯s mouth showed a faint smile, his cold eyes now tinged with some colour. Qing Feng started ton additional to this night get angry, ¡°Is it fun playing me?¡± With slightly narrowed eyes, Ming Ze shook his head and softly sighed, ¡°So you are the type of person who is unable to recognise others¡¯ good intentions.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Qing Feng was speechless. Ming Ze helped her when she was at her most difficult time and today, he also told her about her Eldest Sister situation. Even if he was really teasing her, she still should not speak that way. She was indeed ungrateful. Straightening up, Qing Feng slightly bowed and seriously said, ¡°Thank you.¡± Her earnest and serious thanks made Ming Ze uncomfortable and he took a step back after she bowed. Even though his body stepped back, the umbrella in his hands was still above her head while he was standing in the rain. Lightly coughing to over up the awkwardness, Ming Ze faintly replied, ¡°Forget about it.¡± Qing Feng did not notice Ming Ze¡¯s movements and insisted on explaining, ¡°Many thanks for your information about my Elder Sister safe exit out of here. Her safety, to me, is more important than anything else.¡± That pair of eyes which he has seen showed a honest and firm look made Ming Ze¡¯s heart palpitate. He envied that she has a loved one that she could cherish that much and also envied Qing Ling who was the person on her mind. This was something that he will never have high hopes for. This male is truly weird, his slightly narrowed eyes was as if he was looking at her but also looked like he was distracted. Did he hear her speak or not? Qing Feng frowned and continued, ¡°In addition to this night, I want to thank you for the many times before that you have extended your hand to help¡­¡± ¡°Previously I did not help you anything so you do not need to thank me.¡± Ming Ze seemed reluctant to mention the past events and Qing Feng also did not want to elaborate. The rain got bigger as if the dense rain formed a large net. The lightning flashed across the skies and the thunder roars accompanied the lightning. Under the bright lightning, Qing Feng only realised that Ming Ze have already place the umbrella over her head but he stood out in the rain and wind. He¡­ Was not burly but very tall. The night wind was cold but her heart was indescribable warm. Qing Feng smiled and loudly said, ¡°My¡­ Name is Qing Feng.¡± He could say Elder Sister¡¯s name so he must know her name, but Qing Feng wanted to tell him personally her name. A lightning flashed by and the smile on her face was dazzling bright. Ming Ze¡¯s heart felt an earthquake and his eyes darken as he coldly replied, ¡°Your Ladyship better head back earlier. This humble one will retire.¡± Leaving that sentence, Ming Ze put the umbrella into the hands of Qing Feng and headed off in big strides towards the direction of Qing Feng¡¯s back. ¡°Hey!¡± Qing Feng watched helplessly as he left in such a hurry. It was like she was slap in the face. This was the first time she was being ignored like this that even Yan Hong Tian, whose eyes did not move away from her. He was just a guard but he ignored her again and again. On what basis should he be this arrogant! Qing Feng was angry, frustrated but was also a bit confused and disappointed. This mixed feelings made her stand in place while she stared into the rainy night at the cold back view, as if she has forgotten to leave. ¡°Mistress¡­¡± Fu Ling held the umbrella and ran over and saw Qing Feng standing alone in the rain holding an ink-black umbrella and her eyes focusing in one direction with a look of discontentment but there was a trace of¡­ Grievance? Fu Ling look towards the direction she was focusing at . In the long palace trail, other than the misty fine drizzle, there was nothing at all. The rain was getting bigger and bigger and the umbrella can no longer stop the drifting rain and cannot block the night wind. Fu Ling shouted, ¡°Mistress, you are drenched. Let¡¯s quickly head back.¡± The ten fingers tightly held the large umbrella until her fingertips are white before she recovered her sight and walked away. ***** The heavy rain poured down as the lightning and thunder filled the skies. In this kind of bad weather, every family has already shut their doors and there were very few people on the road walking. There was only a slightly plump figure walking through the cloak of rain. With a woven rush raincoat and bamboo hat covering the person up tightly, the person turned a few times in the alleys and stopped at the back door of some household before knocking loudly twice and the back door immediately opened. The arriving person walked into the backyard familiarly and stopped outside a small house. After knocking on the door, that person immediately push the door open and walked in. In the house, the person who arrived took off the bamboo hat and it was a sixty over years old man. Even though he was wearing a dark uniform of a patrol personnel and was almost drenched till he looked as if in a sorry state, he still bend his body over and greeted, ¡°Daren (title of respect toward superiors).¡± The male nodded his head to the old man and coldly asked, ¡°What does Dan Yu Lan want to do?¡± The old man dare not delay and step forward a few steps before whispering to his ears, ¡°Answering Daren, half a month before, there was a bounty hunter who killed a person. The decease was Yang Lu. Not sure how but Dan Yu Lan was able to link it to the gold case and within these few days he has accessed the files and documents about the gold case that happened three years ago. It would seems that he wants to retrial it.¡± The thunder was roaring outside the house as the rain heavily pelt down and the old man¡¯s voice was almost drown by the sound of the thunder. The young male¡¯s brows furrowed as he crooned, ¡°To think that the case from three years ago would be overturned by him.¡± It was fortunate that he was out of the capital investigating else the gold would not be able to be transported out of the capital. The old man pleasingly questioned, ¡°The case of the gold was mentioned and it seems to involve the Prime Minister¡¯s and General¡¯s mansion. Does this humble person need to¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t create more problems!¡± The male lowly scolded and snapped back, ¡°This does not involve you, naturally there will be someone taking care of it. Dan Yu Lan¡¯s energy will be focused on the gold case and the substitution of army rations needs to close the case quickly. Don¡¯t complicate the matter!¡± The old man expression turn pale and showed a look of distress. He only replied after a long time, ¡°Daren¡­ This case has been reawaken and reviewed again by the Tixing Department (where punishment or torture or interrogation or etc. are carried out) The file and the offender has also been transferred to the Tixing Department. This official is truly¡­ Powerless.¡± ¡°Useless person!¡± That male stared at the old man and lowered his voice, ¡°There are no new doubtful points and no new witnesses or evidence. How can he still review?¡± Daren¡¯s meaning is¡­ The dead cannot testify?! The old man suddenly became aware and nodded while he complimented, ¡°Daren is brillant, Daren is brillant!¡± ***** The blooming of the peonies was over and the flower were withered. The floral scent that was surrounding the Qing Feng Hall also faded away. Fu Ling carried the freshly brewed medicinal concoction into Qing Feng¡¯s room and knocked on the door. There was no response after a long time, Fu Ling softly open the room door and only saw the slim and lean figure sitting alone at the round table in a daze. That night after coming back drenched, Mistress indeed was infected with a cold but fortunately it did not became serious. The Emperor did not visit Qing Feng Hall and was indifferent to her. The Empress Dowager also did not summon for her. Mistress almost did not get out of her room door and most of the time, like now, she would sit by the round table and look out of the window. The big umbrella, which appeared during the rainy night, was silently standing under the windowsill, sometimes made the Mistress stared dazedly. Fu Ling gently place the bowl of medication in front of Qing Feng and said, ¡°Mistress, drink the medicine while it is hot and rest early.¡± Qing Feng slowly raise her head, lazily took the bowl and drank the concoction reluctantly. Her brows started to furrow, not sure what was she thinking about. After that night, Mistress often appeared restless and listless. Could it be due to¡­ That umbrella? Fu Ling tried asking, ¡°Mistress, which palace does that umbrella belong to? Your servant can return it back.¡± Qing Feng cast a sidelong glance at the ink-black big umbrella as she thought about the cold look that Ming Ze gave when he left and coldly snorted, ¡°No need, just leave it there.¡± He was an unfathomable mystery and temperamental person, he would not care about a broken umbrella. With her mood getting irritated, Qing Feng waved her hands at Fu Ling and said, ¡°All right, the hour is late. You need not serve. Go and sleep.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She only mentioned about that umbrella and Mistress did not remained listless and actually gotten angry. Fu Ling dare not ask more but know that between the owner of the umbrella and Mistress, there must have been some relationship. Clearing up the medicine bowl, Fu Ling quietly withdraw. The night got later and the entire room was so quiet that one can only hear the candle crackled as it burns. Qing Feng lazily lay down on the table and her eye unconsciously fell onto the ink-black big umbrella again. She thought for a long long time but she still did not understand. She only told him of her name. Why did his expression change? She only wanted to thank him, thinking that knowing a person like him in this ice cold Imperial Palace, and this could make him angry? If he doesn¡¯t want to provoke her then why does he keep appearing at her side. What exactly did she do to offend him? Ming Ze is truly a weird man. There was a sudden sound of noises that rang out outside the hall. Qing Feng look out of the window towards the gradually slanting moon, it was almost Zishi (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am) and the various palaces and halls should be resting up. Qing Feng pushed the room doors open to look and the sounds of uproar got louder. The eunuch and palace maids in Qing Feng Hall were gathered at the main door, stretching out their necks out and trying to catch a look. Qing Feng walked to the middle of the courtyards and loudly asked, ¡°What is happening outside to cause such noises?¡± Fu Ling shook her head and replied, ¡°The sounds seems like it is coming from the east side, not sure what has happened. Lan-er has already gone to find out.¡± The East? Most of the concubines live in the west side and the south side. An accident in the east¡­ Could it be the Empress Dowager? Qing Feng was silently speculating when Lan-er just came back. When she saw Qing Feng at the courtyard, Lan-er face was even paler. Qing Feng asked, ¡°What had happened?¡± Lan-er pursed her lips lightly and only after a long time then softly replied, ¡°Princess Chao Yun¡­ Attempted suicide.¡± Attempted. Suicide?! How. How is this possible? Princess Chao Yun, the Empress Dowager¡¯s precious darling, the Emperor¡¯s blood younger sister! Everyone in the hall broke a cold sweat and Qing Feng¡¯s heart also trembled and she anxiously asked, ¡°What is the situation now?¡± ¡°Fortunately, the palace maid found her in time and she was rescued. The Emperor has summoned seven or eight Imperial Physicians to Qing Xuan Hall to treat her. As of now, I am not sure if the Princess have passed the danger period.¡± Lan-er only dared to enquire about it outside Qing Xuan Hall and once she knew that the Princess attempted suicide, she was terrified. Princess Chao Yun¡­ This is a trick of harming oneself to gain others¡¯ sympathy or is she truly in despair and no longer feel attached to this world? Qing Feng thought a while and whispered to Fu Ling¡¯s ear, ¡°Fu Ling, go to Qing Xuan Hall to check up on the situation. Report back on the information you found.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head and rushed out of the hall. The more Qing Feng thought, the more afraid she got. No matter for what reason did the Princess have to attempt suicide, if she really have any mishap, the Empress Dowager will definitely blame it on them sisters. She must be alright, or else¡­ Chapter 38 The night got later and the noise from outside faded away. Qing Feng send the people beside her away to rest while she alone stood in the dark courtyard, with her hands wrapped around her. Her head was filled with the impact of the Princess attempted suicide in the Imperial Palace, what is the Empress Dowager¡¯s and Yan Hong Tian¡¯s reaction, what will the next unfavourable plight will they, three sisters, face. The more Qing Feng thought, the more alarmed she got. In the late summer night, the stuffy air made it hard for her to breathe. The doors of the hall lightly sounded and Qing Feng looked up. Fu Ling¡¯s lean figure quickly entered the hall sideways and shut the doors lightly. Qing Feng jogged up to her and asked urgently, ¡°How is the Princess?¡± The voice suddenly sounded behind Fu Ling¡¯s back and she jumped up in shock. She could not see Qing Feng¡¯s expression in the depth of the night but in that soft hoarse voice was anxious which mean that during the time when she was inquiring, Qing Feng¡¯s heart was languishing. Fu Ling soft voice said the news that she heard, ¡°Mistress do not need to worry. After the Imperial Doctors treatments, the Princess is out of danger.¡± That¡¯s all? Fu Ling is discreet and attentive, how could she only enquire about these? Knowing that she was anxiously waiting, if she only enquire about those news why would she only come back at such a time? Qing Feng¡¯s heart jumped faster as she asked, ¡°Is it that there are more things that happened?¡± Her health just got better and she was thinking of letting her rest well tonight and elaborate tomorrow, but it would seems that it cannot be concealed as she was so keen about it. Fu Ling sighed, ¡°The night is late, its better to speak in the house.¡± Once the two of them entered the inner chambers, Qing Feng immediately grabbed Fu Ling¡¯s hands and anxiously spoke, ¡°Quickly say what exactly happened.¡± Qing Feng slender fingers were a little cold when Fu Ling supported her to the bed to sit and replied, ¡°After the Imperial Physicians have determined that the Princess is not in danger, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor summoned Prime Minister Lou to enter the Palace at night.¡± Summon Lou Xi Yan to the Palace at this hour? Qing Feng¡¯s face darken and a cold voice scoffed, ¡°They want to force a marriage?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hand which was holding hers tightened making Fu Ling slightly lowering her head as she kept quiet and not answer. She started to pull the thin quilts to cover Qing Feng feet. Taking a deep breath, Qing Feng asked, ¡°Lou Xi Yan¡­ Agreed?¡± Seeing Qing Feng anxious eyes and pretending to be calm, Fu Ling shook her head and replied, ¡°This servant only heard that the Princess will recuperate at the Prime Minister Mansion tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Enter the Lou family house?¡± Qing Feng lightly laughed, that atmosphere that she exceeded made Fu Ling¡¯s brow furrowed and she could not help but whisper an advise, ¡°Mistress, there are some things that cannot be rushed.¡± Some things cannot be rushed. Qing Feng gave a self-deprecating smile, ever since she knew that her sisters were still alive, she was like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow. Just a little wind or movement by the grass will make her panic-stricken. After dying once, she did not care for this life of hers one bit but especially cherished her sisters¡¯ lives. For them to be still alive, heavens have given her a chance. Even though she know that its useless to panic, Qing Feng still could not control the jittery feeling in her heart. Seeing that the skies outside the window has turned from pale grey dur to the morning light, Qing Feng tiredly said, ¡°It is almost dawn, you can go and rest.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Saying more will not be beneficial thus Fu Ling quietly backed out. The doors were gently closed and there was only the sound of her light breathing that could be heard. Qing Feng felt a chill coming and pulled up the thin quilts to wrap herself tightly. Her eyes unconsciously stayed on the ink-black umbrella and for a long time it did not stray. ***** Imperial Study After the morning court, Yan Hong Tian came to the Imperial Study and two eunuch placed the minister¡¯s reports from the morning court and the different reports from all over the states on the study table, arranging it by order of urgency. The female officer, Xiao Yu, served his favourite spring tea and everything was as is it was usual. But the people who served for many years by the Emperor¡¯s side could see the difference. The Emperor is always diligent and would normally immediately start to read the reports when he comes into the Imperial Study but today, he instead took the time to slowly appreciate his tea? Xiao Yu questioningly looked at Gao Jing, who was standing at the side, and Gao Jing gently shook his head. Xiao Yu curled her lips and sent the palace maids to bring some refreshments over and silently retreated to Gao Jing¡¯s side. She secretly suspected that the Emperor¡¯s current expression seems to be like he was waiting for someone. Sure enough after a short while, Lou Xi Yan¡¯s figure appeared outside the Imperial Study. Xiao Yu¡¯s face showed a sign of delight, she guessed correctly! But¡­ Why is Prime Minister Lou expression abnormal? Gao Jing lightly coughed and whispered to Yan Hong Tian, ¡°Emperor, Prime Minister Lou seek an audience.¡± With the corners of his lips raised, Yan Hong Tian lightly sip a mouthful of hot tea and without even looking up as he unhurriedly replied, ¡°Announce.¡± Lou Xi Yan walked into the hall and Yan Hong Tian briskly commented with a smile, ¡°So quickly handled the issues at home?¡± Early this morning, his Empress Mother personally sent Xuan-er to the Prime Minister manor. The course of events would indeed be interesting else Xi Yan will not put up such a face. Lou Xi Yan eyes shimmered but he did not answer. That perpetual faint smile of his also faded. Really started to be angry? Yan Hong Tian put down the teacup and said in a clear voice, ¡°All of you withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± In a blink of an eye, there was only the both of them looking at one another in the Imperial Study. One side was grave and stern, the other side was profound and reserved. After a long time, Lou Xi Yan said softly, ¡°What the Emperor did, the person who will feel hurt will only be the Princess.¡± He is here to attack him with condemnations? Yan Hong Tian face sobered and reply seriously, ¡°What do you want Zhen to do? The ceremony for prayers is about to start and the envoys from the different countries are arriving. You still think that there are not enough things to do and purposely choose this timing to marry Qing Ling, moreover as an official wife! You and Xuan-er marriage has been unspoken for so many years and Xuan-er has already set her mind on you. Now she wants to kill herself, how will the Empress Dowager let it go?¡± ¡°Besides¡­¡± Lou Xi Yan was silent throughout thus Yan Hong Tian changed the topic and lightly humph and laugh out, ¡°Qing Ling originally belong to Zhen but now you took the opportunity and secured her. Do you think it is easy to keep a beauty in your hands? You have created such an issue, of course you will need to resolve it yourself. Else you still need Zhen to help you to clean up the mess.¡± Yan Hong Tian felt a sense of fun in his heart. After all these years, Xi Yan¡¯s face always showed an expression of everything is under his control but now one Qing Feng is able to change his expression, then it is actually a correct thing that Hao Yue sent the wrong person over! Slowly performing a bow to the Emperor, Lou Xi Yan coolly and brightly smiled, replying, ¡°That being the case, this official will deal with it himself and not trouble the Emperor.¡± Damn it. It¡¯s that confident smile again. Yan Hong Tian felt a new trace of worry in his heart as he lowly sighed, ¡°Xuan-er is after all Zhen¡¯s blood sister. You do as you deem fit.¡± Didn¡¯t he said that he should deal with the matter and now he start to feel heartache for his younger sister? Lou Xi Yan mouth still maintained that smile and the more Yan Hong Tian see it the more angry he got. He coldly scoffed, ¡°Zhen see that you are too free lately.¡± And have time to be concern about all the emotions and relations. Lou Xi Yan found it funny, this is also considered lashing out? ¡°Emperor, Official Dan request an audience, saying that it is of importance.¡± Fortunately at this time, Gao Jing announced from the other side of the door and broke the silent competition in the room. Yan Hong Tian glared at Lou Xi Yan before he recovered and sternly said, ¡°Announce.¡± Dan Yu Lan strode into the hall and perform a greeting, ¡°Paying respects to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor.¡± Just now the Emperor and Prime Minister Lou had a private discussion and made everyone leave, that cause her to be unsure if she should send in her already prepared tea and snacks. Taking the advantage of Dan Daren seeking an audience, Xiao Yu quickly served tea to the study table and quickly exited. She was not interested in anything about the governing discussion. Those things that should not be listened, she did not want to hear a single word of it. ¡°Raise.¡± Dan Yu Lan seems to be in a hurry with a trace of emotion between his brows. Just what is it that made Qiong Yue¡¯s Tixing Official this excited, lifting the freshly brewed hot tea, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°What does noble Official Dan wants to report?¡± En, the temperature of the tea is just right. Xiao Yu, this girl is sometimes crafty a bit but she is indeed detailed in her work. ¡°Replying the Emperor, this official had found this in the underground caves river where the gold mysteriously disappeared that year.¡± Dan Yu Lan took something out from the sleeve that is gold in colour. Gao Jing step forward to take it and saw that it was an ingot of gold. Gao Jing turned and presented it to the Emperor. Yan Hong Tian took the gold ingot and glanced at it. His face turned cold, changing from a relaxed and idle expression, and said in a dignified tone, ¡°Continue on.¡± ¡°This official suspects that the gold theft three years ago, was not just a low rank guard colluding with the bandits to rob the treasury storage that simple. Perhaps that year, there are mistaken convictions which has ulterior motives. This official request the Emperor to allow this official to retrial the gold case.¡± Handling the gold on his table to Gao Jing so that he will pass it to Lou Xi Yan, Yan Hong Tian picked up the tea cup and his expression quickly restored per usual, ¡°The trial for gold case that year was handled by Ministry of Justice and the Defence provided assistance to oversea the entire case till it was close. With regards to a retrial to such a big case, it will have wide implications. The so-called ulterior motives that lead to mistaken convictions, Official Dan have how much a certainty? Where is the gold currently located at?¡± Dan Yu Lan slightly raise his head and looked at the Emperor seated higher up and drinking his tea. For a moment, he is unsure what was the meaning behind the Emperor¡¯s words and turned to Prime Minister Lou who was standing by the side. He saw that he was staring at the gold ingot as if in a trance and he too did not know what he was thinking. Dan Yu Lan thought for a while and replied truthfully, ¡°This official was able to find part of the lost gold in the bottom of the underground river which meant that most important aspect of the determined case, the guard who was colluding with the bandits and covered them to move the gold to another exit, does not match. This is already a wrong conviction and the mastermind who push the blame onto the guards is who and where did the gold went to, needs to be thoroughly investigated before any results can be concluded. ¡°Good. Go back and prepare a report on the review of the gold case and elaborate the details before submitting it for discussion.¡± ¡°Yes. This official¡­ Will retire.¡± Dan Yu Lan¡¯s heart hesitated. That year the gold case shocked the entire government and it also dealt with the countries finances. It was difficult now to have new information and the Emperor¡¯s attitude is so¡­ Half-hearted? Even though he was puzzled, Dan Yu Lan did not dare to delay, quickly performed the greetings and left. Lou Xi Yan gently rubbed the four engraved letterings on the back of the gold ¡ª National Reserves Official Currency. It was indeed the stolen gold. Today when he left, Qing Mo just arrived at the Prime Minister manor to look for Ling-er and Dan Yu Lan coincidently also found the fifty liang of gold in the cave. It must have been their efforts. He thought that Ling-er was already distinctive enough but recently that little girl by the name of QIng Mo also seems not simple. Not sure if Qing Feng in the Palace is also the same as them being different. Lou Xi Yan was playing with the gold ingot in his hand and suddenly looked up to him with a trace of ridicule. Yan Hong Tian felt ridiculous being stared by him and asked, ¡°Having a retrial on the gold case, what is your opinion?¡± Lou Xi Yan lowered his head slightly and concealed the smile on his lips, he pretended to ponder deeply about it before shaking his hand, ¡°This official finds that the timing is inappropriate.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Yan Hong Tian questioned as cannot see if that sentence was not appropriate or violated the his intention. ¡°Official Dan capability in handing the case is obvious to all. By putting the gold case in retrial will set off thousands of waves. Only afraid that a cornered beast will be desperate and create incidents during the ceremony, which would be unfavourable to Qiong Yue.¡± With his hands folded in front of his chest, Yan Hong Tian squited his eyes at Lou Xi Yan, ¡°So accordingly to the Prime Minister¡¯s viewpoint, what should be done? Just drop the matter?¡± Lou Xi Yan laughed, ¡°That is not required.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brow raised as his back lean against his dragon chair and he look at him calmly and unruffled, waiting for him to continue talking. ¡°There is still two months till the ceremony, the Emperor can wait and see if Official Dan is able to find more evidence. If Official Dan is able to find more concrete or advantageous evidences, the Emperor would be able to use the opportunity to uproot them.¡± ¡°Uprooted them?¡± Yan Hong Tian laughed loudly, ¡°Do you think it is possible?¡± If it was that easy to uproot, it would be done that year. Why would he need to be dormant for so many years? Lou Xi Yan smiled calmly and gave an indifferent reply, ¡°If he can¡¯t then by using this club, it is also worth it as the Emperor can scare some snakes out. After the celebration, the Imperial Treasury must be empty, if it is possible to recover some of the lost ten thousands liang of gold, that would not be better.¡± With a satisfied nod, Yan Hong Tian replied readily, ¡°Just do as you meant to do.¡± Lou Xi Yan lightly chuckled, the Emperor has long intended for that to happen but he wanted it to come out from his mouth. ¡°Yes.¡± After putting his hands together to greet, Lou Xi Yan turned to leave. ¡°Wait.¡± Yan Hong Tian sternly asked, ¡°Do you really have to marry Qing Ling at this time?¡± Lou Xi Yan¡¯s eyes displayed a trace of mischief as he smiled and replied, ¡°This official will deal with the matter well and not dare to trouble the Emperor to clean up the mess.¡± ¡°Lou Xi Yan!¡± He actually dare to use the words he spoke to rebut him! Yan Hong Tian face changed but Lou Xi Yan did not take it seriously and bowed submissively again with a smile and unenthusiastically replied, ¡°This official retires.¡± He left in a leisurely and elegant manner. Yan Hong Tian helplessly shook his head, he has to remind his Empress Mother to find another husband for Xuan-er. If he did not remember wrongly, during their youth, Xi Yan once said that he will only marry one wife this lifetime. If Xi Yan was able to do it, he would really admire him. It is not that it is difficult to love one female in one lifetime, but it is for people like them, marrying more wives and concubine would more often be pulling and balancing influences and political power. Whether it is his or their family clans¡¯ eyes, females are only but a ¡°tool¡±, and he was happy to make good use of these ¡°tools¡±. His sight settled on the bright fifty-two liang gold on his study table and Yan Hong Tian suddenly spoke, ¡°Gao Jing, summon Ming Jian.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Gao Jing hurried out of the Imperial Study and after half a sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours), a tall figured appeared in the Imperial Study. ¡°This official, Ming Jian, greets the Emperor.¡± Chapter 39 A male walked in behind Gao Jing. He was taller than seven foot, he was lean and although he was wearing an official uniform, the blue robe did not hide his valiant yet refined style. The male calmly walked to the centre of the hall, kneel on one knee and greeted loudly, ¡°This official, Ming Jian, greets the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian looked up from a pile of memorandums and took a look at the man before waving his hand in a good mood, saying, ¡°Get up. How did research go?¡± The man stood up, stepped forward and whispered in front of the study table, ¡°Reporting to the Emperor, the case is about a bounty hunter who killed Yang Liu, the corporal in the Ministry of Defence, because of a quarrel. Qing family sisters, Qing Ling and Qing Mo was also involved. Qing Ling found clues on the body and confirmed that the fatal chest wound was an uncommon flying dagger seen here. Qing Mo saw through the holes in Yang Liu¡¯s furen and set up a trap to capture the murderer. The murderer was indeed the wife of Yan Liu, Qu Xin, and Qu Xin was the sister of the thief, Qu Ze, that was convicted of robbing the gold. Qu Xin killed Yang Liu first to avenge her other brother, second to arouse the attention of Dan Daren to retrial the gold case.¡± There were guards standing on guard outside and there were no one else except for Gao Jing in the hall but the male still lowered his voice so that only Yan Hong Tian could hear it, which show how discreet the matter was. Regarding the bounty hunter murder case linking to the old gold case, Dan Yu Lan had indicated very clearly in the report but he felt that Dan Yu Lan was hiding something and his interaction with Xi Yan was indeed too much. Because of that, he then let Ming Jian go to investigate. He did not think that the Qing sisters were also involved. No wonder when Dan Yu Lan mentioned about this case, he kept looking at Lou Xi Yan¡¯s expression. Lou Xi Yan is also extremely concerned about this case and the reason behind was actually very interesting. Yan Hong Tian lost his laughter, ¡°Qing Mo is the youngest sister of the Qing family?¡± Xi Yan has love Qing Ling till he loves everything that involves her. ¡°Yes. That female is very intelligent when interrogating the criminals and has good knowledge on finding evidences. In short, she is a independent and unconventional that even Official Dan rather appreciates her.¡± Ming Jian¡¯s words about this female has made Yan Hong Tian feel that the female is a bit interesting as he disbelievingly smiled, ¡°Not mentioning that she is exceptionally intelligent and unique and independent. For just a mere female, how is she able to go freely in and out of the General¡¯s manor and could assist Dan Yu Lan on investigations?¡± If he remembered correctly, the General manor is not as strict as an army camp with military laws but but it did not allow impudent things to happen, let alone a female. Ming Jian coughed and whispered, ¡°It seems that her position in the General¡¯s manor is not low. Everyone in the General¡¯s manor refer to her as ¡®Furen¡¯.¡± ¡°Furen?¡± This time, Yan Hong Tian was shocked and it took a moment to collect himself. He curiously ask, ¡°Did Su Ren and Su Yu acknowledge her?¡± The corner of Ming Jian¡¯s eyes showed a faint smile as he replied, ¡°General Su Ren very frequently called her¡­ ¡®Sister-in-law¡¯.¡± Sister-in-law?! This time Yan Hong Tian was truly stunned. Su Ren¡¯s character is calm and unflustered and his thoughts are meticulous. It is not possible for him to casually call a female as sister-in-law in just a short month¡¯s time. Or¡­ Was it Su Ling¡¯s call? This is too interesting? Yan Hong Tian suddenly started laughing out. This is much more interesting than Xi Yan and Qing Ling. He did not forget the great bitterness and deep hatred that Su Ling gave when gifted him the youngest sister of the Qing Family. Doesn¡¯t General Su keep his proximity to females? How long did he surrender his weapons? (I think he means how long has it been since he last did it¡­ *wink*) Just what kind of person is this youngest sister of the Qing family? The guards which were outside the hall all raised their eyebrows. For the Emperor to fill the Imperial Study with such a hearty laugh, Ming Jian must have brought some kind of good news back. The Emperor has not laughed this heartily for a long time. Catching his breath, Yan Hong Tian picked up the tea from the table and drank a mouthful. The smile on his face faded as he looked at the case file to approve on the study table. He lowly instructed, ¡°Since Dan Yu Lan wants to retrial this big case and found ¡®experts¡¯ to help, for the time being, you do not need to disturb them and let Dan Yu Lan investigate. When the Prime Minister manor and General manor get involved in this case, some people will not be able to endure quietly. You only need to keep an eye on them.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Yan Hong Tian put down his hot tea and continued to deal with reports from other counties and Ming Jian did not neglect that flash of cold look from the Emperor¡¯s eyes. Ming Jian quietly retreated out of the hall and when he was just about to leave, he saw a familiar figure around the corner. Ming Jian strode over and heartily called out, ¡°Ming Ze.¡± Hearing the male¡¯s call, Ming Ze was slightly startled before he cupped his hand and greet in a respectful but estranged manner, ¡°This guard greets Commanding Officer Daren.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± The smile on Ming Jian¡¯s mouth stiffen and his hand which was about to be placed on Ming Ze¡¯s shoulders also awkwardly stop midway. Looking at that outstanding yet cold and aloof younger brother, even though Ming Jian has so much more words, he could only turn them into sighs. Ming Jian put his hand down and turn to leave. Ming Ze slowly straighten up his body and look straight ahead. As for that figure who was implicitly angry but could only leave helplessly, he turned a blind eye to him. The red-clad lieutenant, who was standing beside him, could not tolerate and softly sighed, ¡°I say Ming Ze, Daren is in any case your older brother. You don¡¯t need to¡­¡± ¡°Do not bother about my matters.¡± A cold voice interrupted Lu Tong earnest and well-meaning advice. Swallowing the rest of the words, Lu Tong patted his checks and spit lowly, ¡°All right. All right. All right. My mouth is worthless! Is it right!¡± Honestly he was finding a scolding for himself, the relationship between other people brothers are of no link to him! Besides, Ming Ze have a Commanding Officer older brother to cover for him and behind him, he also have the entire Ming family supporting. Of course he can do as he pleases. He was courting a snub! ***** In the midsummer afternoon, the sun has penetrated layers of leaves and yet it was still blinding to the eyes. Qing Feng sat on the couch in front of the window and there was a book in her hands. Qing Feng did not mind the wind blowing the pages of the book from time to time as it has been a long time since she last read. In fact, she was not reading. By holding the book and dazing off, she will not look so restless. Light footsteps sounding from outside and in a short while, Fu Ling has already quickly walked to her side and without waiting for her to ask, Fu Ling whispered, ¡°Mistress, Princess Chao Yun has returned to the Palace.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hand that was holding the book tighten, ¡°Why?¡± Wasn¡¯t it only yesterday that she reached the Prime Minister manor? And it was the Empress Dowager who personally sent her there. The Princess has returned to the Palace but Qing Feng did not feel happy at all, instead she felt more frustrated. Qing Feng put the book down and urgently questioned, ¡°What exactly is going on?¡± ¡°Early this morning, Princess Chao Yun had already returned to the Palace. Not sure for what reason, after her return, the Princess did not want to see anyone.¡± The Imperial Physicians and the Empress Dowager were all blocked outside the hall. As of now, everyone in the entire Imperial Palace wanted to know what did the Princess suffered in the Prime Minister manor. ¡°How is it like at the Prime Minister manor? Was the Emperor and Empress Dowager angry about it?¡± It was only Lou Xi Yan that could make the Princess back out of the situation. Qing Feng¡¯s heart was happy but also worried. She was happy that her Elder Sister did not misjudge him and she was worried because the other party is the Royal family¡¯s pampered daughter. Can they really afford to provoke them? ¡°Prime Minister Lou went to court as per usual and the Emperor was busy with the affairs of the state thus he did not make things difficult for Prime Minister Lou. The Empress Dowager went over to Qing Xuan Hall in the morning but was stopped at the main door by the Princess and returned back to her palace after a while. As for the rest, this servant really unable to inquire any more.¡± ¡°I understand, you can withdraw.¡± Qing Feng could only rely on Fu Ling to bring back some news now and could not be too demanding. Even though she is anxious and felt worried, she could only wait and observe. ¡°Yes.¡± Retreated to the door, Fu Ling gently closed the door. The Mistress most likely will be sitting here for the entire day. ***** ¡°This official, Lou Mu Hai, greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor.¡± In the Imperial Study, there was a burly figure down on one knee in the middle of the hall. His loud voice shook one¡¯s ears till it hurt, his back was straight and his eyes were bring and piercing. He was above fifty years of age but there was no signs of elderly movements. Yan Hong Tian sat on the throne and raise his hand to indicate that he can dispense of the greeting as he smiles, ¡°Old General Lou has been guarding the North-western region, with toilsome labour and distinctive unparalleled merits, don¡¯t stand on ceremony. After many years of not seeing, the old general¡¯s health is still tough.¡± Lou Mu Hai is an upright and honest person and his character is also outspoken and straightforward. Yan Hong Tian often wondered how did Lou Mu Hai, who was born as a military leader, could have reproduce a son like Lou Xi Yan, with such frail body yet have profound thoughts and as cunning as a fox? Lou Mu Hai heartily laughed and cupped his hands respectfully and replied, ¡°All thanks to the Emperor¡¯s fortune, this old official health is good. To be able to guard Qiong Yue in the North-western region, this old official felt deep glory.¡± Lightly coughed and dispensing the many pleasantries, Lou Mu Hai sternly reported, ¡°This old official returned to the capital this time, is to discuss about the memorandum that was submitted. This official guarded the North-western region with Imperial orders and over the years even though the North-western region was not completely peaceful, bandits and rebels could be controlled. But for these few years, the actions made by rebels, under the new leadership of Mu Cang, were weird especially in these two years. They rarely come out to raid the passing merchants but instead targeted the court as enemies and provoked the army barracks. In the few interactions lately, this officials found that their weapons, rations and number of personnels have increased tremendously. This official specifically seek an audience with the Emperor due to the worry that if they were to further develop, the North-western region will be unstable and afraid that the rebels have work together with these bandits, thus they were able to gain that much more rations and weapons. If that is true, it would threaten Qiong Yue¡¯s territories.¡± After Lou Mu Hai finished talking, Yan Hong Tian dark eyes slightly raised but there was no trace of anger on his face as he asked in a deep voice, ¡°Recently were there any strange happening in City of Pei?¡± ¡°This official has observed for more than a year and did not observed any suspicious persons entering the City of Pei or liaising with the rebels. But this official still felt that their actions in the past few year are very suspicious and did not dare to neglect it thus reporting it back to the capital.¡± Lou Mu Hai raise his head slightly to quietly observe Yan Hong Tian expression and it was still as usual. Lou Mu Hai did not understand, for as long ago, the Imperial lineage did not tolerate cliques being form and army used for personal interests. For the long on-going chaos at the North-western regions and the increasing military power, the Emperor could still be this calm and indifferent. No wonder since the Emperor ascended the throne for nearly a decade, most of the officials and ministers still could not read the Emperor¡¯s intentions. Yan Hong Tian lean back against the dragon seat and his fingers were gently caressing the ornamental carvings at the side of the armrest. His downcast eyes did not show if there was joy or anger. The Imperial Study instantly became so silent that one can hear their own breath. Lou Mu Hai¡¯s palms were sweating and his heart tremble in fear. ¡°Emperor, Dan Daren seek an audience for something important.¡± Gao Jing hurried steps and rapid notification sounded which broke the oppressive atmosphere in the Imperial Study. Lou Mu Hai saw how anxious Gao Jing was and believed that Dan Daren indeed have more important issues to report while his report is more like insinuations. Lou Mu Hai did not want to delay the Emperor¡¯s pressing issues and quickly bowed, ¡°This lowly official will retire first.¡± ¡°Old General Lou do not need to retreat and just wait aside. With regards to the chaos at the North-western region, Zhen still want to discuss more with the general.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s plain words did not match the previously oppressive atmosphere. Lou Mu Hai was unable to get the Emperor¡¯s meaning but he dare not say more and just stood silently at the side. ¡°Announce Dan Yu Lan.¡± ¡°This official, Dan Yu Lan, greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor.¡± Dan Yu Lan strode in and there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. Yan Hong Tian motioned him to get up and asked, ¡°What matter does the Noble Official Dan wanted to report in such a hurry?¡± Dan Yu Lan stood up and replied, ¡°Answering the Emperor, this official issued an order to retrieve the clues and evidence from the gold case that year. Just as the evidences has pointed, that year the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Ping Ran, was related to the gold case but before this official could interrogate, Ping Ran¡­ Had already commited suicide and left a suicide note which clearly elaborated about that year how he and the Minister of Revenue have collaborated, colluded in the North-western chaos to smuggle the gold and framed the guard thoroughly.¡± After Yan Hong Tian finish listening, he asked, ¡°Where is the gold now?¡± ¡°The gold was shipped secretly to the North-western region since three years ago.¡± The sudden disorder and thieving in the Northwest region and the money was actually¡­ The National Reserves Official Currency? Lou Mu Hai secretly suck down a cold breath and slightly look up at the person who was sitting at the higher position. Sure enough, Yan Hong Tian slowly got up and stared at Dan Yu Lan words and said, ¡°You are saying that Zhen¡¯s millions of gold from the National Reserves have been smuggled into the North-western region and used by the rebels and these daring rebels actually use Zhen¡¯s money to buy weaponries to attack Zhen?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s tone was light but Dan Yu Lan and Lou Mu Hai could feel the wave of hostility hitting them at the same time with his eyes that were brewing a storm. Dan Yu Lan did not know that the information that the North-western rebels were buying weaponries and he did not know how to answer for a moment. Looking at Lou Mu Hai, who was standing at the side, it would seems that this old General Lou also have a look of seriousness on him. Dan Yu Lan then roughly guessed what has happened. Both of them did not speak a word and only heard a loud ¡°peng¡± followed by Yan Hong Tian angry voices, ¡°This is preposterous!¡± The ink slab on the study table was swipe off the table by the large sleeves. The thick black ink splash all over the follow and small droplets landed on the bright yellow table cloth and also stained the Emperor¡¯s dark brocade robes. Dan Yu Land and Lou Mu Hai were stunned and everyone in the Imperial Study were so scared that they knelt down and cried, ¡°The Emperor please be appeased.¡± ¡°Dan Yu Lan.¡± ¡°This official is here.¡± Yan Hong Tian cold voice spoke made Dan Yu Lan approach quickly. ¡°Zhen command you to pass Zhen¡¯s decree to the General¡¯s manor, ordering Su Ling to lead the Su family troops this very day out to wipe out the rebels. The gold must be recovered before the ceremony starts! Old General Lou, you are familar with the terrain of the North-western region thus you shall assist with General Su to eliminate the bandits.¡± ¡°These officials have receive the decree.¡± The two of them dare not delay and approached to receive the decree. ¡°This case¡­¡± Dan Yu Lan hesitantly spoke but Yan Hong Tian impatiently replied, ¡°Is there more doubtful points in the case that required investigation?¡± All the people who were involved in gold case from the start to its closure, where the gold went or the possible location of it were all found in the testament clearly. The most important thing is that upon investigation, all the related personnels are all dead and the dead cannot testify. Even if Dan Yu Lan was exceptionally talented, at this moment, he could only spit out a word, ¡°No.¡± ¡°Both of you withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± With the monarch that angry, Dan Yu Lan and Lou Mu Hai looked at one another before leave one after another out of the Imperial Study. The Emperor who was filled with hostility a moment ago was sitting on the throne with a light scowl on his lips but the look from his dark eyes was daunting and increasingly colder. Xiao Yu who rush over secretly shook her head. Just now she was in the tea house at the side hall taking inventory when the eunuch panicky ran over to say that the Emperor was furious. It scared her to quickly came over to check out what was going on. It would seems that the Emperor was really angry this time. Chapter 40 During Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) the first rays of the sunlight marched in, Fu Ling lightly opened the door and in front of the half opened window frame, the familiar tall figure stood quietly. That beautiful pair of eyes was looking out of the window at the gradually raising sunrise. At this moment she did not have the arrogance that she first saw and there was also lesser sorrow than when she said her goodbyes. As a whole, she look much more calmer and also¡­ Much darker. Fu Ling place the warm hand towels to Qing Feng side and Qing Feng readily took it to wipe her face and sat down on the couch to yawn. Lately when she lay on the bed, she is unable to sleep and when she is awake, she felt sleepy. She kept dreaming at night but when morning came, she will not remember what she dreamt and sometimes she will have palpitations. In the past she would not be like this, Qing Feng mocked herself. After coming into this Imperial Palace, it would seem that her courage was eaten up by rats and have became useless. A gentle knock sounded and Qing Feng looked up to see Lan-er and Xia Yin walking into the chamber in tandem. Both of them were holding on to a gorgeous dress and walked up to Qing Feng and bowed. Xia Yin softly said, ¡°Your Ladyship, the two Empress Dowager are holding a banquet in the Imperial Garden and all the mistresses ranked Beauty and above and all the ladies from influential families will be attending the banquet.¡± Qing Feng slightly frown, ¡°What is it for?¡± Receiving Qing Feng¡¯s impatience, Xia Yin softly explained, ¡°The once in three years praying ceremony for blessing is the biggest event in Qiong Yue. During that time all foreign merchants and minsters from foreign state court will come to Qiong Yue for congratulations. The Emperor and Empress Dowager place the highest importance to this event as Qiong Yue is the head of the six nations and cannot be lacking in manners, so¡­¡± Qing Feng chuckled, ¡°So the Empress hold a Palace banquet and the aim is to take the opportunity to test the talent and skills of every daughter of the aristocratic families and all the concubines in the Palace, so as to ensure that the performance in the ceremony would be wonderful and outstanding?¡± Xia Yin smiled and nodded her head. ¡°Is it the same for the past years too?¡± When Qing Feng was in Hao Yue, she also heard about the fantastic performances during the ceremony in Qiong Yue. To pose as a culture lover, the Hao Yue Emperor specially presented a landscape painting of paradise, done by them three sisters, during the Qiong Yue ceremony three years ago. As it turns out, the performance that Qiong Yue presents are required to undergo such a selection, no wonder it would be able to wow the four corners of the world. Xia Yin deliberated for a moment and replied, ¡°It seem particularly grand this year.¡± Fu Ling smiled, it was not just grand. Whichever lady from whichever aristocratic family have what kind of talent, will all be known by the mama in charge of the Xiunui at the De Xing Palace. This is done for the convenience of the Emperor and Empress Dowager to match with whichever Prince or important official for marriage. The candidates in the previous years were screened by the mama to around ten persons before one or two were finally selected. It is a first for the past few years to take so much effort. Fu Ling smile without saying a word, Qing Feng naturally will not understand the tortuous nature of it as she originally love poetry and arts. With the talented females in Qiong Yue, she also did hear about it often and also slightly interested in it, thus replying, ¡°Then lets go and see.¡± Glancing at the outfit that the two of them were holding, Qing Feng choose a most conforming to regulation, light purple outfit. It is not Qing Feng¡¯s first time in the Imperial Garden but it was this moment that she profoundly agreed with the phrase, too many flowers make the eyes confuse¡­ What Xia Yin said was true, it was indeed a grand Palace banquet. The greenery in the Imperial Garden is crowded yet dazzling. Qing Feng only entered the Palace recently and she does not know many of the concubines, let alone the ladies from aristocratic families. Looking around for a while, she saw the Empress, Xing Yue Ning, standing nearby and was talking and laughing with a few ladies. The weird thing was that Imperial Concubine Hui, Chen Zhen, was not seen at all. Originally she have remarkable allure and her beauty could enrapture cities. Now with the two glaring scars, it made Qing Feng stand out even more and attracted bewildered looks and whispers. Qing Feng did not care to see or hear them and slowly walked ahead. In the middle of the garden there was a small area of open space, at both sides of it, there were five or six rows of seats. Qing Feng walked to the seat at the back left side and sat down. As the Empress was chatting, she took a glance at her before changing her line of sight and continue greeting the various ladies. Ever since Yan Hong Tian started ignoring her, Xin Yue Ning¡¯s interest in her also died down which made Qing Feng happy and carefree. Qing Feng looked around in boredom and saw a familiar figure that delighted her, it was Elder Sister! She also came and there was a pretty and charming female standing beside her. Seeing from her features, there were many points of similarity to Lou Xi Yan. Qing Feng was about to stand up and walk over when the surrounding light laughter quieten. Qing Feng looked up and saw the East and West Empress Dowager entering with a group of eunuchs and palace maids surrounding them. Both of them meticulously dressed up for today¡¯s event but in comparison Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s outfit was still relatively simple and her face still wore a kind smile. Whereas Lou Su Xin wore an extremely dark red long robe with gold waistband which highlighted her good figure. Her neck was graced with a string of emerald green jade beads and couple with her proud superior expression, it really make one not dare to look intently at her. The two person sat on the host seats in the middle of the garden, after considering for a moment, Qing Feng stop her steps and did not go over to Elder Sister to greet. Together with everyone else, she half knelt and greeted, ¡°Welcoming both Empress Dowagers in participation and may the Empress Dowager have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± Lou Su Xin snobbish voice indifferently sounded, ¡°All raise.¡± ¡°Thank you Empress Dowager¡± After greeting, the various ladies sat on the chairs and bowed their head quietly and demurely with elegance, a start contrast with the previous scene of noise and brightness. Yang Zhi Lan looked at Lou Wu Xin and seeing her nod, she then clearly spoke with a smile, ¡°Inviting all the ladies and furens to the Palace today for the banquet is to select those who are endowed with both looks and talents and have both integrity and talent to showcase their performance. To Qiong Yue, this is an event that concerns the country¡¯s dignity. Aijia will not say more, the Four Arts (zither, Go, calligraphy, painting) or dancing, singing and poetry is allowed, only the highest ability will succeed.¡± ¡°Comparing the qin (zither) skills, which lady will first start?¡± After Yang Zhi Lan finished, she glance around with a smile but all the females were still shy and kept their heads down or whispering but no one came out. Yang Zhi Lan gently smile and said, ¡°Since everyone is so humble, then let Aijia appoint someone to start it off.¡± ¡°Aijia heard that the sister of the Qing family were touted as being the most talented females with outstanding looks in the six nations. In the ceremony three years ago, Hao Yue presented a landscape painting of paradise that wowed everyone and it was said that it was the product of the three young ladies. Today there are two in the Palace, what does everyone think of having the eldest sister of the Qing family to start of the ball rolling?¡± Finishing, she look lovingly to Zhou Qing. The concubines who was sitting at the side quickly echoed back, ¡°This is indeed great. Chenqie also frequently heard others saying that the eldest Miss of the Qing family has a high level of qin¡¯s skills that the music will linger at one¡¯s ears for three days. All those who have heard all sang praises of it and finally today there is an opportunity for us to be exposed to it.¡± At first the matter did not have to do with her, Zhou Qing open her eyes. She know that the original owner of this body is well verse in the Four Arts and is overall a talented female but she is not! She¡­ Only know all about autopsy¡­ Zhou Qing stayed silent for a long time with her brows slightly knitted. Yang Zhi Lan with a smile always on her face loudly exclaimed, ¡°Some one come and prepare the qin.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Zhou Qing suddenly stood up and gave a lady-like bow to everyone and softly replied, ¡°Many thanks to everyone care and support. Unfortunately I was injured on the way to Qiong Yue and my memory was affected. The previous familiar tunes are now completely gone from my memory. I am afraid that I have disappoint you.¡± Anyway she has ¡®amnesia¡¯, thus not remembering is actually normal. Qing Feng secretly blame herself, when she first heard Yang Zhi Lan appointing Elder Sister to perform the qin, she had some pride. Elder Sister¡¯s qin skills may not be peerless but it was the best in a million. It was only now that she remember that her Elder Sister has amnesia. The West Empress Dowager wanted to say something but Elder Sister suddenly pull up a young female dressed in blue with gold embroidering and continued, ¡°But I know that Xi Wu¡¯s qin¡¯s skills is not lower than mine. A few days back when Su Mu Feng talked about Xi Wu¡¯s qin¡¯s ability, he too have utmost praise for it. Why not let Xi Wu perform, she will not disappoint everyone.¡± Watching her Elder Sister, who was overflowing with talent, actually replying on a little girl to defuse the embarrassing situation, Qing Feng felt extremely sad. That pair of hands that were filled of qin skills has taken Elder Sister almost fifteen years to train up. As far as she could remember, Elder Sister has been practising for almost everyday and now because of that she cannot remember? Tears started to blur both of her eyes and Qing Feng say that everyone was still keeping Elder Sister under a watchful eye. How helpless would she have felt? Heartache and remorse tortured Qing Feng. That stubbornly straighten back unconsciously started to tremble. Fu Ling squatted down and place the warm tea from the low table gently onto Qing Feng hands. The warm tea help Qing Feng gradually recover her consciousness and she smile gratefully at Fu Ling. ¡°Oh?¡± Yan Zhi Lan look towards Lou Su Xin who was beside her and smiled, ¡°Older sister, did not think that Xi Wu qin skills has such a breakthrough after all these years. This being the case, let Xi Wu play a piece then.¡± The always proud face of Lou Xi Wu became alleviated as she faced Xi Wu and laughed softly, ¡°Xi Wu, play a piece then.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The female¡¯s expression was a bit ill at ease but since things are the way it was, Lou Xi Wu have no other way but can only thicken her skin. Zhou Qing was secretly relieved and was just about to sit down but Yang Zhi Lan refused to release her and deliberately laughed softly, ¡°It is monotonous to only be listening to music, Ling-er must remember the words from the melody. The landscape drawing was still in the Imperial Study, today Ling-er must draw one to let them experience it themselves.¡± This kind of praises that have hidden derogatory meaning made Zhou Qing feel her anger burning. Yang Zhi Lan is deliberately marking her! When she got up again, Zhou Qing¡¯s expression was obviously darken, ¡°I¡­¡± Zhou Qing just spoke a word when a clear cool voice interrupted her, ¡°Answering the Empress Dowager, normally we sisters like to gather together to entertain ourselves by painting. Today please allow this chenqie (how the concubines or ladies in the palace refer themselves as)and Elder Sister to draw a painting together.¡± So it turn out that what the Empress Dowager done today was to let Elder Sister to lose her face in front of everyone to vent the anger for her precious Princess. Qing Feng coldly scoffed, as long as she is here, no one will bully her Elder Sister! Zhou Qing looked up and saw that the person talking is Qing Feng. She was actually there but facing a pack of such females, she did not even carefully look at them and it is not odd that she did not discover her. But to draw together? Is she helping or harming her?! Does grinding the ink stab counted as painting together? Yan Zhi Lan once again look at Lou Su Xin and asked laughingly, ¡°What does older sister think?¡± She did not have any reason to make things difficult for her so the results will still be the same. Zhou Qing evidently was not as lucky as Lou Xi Wu, Lou Su Xin cast a sidelong glance at her and coldly said, ¡°That is good, Aijia would also want to see how talented is the Qing family sisters are!¡± The female that Xi Yan enter the palace and request multiple times for. She wants to see how special she is! Pointing to the side of the pond where the flowers are blooming, Yang Zhi Lan smiled, ¡°Older sister, this is the time where the lotus are in full bloom. Why not let them draw and play the qin there. Seeing flowers and beauties together, isn¡¯t it a great sight?¡± ¡°That is also good.¡± Lou Su Xin call out, ¡°Some one come and prepare the painting materials.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± In a short while, a few quick acting eunuch already placed a large table at the side of the lotus pond. Behind the table, there was a wooden stage. This stage was just above the lotus pond, to stand there and view the flowers would be like one is surrounded by them. Unfortunately Zhou Qing did not have the mood now to appreciate the beauty of flowers and face Qing Feng, who was full of confidence, urgently, ¡°I really don¡¯t know how to draw!¡± Qing Feng was a bit sad, only a flower drawing can make Elder Sister this anxious. Grabbing Zhou Qing¡¯s hands, Qing Feng confidently smile and replied, ¡°It is all right, I will be blending the colours. You only need to draw a few circles at the bottom section of the paper.¡± ¡°Drawing circles?¡± Zhou Qing was surprise a while but quickly asked again, ¡°How big to draw? How many to draw? Must it be perfectly circle or oval? Where do they have to be layout?¡± If it was only drawing circles she can do it but she has to be more specific! She will just treat it as though she was doing geometry. Qing Feng spoke casually, ¡°As you like.¡± ¡°Ah?!¡± Zhou Qing blanked out, how should she draw this? She was feeling despondent when the ink on the table was grinded and the paper was spread out. The eunuch stepped aside and respectfully said, ¡°The painting materials have been prepared. May both mistresses please.¡± Zhou Qing stood by Qing Feng side and saw her skillfully place the ink onto a white porcelain dish and then mixing clean water into it. After a while, Qing Feng spoke, ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡± A huge piece of paper was in front of them, Zhou Qing really did not know whether to laugh or cry, where does she start from?! Fine. Qing Feng is not worried, so why is she worried about. Taking a deep breath, Zhou Qing drew a circle as big as a fist on to the bottom half of the paper. Qing Feng ink was quite light and it left a slight impression on the paper. Zhou Qing looked at Qing Feng and saw that her expression was still as usual as she was preparing the red colour pigment, most likely to draw the lotus flowers. Since she had no opinion on it, Zhou Qing also didn¡¯t care anymore and courageously drew ten more circles on the paper. There were big one and small ones. After drawing till the end, Zhou Qing did not know what else to draw and the white paper was ruined by her¡­ At this time, Qing Feng have also finish preparing. She lowered her head and saw the few circles that Elder Sister has drawn. Even though her face did not reveal anything, her heart sighed. Her Elder Sister have truly suffer from amnesia and now there was no traces of her drawing skills left. Picking up a relatively thin brush, Qing Feng very quickly drew a few strokes on the messy circles and a lotus leaf appeared. Her movements were fast and with a few random strokes, the original chaotic composition immediately became a realistic lotus scenery. It was indeed too much! Just as Zhou Qing was astonished, a clear and delicate qin sound started. Zhou Qing looked up and saw that at an area nearby, Lou Xi Wu was sitting in front of the GuQin naturally and her long slender ten fingers gently strike across the strings of the qin and melodious tunes echoed in the Imperial Gardens. This girl¡¯s musical skills is really good. ¡°It is done.¡± Zhou Qing was still appreciating the music from Lou Xi Wu¡¯s qin when Qing Feng cool voice softly sounded. It is done? So fast? It was almost the same amount of time used for her to draw the circles! When she lower her head again, Zhou Qing was stumped for words when she saw the painting in front of her ¡ª In front of her eyes was an elegant painting. Only using a very light shade of black, it could clearly bring out the lotus leaves and lake. When the red pigment and the white contrasted, it showed the freshness of the new lotuses. The most amazing thing was that it felt like there were a lot of dew on the leaves and stems. It was a like a scene of lotus after the rain! At the upper left corner of the painting, she also wrote some small words, ¡°A coagulate cover of morning dew, who in the human world is jealous¡± How is this possible! Zhou Qing did not dare to believe that in such a short time, this was the piece of paper she have just tortured! It is considered that she has truly seen what an authentic talented female is. Qing Feng slowly place down the brush and pull Zhou Qing a step back to let the few eunuch who were standing by the side to carry the wooden table towards the Empress Dowagers. As it was just drawn, the paper was too soft and cannot be picked up thus Lou Su Xin and Yang Zhi Lan gave them face and walked towards the long table. At a glance, both of their eyes brighten. Lou Su Xin rarely praised, ¡°It is a fully justified reputation!¡± This kind of work, even those who were dedicated in the art of painting would take about thirty to fifty years of skills may not even produce it. Yang Zhi Lan also nodded and smile, ¡°Concubine Qing come over and tell us about this verse and its meaning.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng slowly walked over, Zhou Qing was still standing at the wooden stage and breathing in the fresh air. If it was possible, she really wanted to leave early. Seeing Qing Feng walking over, Yang Zhi Lan gave a look at the palace maid by her side without a trace and the palace maid slowly retreated. Walking up the front of the painting, Qing Feng slightly raise the side of her head and smiled proudly before speaking, ¡°The meaning is in fact very simple. Lotus has a elegant and distinguished deposition and will not be infected by the dirt in the secular world. It is precisely because of this quality, everyone is envious of it.¡± ¡°The explanation is good.¡± Lou Su Xin nodded her head approvingly. She especially like proud and arrogant females. ¡°Ah-¡± The concubines were listening to Lou Su Xin words when there came a scream, ¡°Help! Qing Ling has fallen into the lotus pond!¡± When the female in the garden heard the scream at reacted, they saw Lou Xi Wu standing in front of the wooden stage and craning her neck to look into the lake as she anxiously exclaimed. Listening to her shouts, Qing Feng panicky looked towards the wooden stage and did not see her Elder Sister¡¯s shadow. ¡°Elder Sister!¡± Her heart suddenly jumped to her throat. Qing Feng picked up her skirt and wanted to run to the lake side but suddenly her arms were grabbed tightly. It was the two female officials that were standing by the Empress Dowager and they grabbed her so tightly that she is unable to move. They also gave an intense concern, ¡°Concubine Qing is precious and must be careful of your help and mustn¡¯t go!¡± Fu Ling felt that the situation was not right and wanted to walk to Qing Feng¡¯s side but her arms were grabbed tightly by the two mamas who were standing behind her. It made her immovable, what exactly do they want to do? ¡°Let go!¡± Qing Feng desperately struggled and refuse to acknowledge the arm shearing pain on her shoulders. Her flustering and worries has made her usual calm eyes filled with tears. She no longer maintain her lady-like manners and crazily shouted, ¡°Get away! My Elder Sister doesn¡¯t know how to swim, quickly let go! Let go!¡± A touch of cold laugher crosses Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s eyes, it¡¯s best that she does¡¯t know how to swim, even though she knows it will also be useless! Lou Xi Yan harmed her precious daughter to this stage and still want to hold a joyous big wedding ceremony, if he wants to hold one, then hold a ghost marriage then! Pretending to be angry, Yang Zhi Lan shouted and pointed to the eunuch next to her, ¡°What are you standing here for, quickly go and rescue!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Four eunuch ran to the lakeside and immediately jumped into the pond. Lou Su Xin frowned due to the slight annoyance. A perfectly fine wooden stage, how would it collapse?! Seeing that there were people being sent down to rescue, she also did not say anything and just sat coldly at the host seat, looking at the flower bed in front. Qing Feng dashed forward to run ahead but was stopped and pinned to the ground in a kneeling position. Fu Ling quietly looked at the two Empress Dowager sitting high up, one maintaining that superior aloof position, another putting up a concern pretence but only look from the sidelines. Fu Ling turned pale as her heart felt cold. The leaves at the lotus pond were taller than a person. After Qing Ling fell in, there was not even a sound. She finally know why this year such a grand banquet was held for selecting the performances in the ceremony. It was all done to deal with Qing Ling. The eunuch has went down about half a stick of incense (modern timing: 15 mins) but did not reply back. The lush lotus leaves are a natural barrier, the people on the shore were unable to see what was going on in the water. Lou Xi Qu was anxiously shouting, ¡°Have she been found?!¡± Lotus were shaking but only the eunuch loud reply was heard, ¡°There are too many lotus leaves and simply could not find anyone!¡± With her hand tightly pulled back, the female officials¡¯s nails were digging into her skin. No matter how much she struggled, she was unable to go nearer to the pond. Qing Feng did not any other alternatives as she turned around and knelt down crying, ¡°Empress Dowager, please send more people down to rescue, my Elder Sister really do not know how to swim. If she cannot be found, she will¡­¡± Qing Feng choked and could not continue to speak that word. ¡°All right, quickly get up. You need not worry about it, those servants will do their best to rescue her.¡± Yang Zhi Lan sat at a higher level and her voice was still that gentle. Qing Feng¡¯s heart was like it is soaked in the ice cold water in the middle of the winter, so cold that her entire body trembled. Yang Zhi Lan will not save her Elder Sister, she ought to wish that her Elder Sister would die. At this time, the only person that can save Elder sister is Lou Xi Yan but she cannot mention about him as once he is mentioned, it would provoke the Empress Dowager. Qing Feng was helpless in the face of such a crisis. There were people surrounded her and everyone was looking at her. Those laughter, indifference and pitiful looks was like arrows piercing her heart but at this moment, she did not care. She did not want self-esteem and pride. As long as they were willing to rescue, she is willing to do anything. Biting down her bottom lips, she quickly tasted blood, Qing Feng turned towards Lou Su Xin and heavily knocked her forehead onto the ground and said only one sentence, ¡°Empress Dowager, I begged of you, please save my Eldest Sister!¡± Xin Yue Ning coldly watched that desperate female who kept knocking her head harshly onto the ground and secretly mocked her overestimating herself. Even if she were to kill herself in the Imperial Garden, she will still not be able to save her sister. To fight for the same man as the Princess, Qing Ling is seeking death and this will be the only ending. Seeing the female who was kowtowing heavily on the floor and begging with a hoarse voice, she was just as aloof and arrogant a moment ago but now she was that desperate and there were traces of blood on her forehead. Lou Su Xi heart soften and just as she wanted to order a few more guards to enter the water to rescue, a furry of footsteps sounded which made everyone turn back and see that it was Lou Xi Yan. Once seeing that it was Lou Xi Yan, all the female quickly greeted and Lou Su Xi was shocked as she asked, ¡°Xi Yan, why are you here?¡± This is the Imperial Gardens, the Inner Place of the Emperor. He as an official cannot be appearing alone here. Panting quietly, Lou Xi Yan did not answer her question but impatiently asked, ¡°Where is she?¡± Lou Su Xin was surprised, she rarely saw Xi Yan face this unsightly. Not to mention his tone of voice was so that offensive. After recovering herself, with an unhappy mind, Lou Su Xin coldly replied, ¡°Still in the water, had sent people down to rescue her.¡± She have yet to finished talking when Lou Xi Yan actually disregarded the looks that the onlookers gave and ran all the way to the lotus pond. Lou Xi Wu who was already panicking saw him and started crying, ¡°Elder Brother! What to do, Qing Ling had fallen in to the water for almost half a stick of incense (modern timing: 15 mins) but she is still nowhere to be found!¡± Not found in half a stick of incense, this bodes ill for Ling-er. His heart started to frantically beat till it has reached the extreme. Lou Xi Yan eyes darken and he pull away Lou Xi Wu who was crying in his arms and directly rushed into the lotus pond. Lou Xi Wu saw that Lou Xi Yan actually jumped from the almost collapsed wooden stage without hesitation into the pool, all her shock and panic was transformed into a scream, ¡°Elder Brother!¡± At the same time, another dark figure also followed Lou Xi Yan and jumped into the pond. It was Lou Xi Yan personal bodyguard ¨C Mo Bai. ¡°Xi Yan!¡± Lou Su Xi, who was firmly sitting in the host seat, also jumped out of her seat in shock and frantically pointed to the guards at the side while shouting, ¡°Some one come. Quickly, quickly, quickly enter the water to rescue! Must protect Prime Minister Lou well!¡± Because of the struggle, Qing Feng¡¯s body was filled with bruises and her tears have already ran dry. Qing Feng looked coldly at the entire chaos, Lou Su Xin was screaming and each and every one of the guards panicky jumped into the pond. Her hands tightly pulled into fists. She is indeed hateful! Just now when she cried and begged them to save her Elder Sister, they were so cold and turn a blind eye to it! Could it be that Lou Xi Yan¡¯s life is a life but her Elder Sister¡¯s life is not a life? Is the value of life define by these powerful people? At this moment in the lotus pond, a group of guards jumped into it. The pond was filled with people and it caused a confusion. All of them were swimming towards Lou Xi Yan and not one were serious about the rescue. Yan Hong Tian also walked to the lotus pond and saw Lou Xi Yan jumping into the lake from afar thus he was not surprised. He has already expected that Xi Yan would panic and jump into the water to rescue Qing Ling but he did not expect that from the beginning Xi Yan actually value Qing Ling that much. ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Everyone who saw Yan Hong Tian quickly recovered and paid their greetings except for Lou Su Xin and Yang Zhi Lan who were still staring at the lake, Qing Feng with a look of grief on her face and Lou Xi Yan who was waving his hands and feet in panic. Not in the mood to deal with them, Yan Hong Tian waved his hands and replied, ¡°Dispense the ceremony and withdraw.¡± Except for the Empress Dowager and a few concubines, the rest of the young mistresses from aristocratic families and furens were brought out of the Imperial Garden. ¡°Gao Jing, summon the Imperial Physicians!¡± There were no news of the rescue for a long time from the lotus pond. If Qing Ling does not know how to swim, at this time she should have drowned. Xi Yan cared for her that much, if he were to found the body, afraid that he¡­ ¡°Yes.¡± Gao Jing receive the order and quickly rushed to the Imperial Physician Courtyard. Seeing the Emperor and Prime Minister Lou attitude to Miss Qing, if she does not survive, don¡¯t know how many people will be implicated. Qing Feng¡¯s face was full of tears and her beautiful eyes was filled with undisguised despair and hatred. It was this pair of eyes filled with hatred that apparently made him think of her. Even though he did not find her all this time, he still constantly remember her pair of eyes. He likes to tame such an unyielding little pet. Seeing her struggling to get out of the grip at the sleeves, her wrists are filled with green and purple bruises and the forehead injury from knocking her head on the ground was bleeding a bit, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brow wrinkled up unconsciously. He waved his hands at the palace maids that were holding her and coldly said, ¡°Let go of her.¡± The palace maids dare not disobey and quickly let go of her. Once they let go, Qing Feng wanted to rush to that wobbly wooden stage. When she started to raise her leg, a big strong hand stopped her by grabbing onto her waist and an overbearing voice sounded by her ears, ¡°So many people cannot save Qing Ling, even if you go down, it would be useless. Just wait here obediently.¡± Qing Feng stared angrily at that this vile man and she stepped on his foot viciously. Unfortunately Yan Hong Tian seems not to have any feelings at all and only tighten the hold on her waist that she almost could not breath. After Lou Xi Yan entered the water for one quarter of an hour, the leaves near the shore shook and there was a hand that held Zhou Qing body up to the shore. Lou Xi Wu who was standing by the shore quickly ran forward and pulling Zhou Qing hands up. Seeing that Lou Xi Yan has found her, Qing Feng frantically struggled again and this time, Yan Hong Tian did not make things difficult for her and quickly let his hand go. When Qing Feng and Lou Xi Wu rushed to the shore, Zhou Qing was pulled up onto the shore but her lips were purple and her face was blue. Lou Xi Wu was so scared that she fell to the side but Qing Feng held her Elder Sister¡¯s cold body tightly and kept calling, ¡°Elder Sister! Elder Sister, you must wake up!¡± She had already lost her parents, she cannot afford to lose her Elder Sister. At this time, Lou Xi Yan also come up to shore. Lou Su Xin, who was waiting anxiously by the shore quickly walk up and took two thick blankets from the mama¡¯s hands to drape over his shoulders aguishly as she spoke, ¡°Xi Yan, quickly put it on, do not catch a cold!¡± While Zhou Qing who was at that moment lying on the ground was only wearing a simple thin dress which was soaked to the skin. Her clothes attached onto her body and her ice cold body temperature stung Qing Feng¡¯s heart. Secretly clenching her teeth, Qing Feng took off her belt and was about to take off her own clothes to cover her Elder Sister when a similarly ice cold hand grabbed her wrist. Qing Feng looked up and saw that Lou Xi Yan had already gently carried Zhou Qing and covered her with one of the blanket while the other one landed on the floor. ¡°Imperial Physician.¡± Lou Xi Yan coldly called out. The four Imperial Physicians that ran over quickly came forward and took her pulse or press her abdomen. At this time, they did not bother about the rules between male and female. When they were coming over, Gao Gonggong particularly highlighted that the person who drowned is the furen of Prime Minister Lou. If there is any little error made, their little lives would most likely be gone. Standing at a side guarding Qing Ling, Qing Feng looked gratefully at that always gentle and elegant male but this time his face was so cold and scary. He save her Elder Sister. This debt she will pay him back, for all those who owe them, she will one day get it back one at a time. Lou Su Xin¡¯s face stiffen but she did not say anything. The mama behind her quickly brought another blanket out. This time Lou Su Xin did not personally place it on Lou Xi Yan but she gave the mama a look and the mama respectfully handed the blanket to Lou Xi Yan. With a deadpan look, Lou Xi Yan took the blanket over to dry his face and his body before returning the blanket back to the mama. Seeing that Lou Su Xin face became even uglier. At this moment, Mo Bai also face two eunuch up to the shore. Lou Xi Yan walked to the shore and said a few words to Mo Bai. Mo Bai nodded his head in clear understanding and entered the water again. No one understood what he was doing except for Yang Zhi Lan, whose colour slightly changed. Everyone was nervously waiting for the results of the Imperial Physicians¡¯ diagnosis as Zhou Qing¡¯s face was deadly scary. Lou Xi Yan cold voice that could freeze ice suddenly sounded, ¡°Some one come. Cart these two person into prison.¡± The Imperial Troops were all surprised for a moment, in the Palace, only the Emperor can order them to arrest. If others order, they do not need to bother but today the one who gave the order was Prime Minister Lou. This put them in a difficult position. Looking carefully at the Emperor, his face did not change but only slightly nodded his head. The Imperial Troops immediately understood. Four of them rush forward and seized the two eunuchs. Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s heart jumped, could it be that Lou Xi Yan saw any flaws?! Calmly stepping forward, Yang Zhi Lan pretended to be puzzled and asked, ¡°Xi Yan, what are you doing this for? Even though the rescue was not done at their best, their offense cannot be that serious to be thrown into jail.¡± ¡°The rescue was not done at their best?¡± Squinting his eyes which made them look colder, Lou Xi Yan frostily said, ¡°What this official saw was attempted murder!¡± Qing Feng look straight at Lou Xi Yan. What does attempted murder mean? Can it be¡­ Eldest Sister falling into the water was not an accident? Having never seen Lou Xi Yan being chilly, Yang Zhi Lan took a deep breath and gave a force laugh, ¡°This¡­ Cannot be! Turning back to look at the two eunuchs, Yang Zhi Lan purposely berated, ¡°You useless servants, what exactly happened?¡± Two of them quickly knelt down and one of them call out his unjust, ¡°These servants are accused wrongly. There are too many lotus leaves in the water, we have been finding for so long and did not found Miss Qing. When we finally found her with great difficulty, Miss Qing was already unconscious due to the drowning. Just as this servant was about to help the Miss, Prime Minister Lou rush over and mistaken these servants was about to do something harmful to Miss Qing. These servants absolutely meant no harm to the Miss Qing.¡± Yang Zhi Lan secretly sighed in relief. These two persons were indeed her carefully cultivated servants, the words that they say were filled with propriety. Turning back and tenderly looking at the Imperial Physician still desperately treating Zhou Qing, Yang Zhi Lan sighed, ¡°So it turns out like this. Xi Yan¡¯s heart was so eager to rescue which Aijia understands. The accident happened too suddenly, no one hope to see that. It¡¯s good that Ling-er is now saved.¡± Lou Xi Yan uncharacteristically did not take the advantage of the silence and immediately look towards Yang Zhi Lan, coldly replying, ¡°Does the Empress Dowager meant that this official has seen wrongly? This official is not as slow-witted to the point as to unable to differentiate between rescuing and murdering a person!¡± Yang Zhi Lan hesitated. She did not think that Lou Xi Yan would actually dare to verbally contradict her and did not know what to say for a moment. Lou Xi Yan did not intend to give up like this. When he saw those useless servants pushing Ling-er down into the water, at that moment his heart almost stop beating. And now he dare not look at the her lying on the ground with no breath and did not wish to just wait for the Imperial Physician to treat her else it will drive him crazy. Feeling such fear and heartache, with practically no outbreak of anger, he did not want to endure any more. His sight swept over the wooden stage and Lou Xi Yan furious eyes landed on the highly seating East and West Empress Dowager, ¡°For the Palace to hold such banquet, their safety should be ensured. The wooden stage collapse and someone fell into the pond. With an entire courtyard filled with guards and servants, only four people went down to the water to rescue! In this big pond, why did you all not deploy more manpower? This official believe that this case can be classified as someone deliberately planned a murder!¡± ¡°Impudent!¡± Lou Su Xin look worsen, the well-maintained face was so angry that all her features were knitted together as she loudly snapped back, ¡°Lou Xi Yan, this is a matter within the Palace. You as an official dare to intervene. This event is simply an accident, even if there is any ulterior motives, Aijia will investigate it throughly. You need not be this disrespectful and self-assertive. What a scandal this is!¡± He simply have rebelled. Because of a female, he lost his elegant demeanour. He has truly disappointed her. Lou Xi Yan directly passed her and look at the unfathomable Yan Hong Tian, who was silently standing at one side and question intensely, ¡°Daring to ask the Emperor, the life and death matter that occurred on this official¡¯s wife, does this official have the rights to find who was responsible for it?¡± Yan Hong Tian nodded his head solemnly and seriously replied, ¡°You have.¡± It is rare that Xi Yan showed his anger, he must fully support it. Lou Su Xin was so angry that her face was totally white. Good! They gang up and rebel against her! She wants to see today how her beloved good nephew will lay it out for her. Proudly lifting her head, Lou Su Xi coldly scoffed, ¡°Fine, if you want to pursue whose responsibility it was, is it Aijia¡¯s responsibility? Or who push your wife into the pool?¡± Yang Zhi Lan laughed lowly and quickly smooth the situation with smiles, ¡°Xi Yan, this is only but an accident. No one deliberately wanted to harm Ling-er, you mustn¡¯t make your paternal aunt angry.¡± Lou Xi Yan cold eyes raised and looked into the loving face of Yang Zhi Lan as he coldly questioned, ¡°What if this is not an accident?¡± Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s heart tighten, the Lou Xi Yan today was like a different person. She felt that Lou Xi Yan seem to know something but how is this possible? He only rushed over just now. Just as she was in tenterhooks, Mo Bai who was in the water for a long time finally surfaced and he was holding on to a bunch of rope. He threw the ropes onto the shore and clipped up. His pale skin and blue eyes made everyone focus on him and occasionally there were muffled whispers were heard. Mo Bai face did not show any emotion and walked straight to Lou Xi Yan and said with clarity, ¡°Master, there are twelve stakes in the water for the wooden stage. Every single stake was deliberately almost fully cut off and with each incision, there was a rope tying to it. The location where furen fell off had two stakes broken. The rope that was pulled and broke the stakes were taken away but the rest of the ropes were still there. No matter where furen stands, the stage under her feet will collapse.¡± The voice was not loud but once it was finished, the entire shore was silent, after which it started to buzz with discussions. ¡°Now is there still anyone who says that this was an accident?¡± Lou Xi Yan picked up the rope on the floor and his ruthless eyes swept the crowd. No one knows what he was thinking and dare not continue. After Qing Feng listened to Mo Bai explanation and Lou Xi Yan interrogation, her eyes stared at the rope. She finally understood, everything that happened today was a long premeditated murder. Qing Feng curled her body up as both of her hand held her Elder Sister¡¯s ice cold hands. Without saying a word, her bright eyes slightly lowered making one unable to see clearly. Yang Zhi Lan cursed secretly, damn it! Originally the entire wooden stage will collapse and then recover the rope but now it was not like it was a accident due disrepair. She actually wanted Qing Ling to drown and after which the eunuchs who went down to rescue will take away the pile of tied ropes. That way, there will be no evidence left and none will be the wiser. But no matter how she plotted, she did not think that Lou Xi Yan will come over and jump into the water. And she also did not think that he was that alert to immediately get someone to check the wooden stake. It seems that this time she has to find a scapegoat! Taking the advantage of everyone who were still in shock, Yang Zhi Lan angrily said, ¡°This is outrageous. For such a thing to happen in the Palace, older sister, this time we must get to the bottom of this matter.¡± Lou Su Xin¡¯s brows knitted again, unexpectedly it was not an accident, even so, she still felt that her authority was challenged thus her face still showed unhappiness. Lou Xi Yan would not let this event become a case for the Inner Palace to resolve as it would only end up using a scapegoat to finalize the issue. Facing Yan Hong Tian, Lou Xi Yan coldly said, ¡°This official think that even though this matter happened within the Palace but it was in the presence of all these ladies from prominent aristocratic families. The purpose of the Palace banquet was to select the representatives for Qiong Yue performance. As this case involved the ceremony, it no longer falls into the Palace¡¯s scope and should be handed over to the Investigation Bureau, thus avoiding to trouble both Empress Dowager.¡± ¡°Allowed.¡± Yan Hong Tian also felt that the matter was surrounded by suspicious circumstances. If this matter is not referred to the Investigation Bureau, Lou Xi Yan will not drop this subject! ¡°Some one come and take the four person who entered the water first to the Imperial Prison. The Imperial Troop will guard the Imperial Gardens and this case will be handled by the Investigation Bureau.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Ou¡­¡± The person lying on the floor finally have a reaction. After vomiting out a mouthful of water, Zhou Qing violently coughed. Seeing that she finally moved, the tears in Qing Feng¡¯s eyes could not help but flow out but this time it was because of happiness, ¡°Elder Sister!¡± When Lou Xi Yan heard the light cough, he also quickly rushed over and knelt beside her. Grabbing her hand tightly, Lou Xi Yan urgently said, ¡°Ling-er! Can you hear me speak?¡± Seeing that she give a lightest of nod, Lou Xi Yan¡¯s hanging heart could finally settled and he held her in his arms. Lou Xi Yan asked, ¡°How is she now?¡± When Qing Ling woke up, the Imperial Physicians were the most happy as they are able to save their own lives, ¡°Miss Qing was in the water and drowned for a long time but now she has overcome the difficult part. But it might still leave an root of the illness of obstructing of the lungs by phlegm or constantly suffering from a cold. She will need a lot of care and constant conditioning of her body.¡± Wrapping two blankets tightly on Zhou Qing¡¯s body, Lou Xi Yan faced the Imperial Physician and said, ¡°When you prescribe the medication later, send both the prescription and medical ingredients to the Prime Minister manor.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Yang Zhi Lan came forward, looked at Zhou Qing who was still unconscious in Lou Xi Yan¡¯s arms and said in anguish, ¡°Xi Yan, Ling-er is currently unconscious and it would not be well enough to travel back. It would be better to bring her to Xi Xia Palace to rest. Isn¡¯t it better if you fetch her back to the manor once she wakes and when her health has gotten better?¡± Carrying her up with her waist, Lou Xi Yan coldly replied, ¡°Not needed. Xi Wu, let¡¯s leave.¡± ¡°Orh.¡± Lou Xi Wu dazedly followed Lou Xi Yan and dare not turn her head back. Until Lou Xi Yan¡¯s figure have completely disappeared in the Imperial Garden, Qing Feng then stood up. Without caring if the Empress Dowagers or the Emperor was still there, Qing Feng did not spoke a word and slowly walked towards the direction of Qing Feng Hall. Fu Ling greeted and rush off to support her on her verge of collapse self but Qing Feng pushed her hand away and tottered off by herself. Everything that happened today, was not something that never happened before. It is just that those people did not have the luck that Qing Ling have. This, is the Inner Palace. Fu Ling just touched that pair of ice cold hands, if Qing Feng¡¯s heart is similar, with her temperament¡­ Fu Ling have a bad premonition. Yan Hong Tian squinted his black eyes, he did not expect such a reaction from Qing Feng. Then again what kind of response should she have? Yan Hong Tian found it funny, since when did he start to be concerned about a female¡¯s reaction? Leaving the two Empress Dowagers and the terrible mess, Yan Hong Tian also chicly strode out of the Imperial Gardens. Chapter 41 ¡°Kwang dang!¡± ¡°Peng-¡± Fu Ling crouched at a corner and quietly watch Qing Feng crazily venting out on everything in the room. After she return, she shut herself in the room in the entire afternoon. The sun only just set when she started to smash everything like she was insane. The porcelain in the room and the ornaments were all smashed into pieces. Perhaps this is also good, it is better than her being sullen and silent and keep everything in her heart. Everything that can be smashed was smashed. Qing Feng however could not relieve all the hatred in her heart. Grabbing the curtain veil, she tore it down. The satin brocade on her bed was also thrown to the ground by her. Qing Feng picked up the pillow and threw it forcefully onto the screen. A peng sound was heard and the golden embroidered screen collapsed. The pillow also fell apart upon impact and a small white brocade bag fell out of it. Fu Ling bend down to pick it up. The brocade bag was really very light and the things inside was already grounded into powder, no wonder it was not found. A light scent of sandalwood was emitted and if one does not attentively smell it, one will not be able to detect it. Which girl was so thoughtful to place sandalwood into the pillow? Titling the brocade bag closer to smell, Fu Ling¡¯s brows wrinkled. Other than the scent of sandalwood, there was also another faint smell? Fu Ling opened up the brocade bag and found that there was also powder lined in the small bag. Such a delicate thing is not usually found on normal palace maids. She started to have some doubts thus Fu Ling examined the thing inside the brocade bag. Upon closer examination, there are some star like white powder in the sandalwood chips. Fu Ling lowered her head to smell it¡­ This is¡­ Fu Ling¡¯s face suddenly changed colour and Qing Feng who was watching Fu Ling every move silently guessed that that was not anything good. She asked coldly, ¡°What is that thing?¡± Fu Ling was slightly startled and looked up. Directly facing Qing Feng brutally cold sight, Fu Ling clam herself up before whispering her reply, ¡°Zhuxin grass.¡± Qing Feng took the brocade bag and gave it a closer look. It was only some powder and some sandalwood scent. When she was sleeping, she occasionally smelt some of it. Initially she thought it was the palace maids that prepared it to calm her nerves but now it would seems that some mischief was in play. Fu Ling did not do anything for a long time which made Qing Feng¡¯s eyes raised. Fu Ling paused and thought of what to say as Qing Feng has already suffered a number of shocking things today. ¡°Its scent is similar to that of sandalwood. But¡­ Smelling it long term, a female¡­¡± ¡°Speak.¡± Even if this was a poison that will wear her intestine down, she will not be surprised. ¡°Can never be pregnant.¡± Can never be pregnant? The four words slowly processed into her mind. There were indeed to many shocks today and Qing Feng¡¯s brain was unable to process it. Yan Hong Tian no longer seek for her and she also drank the abortion medicine, what else do they still want? To let her not have her own children for the rest of her life? So cruel! Her head started throbbing in pain and her heart felt as if someone stabbed her. Qing Feng lost her balance and fell onto the ground. As she looked up to Fu Ling, Qing Feng susurrate, ¡°Why are they doing this to me?¡± Why? For a position in the Palace, for the future Imperial Throne, for the Emperor¡¯s favour, too many why but it is not the reason. Qing Feng sat on the floor with her face gaunt like it was ashes. With a pair of red and swollen eyes filled with despair and doubts looking at her, Fu Ling could not mutter a single word. Suddenly Qing Feng started laughing aloud. Not sure if it was she was too angry that it became laughter as that laughter was so sharp that it can pierce one¡¯s heart. She hated Yan Hong Tian but for her sisters to be able to carry on living in Qiong Yue, she has decided not to seek for revenge. She did not bother to fight or snatch anything and only wanted to live her life by herself. Even if she were to go to the Cold Palace, it would not matter. But now it would seem that she was really silly and really stupid! The brocade bag that was still in her hands was still exuding a faint scent. This thing was actually hidden so near to her. She thought that the once safe bed that she lie on every night, was actually lying on top of poisonous daggers. She was still full of herself thinking that if one doesn¡¯t fight or snatch, one will be able to survive. She cannot even protect herself, let alone her Elder Sister¡­ Suddenly she violently raise her head and Qing Feng stared at Fu Ling asking, ¡°Fu Ling, will you or will you not betray me?¡± Fu Ling knows that perhaps Qing Feng was giving her the last chance to choose. To choose to stay with her or leave¡­ Where can she leave to? To the place where she came from? Continue to let others chase her from one palace to another? Waiting for the so far away it seems forever date to leave the Palace or die of old age in the Palace? Or not knowing who she offended and die due to an ¡°accident¡±? She has already survived ten over years like this and no longer want to live like that. Receiving the look of full of hope and a faint of appeal in her eyes, Fu Ling smiled. Being needed and trusted was also a form of reward. Secretly taking a deep breath, Fu Ling calmly and firmly replied, ¡°Will not.¡± ¡°Mistress, get up first as the ground is cold.¡± Supporting Qing Feng¡¯s arm, Fu Ling gently pull her up. Clasping Fu Ling¡¯s hand tightly, Qing Feng slowly straightened up and place the almost smashed up brocade bag into Fu Ling¡¯s hand. Keeping her voice very low, she spoke, ¡°Take this thing away and change it to a similar sandalwood scent and sew it back before placing it back into the pillow. Don¡¯t let anyone discover it, especially the people in Qing Feng Hall.¡± Fu Ling gripped the brocade bag and nodded her head. Taking a look at the despondent room, Qing Feng calm expression slowly restored as she said, ¡°Get the thing done by tomorrow morning before letting people tidy this up. You can go out.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling place the small brocade bag in the deepest pocket around her waist before gently opening the room doors to withdraw. When the door closes, the room was once again shrouded in darkness. Qing Feng quietly stood in front of the window and slowly raise her hand against it. The paper on the windows separated the moonlight and the warm light from the lanterns. After a while, Qing Feng withdraw her hands. These warm no longer belongs to her. What was left to her was the coldness and darkness of this room, like her heart. It is you all who forced me¨C When Fu Ling exited from the room, Lan-er quickly went up to her and pull her hand to the big tree in the middle of the courtyard to where the not inquisitive Xia Yin was standing there. Seeing there there was no one around, Lan-er softly questioned, ¡°Older sister Fu Ling, what is wrong¡­ With her ladyship?¡± When her Ladyship walked it, her face was so pale and her forehead had a trace of blood and bruise was enough to scare everyone. Walking into the room, she has smashed don¡¯t know how many items, let along the sharp cries and laughter that were heard in the courtyard. scaring her till she has goosebumps! Xia Yin also softly said, ¡°Fu Ling, we are also worried about her Ladyship and even more afraid that our mouths are clumsy and speak any wrong words to offend her Ladyship.¡± Fu Ling lightly shook her head and replied, ¡°You all should not worry too much, Mistress is only¡­ Tired. Don¡¯t disturb her tonight and clear up the things tomorrow.¡± Finishing her words, Fu Ling did not wait for both of their reply and turned to walk back to her own room. Lan-er softly scoffed, ¡°So petty, she thinks that others want to fight with her for favours!¡± Finishing her words, she also walked back to the house. Xua Yin looked back once again at the shut doors. There was no candlelight nor any sounds of weeping. It was scarily quiet. ***** Ming manor In the bright night, the summer breeze blew as behind the winding corridor was the reception that laughters were coming out from. In the large courtyard there were many flowers that were swaying and the air was filled with floral scent. It is unfortunate that the figure under the moon could not wait to leave immediately. The feet that did not step out was because of the pleading that mother gave during the afternoon thus it had no choice but to stop. Ming Ze folded both of his hands around his chest and stood at the corner of the winding corridor. He stood there for a long time and although he did not leave, he was refused to walk toward the bustling reception. Actually if he comes or not, no one will care about it. It has been so many years and mother have not yet seen through it? In this Ming residence, there was no position for both mother and son. What is she fighting? What is she snatching? And one what basis? She treated him like a puppet, like a tool and will not care about his feelings. She only thought about herself. The most ridiculous thing was that she overestimated him. He is nothing to this family. ¨CHer safety, to me, is more important than anything else.¨C That sentence that Qing Feng spoke during that rainy night sounded in his mind again. The brilliant eyes and flowery smile that she gave under that lightning made Ming Ze smiled lightly, she was still luckier than him. At least she has loved ones that is worthy of her to protect. When he was on duty today, he followed the Emperor and Prime Minister Lou to the Imperial Gardens and saw the incident by the sidelines. Don¡¯t even talk about the Palace, in whichever large manor, who wouldn¡¯t have seen such ¡°accidents¡± before. It was that when Qing Feng finally left like she did, it made Ming Ze felt pity. ¡°Ming Ze.¡± A male voice behind him sounded with a hint of excitement, Ming Ze¡¯s sharp brows knitted and continued to lift his foot and leave. The only person who will call him in this family is only him. And he did not want to speak ¡°nonsense¡± with him. Just as he was about to leave, a tall figure quickly block his route and stood in front of him. Ming Jian familiarly smiled, ¡°So difficult to be back home, let us brother have a drink?¡± Ming Ze knows that this time he was not able to ignore him since Ming Jian came to him head on and plainly replied, ¡°I am on duty tomorrow.¡± Finished saying, he turned and leave. Grabbing Ming Ze¡¯s shoulder, Ming Jian sighed, ¡°Ming Ze, we are brothers¡­¡± Brothers? Ming Ze slap away his heads and coldly replied, ¡°I do not have this good fortune.¡± He cannot afford to claim that! Ming Ze walked past him indifferently, obviously he did not want to continue speaking with him. Ming Jian could only sigh heavily. Ming Zhu, the third miss of the Ming family, came out to look for Ming Jian and saw Ming Ze unable to recognize his good intentions and spoke loudly, ¡°Elder brother, why do you be bothered about him? He is only a child from a lowly concubine.¡± Ming Ze back stiffen as he strode towards the door and walked away quickly. ¡°Ming Zhu!¡± Ming Jian coldly scolded, Ming Zhu curled up her lips and gave a look of disapproval but she knows that if she continued, her elder brother will get angry. Pulling tightly on Ming Jian¡¯s arms so that he will not chase, Ming Zhu said, ¡°All right, I will not continue. Mother has been nagging about why you are not back yet and grandmother must be anxious due to the wait. Hurry up and don¡¯t bother about him. If you are late, dad will be angry.¡± Ming Ze had already left without a trace and little sister kept dragging him. Ming Jian was helpless and could only follow Ming Zhu to the reception pavilion. Ai. Today is grandmother¡¯s (paternal) birthday, he needs to think about what explanation to give to help Ming Ze excuse himself. ***** Chenshi (Modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) The main doors of each palace and hall slowly open and a new day begins. Lan-er was instructing the palace maids to clean up the courtyard and prune the flowers and also looking at Fu Ling¡¯s room. Usually on normal days this time, Fu Ling would have woken up and prepared to attend to her Mistress washing up. But till now there was no movement from her, should she go and call her? Just as she was pondering, the doors of the main house suddenly open and Qing Feng slowly walked out. Qing Feng was dressed in an icy blue dress and there was a green jade ornament hanging at her waist. The white jade buyao on her hair was moving along with her elegant steps. Even though her hair was at knee length, coupled with her dress, it was like a cool breeze blowing gently. Only when Qing Feng walked to the middle of the courtyard, the palace maids then recovered themselves and knelt to greet her, ¡°May your Ladyship have innumerable safety.¡± Qing Feng did not see all the servants kneeling on the floor but reached out to pick a peony, which withered even with intensive and meticulous care, to play. Qing Feng softly said, ¡°All withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Lan-er.¡± Lan-er only retreated two steps when Qing Feng call for her softly. She was not unable to step forward, ¡°This servant is here.¡± Qing Feng looked at her for a long time and did not speak. Lan-er was bewildered and quietly looked up and just at the same time saw a half weltered peony floating down and landed beside her feet. Qing Feng faint voice sounded again, ¡°Instruct the people to uproot all the peonies in the courtyard.¡± ¡°Your Ladyship!¡± Lan-er was shock and quickly continue, ¡°Your Ladyship, the flowers cannot be uprooted!¡± Not to mention that this flower was the favourite thing of Imperial Concubine Shu, but the Emperor¡¯s effort behind the flowers made no one dared to touch them! ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°This is¡­ This is the Emperor¡¯s intent.¡± Qing Feng slightly bent her body and the light touch of fragrance that accompanied her pressured Lan-er that she was unable to continue with her words. ¡°Specifically chosen for Imperial Concubine Shu?¡± Qing Feng reached her hand out and lightly held Lan-er¡¯s chin to raise her head up. Seeing the panic in Lan-er¡¯s eyes, Qing Feng¡¯s lips lightly curled up as she said softly, ¡°Take a good look at the name that the Emperor bestowed this hall. This is no longer Shu Yun Palace and there is no longer a whoever Imperial Concubine Shu. Lan-er, you have to remember that you are a person in my palace. What the mistress order you to do, you just do it. This is what a good servant should do. Understand?¡± Feeling the cool fingertips pinching her chin, even though there was not much force and Qing Feng bend down to do it, Lan-er for the first time saw her mistress face this clearly. That slowly white skin was a jade and her forehead wound was covered with some makeup. Light rouge on her red lips made her overall colour look good. Being so close to look at her, the scars on her face was not obvious at all and all her attention was attracted to that pair of bright eyes. Normally mistress would put on a cold look but today there was a smile on her face. Lan-er however was even more scared that usual, ¡°This servant. This servant understand!¡± Finish uttering those words, Lan-er could then hear the trembling voice of hers. Slowly retrieving her hand back, Qing Feng did not make things more difficult for her, ¡°Get up then.¡± ¡°This servant will go and find people to¡­ Uproot the flowers.¡± She have to rush to tell older sister Xiao! Lan-er did not dare to delay and got up hurried from the ground. She only knelt for a while but she felt her legs weakening. With her hands clutching her chest, Lan-er hastily ran out and almost knocked into Xia Yin, who was delivering breakfast. Xia Yin had to turn sideways in order to escape from her. She was just about to tell her off but Lan-er was already gone far away. Did this girl met something evil early in the morning? Chapter 42 Zheng Yang Palace¡¯s Side Hall The morning was still early and Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 ams) have yet to arrive but the rays of the sun was radiant. The windows and doors in the side hall were open to allow the slight breeze to enter. With the scent of the various teas in the breeze, the air was refreshing. The teahouse at Zheng Yang Palace is the largest in the entire Palace. All the premium tea can be found here. Except for a few palace maids that were self taught by Xiao Yu, the rest of the other servants are not allowed to enter. Opening the door of the hall, a slender figure stick her head out and look around before quietly crying, ¡°Older sister Xiao.¡± Xiao Yu was dividing the new batch of tea leaves that arrived. When she looked up, she saw Lan-er¡¯s pleasing face. Since Lan-er enter the Palace, she has been working beside her all the time. This girl was quick-witted and flexible but its just that she is sometimes impatient and will not be suitable to serve the Emperor thus Gao Jing had sent her to Qing Feng¡¯s place. She has went there for a few months but she did not see her come and visit her. For her to come running early today morning, it must be that she has something to ask of her. Xiao Yu did not point it out bluntly and smiled, ¡°Come on in. Today you do not have duties and is able to come and see me?¡± Lan-er jogged into house and whispered, ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡± Xiao Yu¡¯s hands which was dividing the tea paused. She thought that this girl will exchange conventional greetings for a while. It seems that this issue was a thorny one. Lan-er got anxious and did not wait for Xiao Yu to ask before she said, ¡°It¡¯s her Ladyship Concubine Qing. She said she want¡­ Want to uproot all the peonies in Qing Feng Hall!¡± Uproot? Xiao Yu¡¯s heart skip a beat as she asked, ¡°Why?¡± Lan-er shooked her head and replied, ¡°I do not know. When she came back from the banquet held by the Empress Dowager last night, she already look like she is in tough straits. After which she started to smash things to vent her anger. And this morning, she said to uproot the peonies.¡± The Empress have early on felt that the peony was unpleasant to her eyes but she did not dare to get rid of it. For Qing Feng to do so, was it to attract the attention of the Emperor? Or¡­ Was it to vent her anger with regards to her older sister¡¯s drowning? No matter what was the reason, it is foolish. Pasting the already written leaflet of the origin and time on the small box that held the tea, Xiao Yu started to keep her hands busy and casually replied, ¡°She ask you to uproot, you should uproot.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± Lan-er did not understand, ¡°But. But the flowers were the favourite of Imperial Concubine Shu and it was personally selected by the Emperor!¡± Why older sister Xiao Yu did not care about it? If the Emperor lose his temper, what can be done? ¡°Now there is no longer an Imperial Concubine Shu. The Emperor could choose peonies in the past and now could also choose others.¡± Just like the previously favoured Imperial Concubine Shu and the currently favoured Imperial Concubine Hui, the Emperor¡¯s heart is not in any particular female, let alone those stalks of flowers? Older sister Xiao Yu is the most favoured female official at the Emperor¡¯s side thus whatever she say would not be wrong. Leaning closer to Xiao Yu a little, Lan-er softly asked, ¡°Whatever older sister Xiao say, I will listen. What do you think I should do about this matter? Should it be told to Steward Gao?¡± The colour of Xiao Yu¡¯s face abruptly sank as she turned and stared at the girl in front of her. She coldly replied, ¡°The most important thing when one works in the Palace is to be clearly aware who is your mistresses. What the mistress order, the servants have to work accordingly and not for you to question. Even at the end if whoever wants to blame anyone, naturally it would not be you to bare it and you can¡¯t bare it too. And also, in the future whatever happens to your mistress, it would be best not to inform me so as not to arouse suspicions.¡± Lan-er was stunned by Xiao Yu¡¯s sudden anger and lowered her head in grievance, respectfully replying, ¡°Many thanks for older sister Xiao¡¯s reminders. Lan-er will leave first.¡± Xiao Yu did not stop her. With matters relating to the Inner Palace, she did not want to be part of it. If the matter is found out by Qing Feng, she will think that she has place someone by her side. Today what she spoke to Lan-er was to help her. As to if she understood it or not, it would have to see her wits. Picking up a silk cloth at the side to wipe her hands, she got ready to organize another type of tea and saw a tall figure half leaning against the side of the door with a calm and unruffled smile on the face. Rolling her eyes at that person, Xiao Yu lightly laughed, ¡°Who could have thought that Commanding Officer Ming is interested to hear conversations between females.¡± Ming Jian smiled candidly and replied, ¡°I would never have thought that Xiao Yu have this callous side of her.¡± Ming Jian strode into the house and sat in front of the round table. He picked up the freshly brewed tea and help himself to drink without asking. Xiao Yu glared at him and angrily commented, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Finishing drinking a cup of premium tea, Ming Jian then only smiled, ¡°Nothing, just wanted to discuss about some good tea.¡± Grabbing the empty cup in his hands, Xiao Yu spit out, ¡°Pei. This tea is not something you can enjoy.¡± Even though the teacup was taken away, Ming Jian did not mind as he smile, ¡°The premium Hong Hao tea that the Emperor likes is something I dare not think about. Other types would be acceptable.¡± A pa sounded when the empty cup was place down. The corners of Xiao Yu¡¯s mouth perked up as it spit out two words, ¡°Don¡¯t. Have.¡± ¡°Like this? I just came from the Imperial Study and seem to have heard the Emperor saying¡­¡± Deliberately wetting Xiao Yu¡¯s appetite, Ming Jian only said half of it and did not continue. This person is always like this, Xiao Yu softly snorted, ¡°Say what?¡± ¡°The Emperor said that now it is in the middle of the summer heat. Drinking green tea is more suitable to drink.¡± Xiao Yu was annoyed, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say it earlier?¡± The Emperor has always been fond of drinking black tea and she just let someone sent a cup over! Ming Jian innocently replied, ¡°You did not ask. When you ask, I replied.¡± ¡°Humph!¡± Xiao Yu coldly scoffed, turned around and did not bother with him anymore. Ming Jian got up and stood behind her, seeing her pretending to be busy rummaging around but he did not stop her and leisurely said, ¡°I deliberately came over to tip you. If there is no rewards, that will not do.¡± Taking out a small bag of tea leaves from a drawer at the far right, Xiao Yu stuffed it into Ming Jian¡¯s hands and impatiently said, ¡°Take it. Quickly leave and don¡¯t bother me working.¡± ¡°Many thanks.¡± Ming Jian took the tea and contentedly walked out of the teahouse. Reaching outside, Ming Jian smell the bag of tea for a bit. It was his favourite Mao Jian tea and his lips unconsciously arced and felt that the summer sun also softened. ***** In the Imperial Study, the morning court was just over and the Emperor was reviewing the memorandums while the palace maids and eunuchs were quietly standing at the side. No one dared to disturb the Emperor at such a time. Xiao Yu carried a cup of hot tea and walked slowly over. Passing the large study table and reaching Yan Hong Tian¡¯s side, she lowered her head and saw that the previously served tea was cold and was untouched. Signaling the palace maid behind her to remove the cold tea away, Xiao Yu served up a freshly brewed hot tea to the short table next to the throne and gently opened the lid. A hint of jasmine fragrance was slowly released into the air. ¡°Jasmine?¡± Yan Hong Tian place the brush down and Xiao Yu quickly rushed forward to offer the hot tea. After tasting a mouthful, the refreshing taste lingered as Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°Zhen just thought about it and you send it over. Good. Reward.¡± ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± Xiao Yu secretly gave a sigh of relief. It was fortunate that that person told it to her, else if she were to send another cup of black tea, it would be bad. Gao Jing stood at the side and smiled without saying a word. The Emperor only mention green tea this morning and Xiao Yu so coincidentally and promptly served it up. It must be that someone has tipped her off. Seeing the smile on Gao Jing¡¯s face, Xiao Yu secretly glared at him. At this time a eunuch came in from the back of the hall and whispered into Gao Jing¡¯s ears. Gao Jing nodded his head and waved his hands to let him withdraw. Gao Jing took two steps forward and then stopped. He frowned for a moment before stepping back. Yan Hong Tian was drinking the fragrant tea and his mood was not bad. Seeing Gao Jing¡¯s hesitant look, he laughed, ¡°Gao Jing. What issue that made you so difficult?¡± Yan Hong Tian asked and Gao Jing also need not continue concealing thus replying, ¡°Concubine Qing have ordered all the peonies to be uprooted in Qing Feng hall.¡± Just now he was pondering if the Emperor should be informed of the matter. Ordinarily this kind of small matter in the Inner Palace would not be required to announce to the Emperor but this was after all the ¡°peonies¡± and the person was Qing Feng. Even though the Emperor ignored her but he felt that the Emperor still want to hear news about her. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand that was lifting the lid paused and the sound of the lid rubbing the rim of the cup stopped. Everyone who was serving in the Imperial Study let out a cold breath and no one dared to breathe in deeply. After a long time, Yan Hong Tian then continued to leisurely sipping the tea and unenthusiastically said, ¡°Her guts are not small at all.¡± The deep voice did not convey any joy or anger and the roomful of servants dare not make a sound and held their breath. The monarch¡¯s mind is hard to fathom. Drinking half of the tea before placing it down, Yan Hong Tian softly called out, ¡°Xiao Yu.¡± ¡°This servant is here.¡± Xiao Yu came forward and was about to clear the tea out when Yan Hong Tian suddenly spoke, ¡°Go and take a look. After they have finish uprooting then show yourself and announce to Qing Feng to see Zhen.¡± Xiao Yu was surprised for a moment and looked up to Yan Hong Tian and see that he has continued to review the memorandums. Xiao Yu suspected that she has heard incorrectly. The tasks of relaying messages was something that the Emperor seldom let her do. Since he has ordered her to go, why is there a need to wait till all the peonies are uprooted before announcing to Qing Feng? Xiao Yu did not understand but could only obediently head towards Qing Feng Hall. When Xiao Yu reached Qing Feng hall, a few eunuchs has already shoveled most of the flowers. Yes. Using the shovel, the flower stems and roots were ruined and if it is not removed, the flowers would also have died. Waited for a while outside the hall, Xiao Yu only then slowly walked out. Seeing Xiao Yu walking slowly from afar, the few eunuchs that were shoveling broke into a cold sweat and their hands were trembling during the hot summer day. Xiao Yu was a female official by the Emperor¡¯s side, if she has come, does it mean that the Emperor has lost his temper? Originally she thought that Qing Feng was in the house and Xiao Yu wanted to call one of the servants to inform her but she saw a gorgeous blue figure standing in the shade. From afar, it was an ultimate elegant female whose features were peerless and exuding an air of magnificence. She who was walking all the way was filled with sweat but the female who stood under the shade of the tree was still peaceful. Xiao Yu was in a trance till the person walked slowly towards her and was in front of her. Seeing the two scars on her face, Xiao Yu only then recovered her senses and gave a slight bow to cover up her embarrassment, ¡°This servant, Xiao Yu, greets your Ladyship.¡± ¡°Do raise.¡± Qing Feng could recognize her with a look. The first time arriving in Yan Hong Tian¡¯s palace, she saw this female. Even though she called herself a servant, she did not look like one. In the entire Qiong Yue Imperial Palace, she only saw two of such kind of female, one is Shui Xin and the other is her. Qing Feng secretly ridiculed, they are indeed husband and wife, the people beside him are not ordinary at all. ¡°This servant is here to pass the Emperor¡¯s words and invite your Ladyship to the Imperial Study.¡± The servants around her were so scared that their face paled. Qing Feng however gave a smile and replied, ¡°Thats good, it just so happen that I want to see the Emperor too.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s palm started sweating and wanted to go with Qing Feng but Qing Feng stopped her from doing so and loudly spoke, ¡°Fu Ling, you stay behind and get them to loosen the soil to plant¡­ Begonia.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling was anxious for Qing Feng but dare not defy her orders. After giving Fu Ling a look to placate her, Qing Feng smiled to Xiao Yu, ¡°Lets go.¡± If Yan Hong Tian wanted to punish her, she now would have been on the way to the Imperial Prison and not heading towards the Imperial Study. The two persons walk one in front of another and there was no dialogue between them. Xiao Yu walked in front to guide the way and could not see Qing Feng¡¯s expression but she could hear that Qing Feng¡¯s footsteps were calm like her breathing. Xiao Yu have been by the Emperor¡¯s side for a long time and roughly guessed that the Emperor would not do anything much to Qing Feng but for Qing Feng to be this confident, is it that she was so assured of the outcome or really not afraid of death? Xiao Yu was secretly pondering and they quickly reached the Imperial Study. Entering the hall, she saw Yan Hong Tian¡¯s back leaning against the dragon seat with a small booklet in his hands. Seeing that he was no longer reviewing memorandums, Xiao Yu then clearly call out, ¡°Emperor, Concubine Qing has been invited over.¡± The small booklet in his hands was slowly brought down and behind it was a pair of deep black eyes. It was slightly amused like a black panther watching its prey and it was of no hurry to devour it but the prey absolutely have no escape. Xiao Yu could not help but to have goosebumps everywhere but that ¡°prey¡± is taking a leisurely pace towards the person who was seated on a higher level. Chapter 43 The small booklet in his hands was slowly brought down and behind it was a pair of deep black eyes. It was slightly amused like a black panther watching its prey and it was of no hurry to devour it but the prey absolutely have no escape. Xiao Yu could not help but to have goosebumps everywhere but that ¡°prey¡± is taking a leisurely pace towards the person who was seated on a higher level. Walking to the front of the large table, Qing Feng stop her steps and gave a proper bow, ¡°Chenqie greets the Emperor.¡± Chenqie? The sudden obedience and colloquialism made Yan Hong Tian surprised. After what happened yesterday, he thought that what she did was to vent her anger and since he was in a good mood today, he could play with her but he did not think that she has some other tricks up her sleeves? Holding a hand towards her, Yan Hong Tian softly said, ¡°Come here.¡± Qing Feng got up and magnanimously placed her hand onto Yan Hong Tian¡¯s palm. By allowing his hands to hold her, Qing Feng knows that Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes was observing her. Leaning lightly on the throne, she deliberately did not look into his eyes and set her sight onto the study table until her sight landed on a half-finished tea. She gently breathed in before smiling, ¡°Qishan¡¯s jasmine accompanied with early spring¡¯s green tea. The Emperor do have a lot of good things here.¡± It was rare that Yan Hong Tian has such patience like today. With one hand overbearingly embraced her, he looked at the astonished Xiao Yu and laughed, ¡°Xiao Yu, it seems that you have met your soul mate.¡± Even though the tea was taken care of by the palace maids and was still warm thus there was nothing strange about being able to smell the tea, but being able to know the mixture of tea by merely looking and smelling was indeed not easy. The curious thing was that she was even able to tell the origin of the tea and when was it picked. Xiao Yu felt some sense of excitement and wanted to see how much knowledge she has and thus turned around to pour a cup of tea and served it to Qing Feng, smilingly, ¡°May your Ladyship try this servant¡¯s handiwork.¡± Qing Feng took the tea cup and took a light sip. Facing Xiao Yu¡¯s awaiting eyes, she replied, ¡°Spring water is from Spring Equinox and tea is picked during the Summer Solstice. It is indeed a good tea.¡± She¡­ Only took a sip but could say everything exactly as it is? Xiao Yu felt amazed and also felt some sort of admiration. The female beside him lowered her head to drink the tea with a leisurely look. She seemed to have forgotten her ¡°presumptuous¡± action she did this morning. The hand which was ringed around Qing Feng¡¯s waist tightened and Yan Hong Tian coldly said, ¡°You sure have a lot of guts.¡± After finishing the tea in her hands, Qing Feng then only slowly raised her head and looked into Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes for the first time after entering the Imperial Study. Qing Feng¡¯s eyebrow slightly furrowed but her lips raise, ¡°Not sure to which issue is the Emperor referring to?¡± There were indeed too many gutsy things that she did. She even put up a show of fake alarm that Yan Hong Tian felt amused but he did not show it on his face, ¡°You uprooted the peonies?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng nodded her head. ¡°Whatever for?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like it.¡± The tea was finished and Qing Feng wanted to place the cup back on the table but her waist was enveloped by someone very tightly. Her pupil moved a little and Qing Feng place the empty cup from her hand to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand. She sat on the armrest of the throne and laughed, ¡°Moreover¡­ If it is not so, how would the Emperor summon me?¡± There was never one who dared to sit on his dragon seat. Even the most favoured Imperial Concubine Shu and Imperial Concubine Hui also didn¡¯t dare, let alone place an empty cup onto his hand. She indeed have a lot of guts. Comparing the obvious hatred that she previously had, Yan Hong Tian rather like how she is now. She seems to have found the method of surviving in the Palace. Gently pinching her chin, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°You wanted to see Zhen?¡± ¡°All the female in the Inner Palace, which one do not want to see the Emperor?¡± Qing Feng went along with Yan Hong Tian¡¯s words but she did not admit that she wanted to see him. Yan Hong Tian laughed out loud as he was a bit fascinated by the appropriateness of her answer. The delicate skin under Yan Hong Tian¡¯s touch made him very satisfied. With his thumb caressing her chin, Yan Hong Tian said softly into her ears, ¡°You change your attitude too quickly. It is very easy for others to guess what you are plotting.¡± The warm breath at her ears made it look like a pair of lovers whispering but Qing Feng felt a shiver up her body. Silently taking a deep breath, Qing Feng lean forward just like he did and place her lips close to his ears, laughing softly, ¡°Does the Emperor care about what I am conspiring?¡± Yan Hong Tian laughed again. He certainly did not care about what a female is conspiring. What she plots, he definitely knew well. But now he has a different idea. With regards to the Inner Palace structure, there should be a change. With his arms around her waist and placing her in his lap to hug, Yan Hong Tian meaningfully chuckled, ¡°Zhen likes¡­ Female who are a little scheming.¡± His words¡­ What did it mean? Qing Feng¡¯s heart speculated Yan Hong Tian¡¯s thought when suddenly her hands ring around Yan Hong Tian¡¯s neck and in a rare tender moment, she exclaimed, ¡°The Emperor is willing¡­ Stay at Qing Feng Hall tonight.¡± She is indeed someone who can be taught. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips captured a delightful smile and place a kiss on her rosy lips before loosening his grip on her hand. Yan Hong Tian clearly ordered, ¡°Xiao Yu, send her Ladyship back.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng got up and deliberately arrange her dress and slightly bowed. She did not continue pressing for an answer and left like she drifted away. Walking out of the Imperial Study, Xiao Yu still continued walking with her. Qing Feng stop her steps and said, ¡°You do not need to continue sending me off. I want to walk around.¡± The female standing behind did not leave and after a while, she could not help but spoke, ¡°There is one thing that Xiao Yu does not understand and would like to ask your Ladyship.¡± Qing Feng turned around and smiled, ¡°You wanted to ask me, by just taking a sip, how would I know that the spring water is from Spring Equinox and tea is picked during the Summer Solstice? Xiao Yu also did not continue conversing and complied, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°The water that was used for the tea was not completely boiled, thus it must be an extremely pure spring water that is used and after the tea is infused, you added a shao (modern : centilitre) of water inside then blend and adjusted the temperature of the tea. This will help in removing the harsh taste of jasmine. Dew is also known as heavenly water and should not be heated. The dew from summer lotus would feel refreshing in the heat, thus I presume that the spoonful of water is that.¡± Xiao Yu gently nodded but she was still puzzled, ¡°But how does that prove that the spring water is from the Spring Equinox and tea is picked during the Summer Solstice?¡± Qing Feng smiled and replied, ¡°Seeing how much thought and effort you put in the tea arrangement, it shows that you are an elegant female who understand and love tea. With regards to the knowledge of how to cook the tea water, only Spring Equinox would be worthy for you to use in your tea.¡± ¡°So it was like that.¡± Xiao Yu covertly admired, Qing Feng is not just a female talent. Even if she does not try a sip, she would still say the same thing. ¡°This servant will withdraw.¡± After performing a greeting, Xiao Yu did not speak anything more and turned to leave. It was only after Xiao Yu has walked far away then Qing Feng could remove the smile that she kept on the entire morning. She was gambling, gambling on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s thoughts and it is clear that she has won with her move today. It was only just one morning and it had made Qing Feng feel so tired. Previously she did not even care about Yan Hong Tian¡¯s feeling as if he wants her life, she has only this life to spare. But now she has to constantly figure him out and every step seem like she was walking on thin ice. Living this kind of life is much more tiring and frightening than when she just entered the Palace. Apparently her feet have its own consciousness as once again Qing Feng walked to that lotus pond that made her see clearer. It was just a day and the collapsed wooden stage was fixed and everything was quiet and calm as if everything that happened yesterday was just a nightmare she dreamt of. Qing Feng stepped onto the wooden stage and stood where her sister fell into the water. There were lotus flowers surrounding her and there was a touch of lotus scent in the air. Even though the sun that was shining should warm one¡¯s body up, Qing Feng felt the chill and suffocation from the lake. ¡°The higher platforms are unstable, it is better not to get too close.¡± A smooth and light voice fluttered behind her. Qing Feng turned her head to look and saw Chen Zhen¡¯s graceful figure slowly walking over. Qing Feng slightly lowered her eyes and hid the waves in her heart before bowing and giving her a greeting. After which she continued, ¡°Heard that Imperial Concubine Hui is sick. To come out at this time, one will need to be extra careful.¡± The female in front has an air of elegance and appropriate bearings that no one would be able to find fault with her greetings. Chen Zhen saw her twice and in both times she was clad in blue. That time she was like flowing clouds, only meeting and leaving but aloof and proud. But now she is like flowing water in the mountains, slowly trickling into deeper pools which still could not remove the bone chilling coldness that one felt. Standing side by side with Qing Feng, Chen Zhen pretended to be casual and smiled, ¡°Thanks for your care. Bengong body is weak and when the wind blows, naturally one must hide from it. Actually¡­ The wind is actually nothing, the thing to fear is which direction the wind is blowing towards.¡± It seems that there was something more than just the apparent meaning of her words? Is she sounding her out? Qing Feng continued the conversation, ¡°Imperial Concubine Hui has been in the Palace for so many years and of course will see things clearer than Qing Feng. It is just that after blowing a direction for a long period of time, the wind direction should change.¡± Qing Feng secretly observed Chen Zhen¡¯s expressions but after a long time she only sighed softly and whispered, ¡°Extreme strength is easily broken, the strong also humiliate.¡± Is this considered a reminder? Qing Feng hesitated a bit as she was unable to see into her thoughts as her eyes did not show any change. Qing Feng haughtily replied, ¡°By striking first one will gain the initiative. By striking later meant that others is in control.¡± Restraining one¡¯s emotions is indeed a good method but it was unfortunate that no one gave her time to conceal her strengths and bide her time. Chen Zhen shook her head and did not continued Qing Feng¡¯s words. Speaking to Wu-er behind her, ¡°It would seems that the wind is starting up. Wu-er, support Bengong back.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Wu-er distractedly supported Chen Zhen to leave this lakeside. The exchange between her mistress and Qing Feng made her very confused. The sun is shining so brightly, where was the mentioned wind? Seeing the disappearing back view, Qing Feng started to be suspicious. What is Chen Zhen purpose of deliberately coming over and saying those words? Is she¡­ A friend or foe? Qing Feng mocked herself, she has indeed started to be silly again. In this entire Palace where would there be a friend? When Qing Feng went back to Qing Feng Hall, it has already passed noon. She just entered the courtyard when she saw Fu Ling braving the midday sun and wait for her in the courtyard with her forehead full of sweat. Seeing that she has returned, Fu Ling greet with full of relief, ¡°Mistress, have you had your lunch yet?¡± Her heart felt warm as Qing Feng took the handkerchief from her sleeves and place it onto Fu Ling¡¯s hands, replying, ¡°Wipe the sweat away. I do not have any appetite and want to rest a while.¡± Even though Qing Feng had put on makeup, she looked tired and upon closer scrutiny, one can see the gaunt look on her face. Fu Ling supported Qing Feng towards the chamber and along the way Qing Feng saw that there was still a patch of dirt where the Begonia was not planted yet. Fu Ling quickly said, ¡°Mistress do rest assure, it would be finished before dinner time.¡± ¡°En.¡± Qing Feng did not say anything more. When she returned to her room, the room has been tidied up and the mess that was created last night was no longer there. New curtains of Vallisneria Spiralis that were hung are swaying with the wind making the room feel clean and fresh. By the window stood a small pot of begonias. As it is still summer, the flowers have yet to bloom but a touch of verdant green made one feel warm. Qing Feng gently touched the fresh leaves and smiled, thinking that Fu Ling is indeed very considerate. The bed was cleaned up tidily and the pillow that she had smashed the previous night was placed at the top of the bed. Qing Feng reached her hand out to feel the depths of the pillow and felt a small brocade bag. Qing Feng¡¯s hand that was holding the brocade bag tighten but she still left it at its original place. Qing Feng lay quietly on the bed, everywhere on her body hurts and even though her eyes were closed, she could not sleep. Her mind have never been so clear. She knows what she want and will not hesitate or be at a loss at what to do¨C Qing Feng, even if you don¡¯t play tricks, you must be the pillar that everyone look up to and not let others trample on again! Chapter 44 When Qing Feng woke up it was time to light the lamps. Fu Ling served dinner and she hastily ate a little before letting them withdraw. ¡°Fu Ling, prepare for me to bathe and freshen up.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling thought that Qing Feng was tired because of these two days and wanted to go to bed to rest earlier. Thus she quickly ordered the staff to prepare hot water. When the hot water was sent in, Qing Feng did not quickly start bathing but instead was choosing her clothes as she casually asked, ¡°What colour do you think Yan Hong Tian would like?¡± Fu Ling was stunned for a moment. Is Mistress waiting for the Emperor? Afraid that she will be disappointed, Fu Ling softly replied, ¡°JingShiFang did not mention that the Emperor will be coming¡­¡± ¡°He will come.¡± Qing Feng said it with confidence and Fu Ling dare not reply back. She picked a black chiffon dress and smiled, ¡°This one then.¡± After bathing, Fu Ling helped Qing Feng into the ink-black long dress. The material was not able to cover much, other than the areas covered by the dudou (female¡¯s under garment), her arms and her entire back can be seen clearly. There were layers upon layers of gauze materials, making it not transparent but when she walk, her slender legs were faintly discernible. When Fu Ling saw it, she felt embarrassed that she looked elsewhere. Sitting down in front of the bronze mirror, Qing Feng smiled, ¡°This time you have to put it on prettily.¡± Dressed in all black with long black hair, Fu Ling really did not know how to start to make her up. In addition, whatever that could be added would not be able to match up to this dark black colour. Picking up a coral red hairpin, Fu Ling was about to help pull her hair up in a bun when Qing Feng suddenly took the hairpin from her hands and said, ¡°There is no need any more.¡± Qing Feng stared at her reflection in the bronze mirror and tap some cinnabar on her lips. It was after a long time before she asked, ¡°Does it look good?¡± Look really good. She have never thought that when a female wears black, she could be that beautiful and enchanting. Just that bit of cinnabar was able to create such amorous feelings. Eventually Fu Ling only nodded her head and did not reply if it looks good or not. She did not forget the last time when she said that she was beautiful, there was a shearing hate in her eyes. Perhaps today she would not be like that day but the pain in her heart would be even deeper. Fu Ling looked out the window and saw that the moon had risen high up above. She is afraid that the Emperor would not come. Just as Fu Ling was thinking about it, a shrill voice cried out, ¡°The Emperor has arrived.¡± ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± In a short while, the voice of every palace maids in the courtyard rang out. The Emperor¡­ Indeed came. Fu Ling thought about the scenario when the Emperor came the last time and could not help but worry. She whispered, ¡°Mistress, should the door be opened?¡± That pair of eyes was focused on the facial appearance reflected in the bronze mirror with a light chill. The corner of Qing Feng¡¯s mouth raise to a faint smile as she replied, ¡°Of course it needs to be open but there is no rush.¡± Getting up and walking to the door, QIng Feng said to Fu Ling who was behind her, ¡°You can withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± When Yan Hong Tian stepped into Qing Feng Hall, he thought that it would be a mess inside and did not expect it to be cool and refreshed. There was no peony or scent of the elegant flowers but instead it was a sight of greenery. The Chinese peony was indeed uprooted cleanly and the shorter begonia showed a certain kind of grace that was different and unique. Calculating that the person outside would have enjoyed the scenery enough and his patience was almost running out, Qing Feng then slowly opened the doors, ¡°If the Emperor wants to come, why did no one came to inform? Chenqie did not have time to do any preparation.¡± This was considered as did not have time to do any preparation? Yan Hong Tian squinted his eyes as he saw Qing Feng in a black gauzed long dress, with a cinnabar-touched lips looking so gorgeous and enchanting. Coupled with her haughty temperament, it complement very well together. She was indeed attentive. Entering the room with the flickering candlelight, Yan Hong Tian could then see clearly that her black gauze was only that thin. Yan Hong Tian could not help but laugh, ¡°Are you so sure that Zhen will come?¡± The extreme things that the women in the Inner Palace has done to please him did not surprise him but what she has done so far, he felt that it was a bit interesting. Qing Feng smiled brightly and did not reply to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s question. As she reached out her hands undo his buttons at the side, she continued docility, ¡°The Emperor had a tiring day and have to go to bed early.¡± Yan Hong Tian lightly raised his eyebrows, looking amused at the especially docile female in his arms trying to change out his clothes but he did not say anything and just observe if she have anything up her sleeves. He wondered her slow movements of undoing the buttons was unintentional or there were additional meaning to it. Just like that slowly unbuttoning each button, it causes the exquisite body that was under the layers of black veil be closer. Looking down, one can see the panoramic view of her chest and yet the view of her flack and that ink-black hair coupled with the sheerness of the layers of veils made one want to cover up in shame. This is her newly thought method to seduce him? It¡¯s very good. He likes it. Yan Hong Tian suddenly leaned over and one of his hands slowly picked the strands of hair by her ears, brush his lips lightly against her ears and with one hand running across the thin belt across his waist. ¡°What you wish to have, Zhen can give it to you but¡­ You will not be able to handle it.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hands which were undoing the buttons paused and her chest tightens. The words that he just said, what meaning is there to it? Is it that she is unable to handle him favouring her with his grace or is it that she is unable to handle the splendour behind his favouring or was it saying that she is unable to handle the hidden traps and claws? Slowly taking her hand back, Qing Feng raise her head to look into Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes and deliberately lowered her voice and coldly responded without a tremble, ¡°Do you remember what you told me that night? ¡®As someone who is struggling for her life, you are not qualified to care about the life and death of others.¡¯ I do not wish to die and also do not want them dead, so I must be able to withstand everything.¡± What a good ¡®must be able to withstand everything¡¯! Yan Hong Tian started laughing out and carried the person in his arms towards the depths of the bed. He would later let her know, if she can handle it or not¡­ ***** Fu Ling waited in the courtyard and it was once again a sleepless night. Seemingly getting used to walking to ease her mind, she kept walking around the tree for the entire night. When it was dawn, Wu Gonggong from JingShiFang, per usual, brought a number of eunuchs and appeared in the inside of Qing Feng Hall. Fu Ling saw the bowl of medication in the last eunuch¡¯s hands and secretly sighed. With her body slightly bent, Fu Ling greeted, ¡°Wu Gonggong.¡± Wu Zhi Qiu took a look at her and nodded back. He did not spoke to her like the other time but walked straight to the main house and stopped when he reached the front of the house. Wu Zhi Qiu lightly knocked on the door twice and softly spoke, ¡°Emperor, it is Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am).¡± ¡°En.¡± There was a soft hum from the room and after which there was no more sound or movement. Wu Zhi Qiu silently waited for a while before crying out softly, ¡°Emperor?¡± ¡°Come in.¡± This time his voice is a little louder and that deep voice is a little hoarse but was still distinctive. ¡°Yes.¡± A bunch of people went into the room but Fu Ling did not follow them in and stood at the side of the door quietly. After a while, Yan Hong Tian walked out of the room with Wu Zhi Qiu following closely behind and quietly asking, ¡°Emperor, to keep or not to keep?¡± Yan Hong Tian lightly brandished his hand and Wu Zhi Qiu took a step back understandingly. Fu Ling felt a wave of coldness in her heart. As a female medical attendant, she has a thorough understanding that if this concoction was taken over a long period of time, it would be harmful for the body. As Fu Ling was wondering how to restore Qing Feng¡¯s health, that pair of yellow boots that have walked down the steps suddenly stopped. ¡°Wait.¡± The deep voice stopped the eunuch who was heading inside to deliver the medication. The eunuch was so scared that he immediately knelt down. Wu Zhi Qiu quickly went forward for additional orders but it was only after a long time before Yan Hong Tian softly said, ¡°Keep it.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Wu Zhi Qiu gave a look to the eunuch kneeling on the floor and the eunuch who recognised it, quickly carried the bowl of medication and ran out the hall. After finishing speaking, Yan Hong Tian strode out of Qing Feng Hall. Wu Zhi Qiu, however, was in no hurry to go and walked towards Fu Ling. The previous coldness was swept away and a low voice laughed, ¡°Congratulations, Miss Fu Ling have to take great care of your mistress. In a while, this one will order the Imperial Kitchens to send over some ginseng soup for her Ladyship.¡± Seeing that old face filled with smiles, Fu Ling could not help but to sigh again. The people in the Palace¡­ Covering the contempt in her heart, Fu Ling gave the usual slight bow and replied, ¡°Yes.¡± This time Wu Zhi Qiu did not treat her indifferently and instead nodded with a smile, after which he swaggered out of Qing Feng Hall with the group of eunuch. Waiting until they were all out of the courtyard, Fu Ling then only hurried into the house. Thinking of the bruises that Qing Feng was covered in, Fu Ling¡¯s steps quickened. In the room, separated by screens and layers of draperies, a lean figure sat straight on the bed. Fu Ling called out softly, ¡°Mistress?¡± Qing Feng with a somewhat hoarse voice whispered from inside, ¡°The medication?¡± Fu Ling shook her head gently and replied, ¡°There is no medication. The Emperor said¡­ To keep the Imperial Seeds.¡± Separated by the curtains, Fu Ling was unable to see Qing Feng¡¯s expression and could only hear her voice with a bit hasty, ¡°Prepare the hot water for my bath.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ***** In the big wooden tub that was filled with crushed roses and steam, Qing Feng immersed her entire self into the hot water. That kind of hot and stifle feeling in the water made her feel strangely calm. Last night she did what she could to please Yan Hong Tian and he maniacally possessed her. It was just a night and no one has any intention then but individually both have different thoughts. Between her and him, there was enmity, confrontation, exploitation. Whatever it is, it was their ill-fated relationship. But¡­ Children? She doesn¡¯t want to have his children, really don¡¯t want¡­ ¡°Mistress?!¡± Qing Feng has submerged in the water for far too long thus Fu Ling parted the roses floating on the surface and pull her out of the water. Coming out of the water, Qing Feng took deep breaths and the cool air made her cough over and over again. After managing to recover from the bout of cough, Qing Feng grabbed the towel to wipe her body over and over again. The skin that was reddish due to the hot water was almost torn by her wipes and the love bites behind her ears became even darker. Fu Ling could not bear to see it and stepped forward to hold on to Qing Feng¡¯s hand and took the towel over. She sighed, ¡°Let this servant do it.¡± Qing Feng did not try to be stubborn with Fu Ling and sat there quietly, letting Fu Ling serve her. After the bath, Qing Feng¡¯s emotions gradually calmed down and she suddenly spoke, ¡°Dress me up and put on the makeup.¡± ¡°Mistress, you want to go out?¡± She had not been resting properly for the past few days and endured many emotional upheavals thus she should be resting instead. Seemingly expecting what Fu Ling will say, Qing Feng smiled and replied before she could comment, ¡°Imperial Concubine Hui is sick, we should visit the sick and return in just a while.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Even though Qing Feng said it softly but it was assertive. Fu Ling was helpless to it and could only help to wash and dress up. ***** As the morning sun shone one¡¯s body, it was warm and also rarely comfortable. Qing Feng walked really slowly and from afar, someone saw them and immediately turned around to walk away. Qing Feng squinted her eyes and with her lips arcing to a smile, she loudly shouted, ¡°Stop there.¡± That person stiffen and refused to turn around. Qing Feng had already walked before him before he was compelled to perform a greeting, ¡°This servant, Xu Ji, greets your Ladyship Concubine Qing. May your Ladyship have innumerable safety!¡± Qing Feng smiled, ¡°I was wondering who was it and it turned out to be Steward Xu.¡± Xu Ji trembled and quickly continued, ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Qing Feng pretended not to know and softly asked, ¡°What don¡¯t you dare?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s tone was not high but Xu Zhi broke into a cold sweat. It is widely spread in the Palace that Prime Minister Lou was bent on marrying Qing Ling. Even if her elder sister was not the Prime Minister Lou¡¯s Furen, she will still be a CeFuren (direct translation: side-wife, usually use for the next highest ranked wife but not official wife). Which brother-in-law will not protect their sister-in-law? Moreover the Emperor stay last night at Qing Feng Hall and Wu Gonggong came by the Imperial Kitchens early in the morning to ensure that the ginseng soup is prepared. This was only done for concubines whom the Emperor allowed to get pregnant! If she were to bear the Emperor¡¯s heir¡­ Aiya, his life would be hard to maintain! The more he thought, the more he grew afraid and Xu Zhi went down on his knees and repetitively lay down his sins, ¡°This servant deserve to die. Previously, this one was senseless and have offended your Ladyship, would your Ladyship be kind as to forgive this lowly one.¡± ¡°What is Steward Xu talking about, is Bengong such a narrow-minded person?¡± ¡°This servant did not mean that! Seeking forgiveness from your Ladyship!¡± Xu Ji became so much more terrified that he almost wanted to kowtow. Seeing enough of his fear and trepidation like a servant, Qing Feng then waved her hands and smiled, ¡°Lets drop the matter since you and I seem to have some fate, As I only entering the Palace for a short while and we stroke such a relationship. The last time the meals that you arranged was towards Bengong¡¯s liking, in the future, would need to bother you more on Bengong¡¯s meal. Do raise.¡± Surviving and climbing up in the Palace for all these years, Xu Ji is considered a smart person and could hear what Qing Feng¡¯s words meant. He immediately respectfully and flatteringly replied, ¡°Thank you your Ladyship! This servant will definitely serve the Emperor and your Ladyship even better. More effort will be used to serve your Ladyship!¡± ¡°Withdraw then.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Ji took a long breath and retreated with a shaking smile on his face. He did not think that he would be so lucky today that Qing Feng would actually let it go. If it was like this, it is actually a good thing that she is favoured. Maybe he can get some sweet deals out of it. Seeing that vile look on his face, Fu Ling worriedly whisper her cautions, ¡°Mistress, Xu Ji is narrow minded and will bend as the wind blows¡­¡± Qing Feng started to laugh out, ¡°Smart people knows how to bend as the wind blows.¡± Chapter 45 Within Ling Yun Palace, Chen Zhen was lying on the couch reading when a palace maid softly entered the room and stopped by Wu-er¡¯s side, softly saying, ¡°Older sister Wu-er, Concubine Qing is outside asking for an audience.¡± Chen Zhen looked up from her book, scaring the palace maid into kneeling down. Imperial Concubine Hui prefer quietness and usually her Ladyship¡¯s temperament was really good but one must never to disturb her when she is reading or resting. The palace maid was so scared that she was shaking. Wu-er waved her hands at her and the palace maid immediately retreated out. What is she doing here? Chen Zhen¡¯s brow knitted and Wu-er spoke, ¡°This servant will reply her saying that your Ladyship has yet to wake up.¡± When Wu-er was almost at the door, Chen Zhen suddenly voiced out, ¡°No need, invite her in.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Even if Wu-er was reluctant to do it, she did not dare to go against Chen Zhen¡¯s wishes thus she could only go out to welcome Qing Feng in. When Qing Feng entered the house, she saw Chen Zhen half lying on the couch, without any signs of wanting to get up. Qing Feng walked to her and gave a bow and greeting, ¡°Qing Feng greets your Ladyship Imperial Concubine Hui.¡± Chen Zhen pulled the blanket over to cover up her body and softly replied, ¡°No need to be too polite. After one enters the Inner Palace, one is the Emperor¡¯s women. We should refer to one another as sisters.¡± Qing Feng secretly raised her eyebrow, the females in the Inner Palace indeed really like to refer one another as ¡°sisters¡±. The last time when the Empress said it, Qing Feng was dismissive but this time Qing Feng obediently replied, ¡°As what older sister says.¡± Looking around Ling Yun Palace, Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Older sister¡¯s place is furnished really elegantly and refined.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s words were not half-heartedly at all. Chen Zhen¡¯s place was indeed fitting to be called ¡°elegant and refined¡±. The spacious main hall, the plain white curtains swaying with the wind, a painting of irises and orchids were hanged in the position facing the door, a large comfortable slightly tilting bed couch was placed beside the opened window and there was a mid-height bookshelf place beside it. Chen Zhen was lying by her side on the soft couch, looking sleepy but not losing her elegance. Qing Feng silently sighed,this is a female which one will feel comfortable at sight. It is just that maybe she was thoroughly ill, as she still wore a long shawl in the midsummer morning and cover herself to the chest with a thin blanket. Chen Zhen smile faintly, ¡°I¡¯m flattered.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s gaze stopped at a koi embroidery in front of the window and her eyes slightly narrowed. Qing Feng walked over and lightly touched the delicate silk. Qing Feng was entranced with it as Chen Zhen slowly sat up and said, ¡°Younger sister is also interested in embroidery?¡± This silk was extremely familiar. Covering the suspicions in her heart, Qing Feng looked at the embroidered koi and smiled, ¡°I was only sighing about older sister¡¯s skill. The ability to sew such intricate embroidery on such valuable type of silk really make this younger sister feel incompetent. Anyway to be able to have this thin of silk, it is indeed uncommon. Presumably a rare item.¡± ¡°This is not anything exotic as the Weaving Department will make a few bouts every quarter. It is just that this material is too thin for clothes and too delicate for handkerchief thus the mistresses of every palace doesn¡¯t like to use it. Only I love its fine and soft texture as it is best for embroidery. If younger sister likes it, then do take some of it.¡± ¡°Then many thanks for it older sister.¡± Qing Feng secretly watched Chen Zhen¡¯s expression, gentle and natural. Could it be that she has thought too much into it? Chen Zhen raise her hand to Wu-er who was standing beside and Wu-er walked into the chambers. After a short while, she came out with half a bout of silk and Fu Ling went up to receive it. Qing Feng sat down on one of the stools and for a moment there was nothing said between the two person as they do not have any interaction before. It was fortunate that both of them were introverted people that staying silent was not awkward for both of them. When the tea was drank to half, Qing Feng then smile and said, ¡°Actually, I am here today to discuss about an issue with older sister. I like to paint, older sister love embroidery and Qiong Yue ceremony is approaching. Why not both of us offer a gift during the celebration? I would draw and older sister would do the embroidery. The Emperor would definitely be very fond of the gift. It¡¯s just that I do not know if older sister¡¯s health¡­¡± ¡°This is a a very good idea but recently my health is not very good so younger sister can draw the design and let the Weaving Department to rush it out before the celebration.¡± ¡°That is also a good idea. Once I have finish drawing, it would then be brought to older sister to view. With regards to the embroidery, it would be best to have older sister¡¯s advice.¡± ¡°You are being too modest.¡± With the topic of embroidery, both of them could continue to chat and a shichen (modern: 2 hours) quickly passed. Seeing the colour in the sky, Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Did not think that older sister and me could hit it off so well. It would seem that it is almost noon and I do not want to delay older sister to rest. Qing Feng will retire and come back tomorrow for a visit.¡± Still coming here tomorrow? Chen Zhen quickly said, ¡°This is an old chronic problem and should not trouble younger sister to come over everyday.¡± ¡°It is of no trouble. I am also very bored in the Palace, if older sister do not mind, we would be one another partners. Qing Feng will retire.¡± Finishing her words and not waiting for Chen Zhen to speak, Qing Feng gave a bow and left Ling Yun Palace with Fu Ling. Qing Feng left arrogantly like that and made her mistress frown deeply. Wu-er started to get angry and scolded softly, ¡°She is being too much!¡± Chen Zhen have been thinking about the purpose of Qing Feng¡¯s visit today and only recovered when she heard the girl beside her complaining. She looked up and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°She need not come over early in the morning to agitate your Ladyship even though the Emperor graced her last night.¡± Wu-er grumpily complained about the injustice. Chen Zhen laugh in spite of herself, ¡°She is not such a meaningless person.¡± She is not? Wu-er did not understand and asked, ¡°Then why is she here?¡± Chen Zhen shook her head. She also wanted to know what was Qing Feng here for. When the topic of embroidery was brought up, Qing Feng saw the embroidery she did and casually commented on it. What is her purpose of coming here today and why is there a need to come again tomorrow? Wu-er lowered her voice and spoke to Chen Zhen worriedly, ¡°Your Ladyship, if she comes here everyday, it would be easy for her to find out.¡± ¡°Stop mentioning about it. Just wait and observe the changes.¡± The words touched on Chen Zhen¡¯s anxieties and her brows unconsciously furrowed. Listening to what Qing Feng spoke the other day, she guessed that Qing Feng would not be resigned to her fate and she is afraid that the Inner Palace will no longer be peaceful. But why did she not direct it to the Empress and Empress Dowager and instead came to her. Ai. She has miscalculated this time, she should not have provoked Qing Feng. ***** Exiting Ling Yun Palace, Qing Feng leisurely walked in front and asked in a cold voice, ¡°Is it that kind of silk?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± That night she re-sew the brocade bag and carefully inspected it. The light and soft texture with the weaving grain are all consistent with the bolt of silk in her arms. Qing Feng¡¯s leisurely pace did not change but her voice got colder, ¡°Go and inquire from the Weaving Department if it was like what Chen Zhen has said that this material can be used by anyone and¡­ Within the past six months, which palace has asked for it.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Both of them were walking on a small trail between flowers with an earthy fragrance and warmth of the sun surrounded them and the green leaves above their head interrupted the sun rays to many strands and landed on the neatly-arrange quartzite little road. It was Qing Feng¡¯s favourite place as it is shady, peaceful and secluded and the flowers are arranged better as compared to the Imperial Gardens. Qing Feng slow her pace down and at this time a green clad child ran over from an arched door all the way to Qing Feng¡¯s side. He bowed to his waist and lowered his voice to speak, ¡°Your Ladyship Concubine Qing, Prime Minister Lou let this servant pass a message over saying that Lou Furen is doing fine now. Please do not worry about it.¡± The child suddenly sprang out of nowhere, scaring Qing Feng and Fu Ling. Hearing his words, Qing Feng was then able to recover from it and size him up. The child was shorter than her, his voice is clear and bright and he spoke quickly, seemingly like he was twelve or thirteen. Settling her mind, Qing Feng then whispered back, ¡°I understand. Which palace are you from?¡± ¡°This servant is Xiao Liu-zi, working in the Imperial Household.¡± Pausing a while, the little child seem to have thought about something and softly replied, ¡°If you have any message to be passed to Prime Minister Lou or Furen, this servant can do so.¡± The little child looks very smart but Qing Feng did not let him carry any messages and only answered back plainly, ¡°You can withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Just like he came, the little child jogged a few steps and went into the small trail leading to an arched door, quickly disappearing from Qing Feng¡¯s sight. Elder Sister was taken away by Lou Xi Yan and with his great care, she was very assured. Recalling Lou Xi Yan¡¯s rage that day, Qing Feng was very curious. How would he handle it in the end? It was obvious who was the one who did it but the other party is the Empress Dowager, who is the Emperor¡¯s blood mother, what does he want to do? What can be done? Suddenly not in the mood to appreciate the scenery, Qing Feng¡¯s pace quickened and they both arrive in Qing Feng Hall shortly. Xia Yin was about to arrange lunch when she saw them returning. Xia Yin went out and softly informed, ¡°Your Ladyship, Zheng Yang Palace sent a message over saying that the Emperor will come over tonight to have dinner with your Ladyship. This servant has already informed the Imperial Kitchens to prepare accordingly.¡± ¡°En. Just order them to do what should be done. Lunch is not needed and I want to rest for a while.¡± Xia Yin secretly gave a sigh of relief. This mistress is different from other mistresses. According to past experiences, the arrival of the Emperor does not necessarily make her happy. Xia Yin lifted her head and answered, ¡°Yes.¡± Her eyes inadvertently saw the bout of silk that Fu Ling was holding and Xia Yin¡¯s heart started thumping wildly and her face turned pale. It was fortunate that Qing Feng and Fu Ling had already entered the house. Xia Yin¡¯s hand gently covered her chest as she quietly retreated. ***** When it just reached the time to light the lamps, the Imperial Kitchens brought dinner in successively, filling the entire long table. In a short while, a eunuch¡¯s far away shrill cry can be heard, ¡°The Emperor has arrived.¡± When Yan Hong Tian step into Qing Feng Hall, that elegant figure has already half knelt down to receive him, ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± ¡°Rise.¡± Holding her hand to help her up, Yan Hong Tian teased, ¡°Zhen thought that you are accustomed to receive by closing the doors.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s lips curled up to a smile as she softly replied, ¡°If the Emperor likes it, Chenqie would gladly do it.¡± Yan Hong Tian started to laugh, recently because of the celebration issues, he was worn out by work. The feeling of having someone to bicker with actually felt good. ¡°Bring the meal over.¡± Yan Hong Tian seem to be a little exhausted today as he did not spoke during the meal. Qing Feng pick the dishes for him as she spoke, ¡°Chenqie went to Imperial Concubine Hui today for a walk and saw that Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s embroidery is surperb. So Chenqie discussed with her a while and decided to work together to offer an embroidery work as an offering to the celebration. I would draw it, the Weaving Department will rush it out and Imperial Concubine Hui will provide the guidance. What does the Emperor think of it?¡± ¡°Of course it is good. It is rare to see you in such a mood.¡± Yan Hong Tian faced Gao Jing who was standing behind and said, ¡°Gao Jing, decreed the Weaving Department to send ten people over for Feng-er to dispatch.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The name Feng-er that he called sounded very natural but Qing Feng felt like her heart was struck by someone. In the past, only her beloved family would call her like that. Now hearing it from Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mouth, it was really loathing. Pressing down her angry thoughts, Qing Feng softly replied, ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian was extremely acute and naturally could sense the dissatisfaction from Qing Feng. Picking up a piece of pastry to her lips, he smiled and said, ¡°Feng-er, eat a bit more.¡± He deliberately did that! Qing Feng glared at him which made Yan Hong Tian laugh as he was happier. Fu Ling timely served up the hot tea and broke the turbulent undercurrent between both of them. Yan Hong Tian took a sip and felt that it has a slightly harsh taste but after the aftertaste was sweet. Thinking back about it, the colour of the tea was bright green and the leaves are uniformly dark green. This was different from what he usually drank. Yan Hong Tian curiously asked, ¡°What tea is this?¡± ¡°The Mistress saw that the Emperor was recently working very hard on the matters of state, thus specially instructed this servant to prepare a calming and soothing tea.¡± Yan Hong Tian looked up and saw a young female holding a tea tray and stood quietly by the side. The sober face look soft but there was a bit of temperament. Yan Hong Tian laughed at Qing Feng, ¡°You still manage to hide an exquisite girl. It is hard to see that she would be able to serve such a crafty person like you and should be rewarded.¡± Qing Feng seized the opportunity and replied, ¡°What does the Emperor prepare to reward?¡± ¡°What is your name?¡± Fu Ling softly replied, ¡°This servant is called Fu Ling.¡± ¡°Zhen will reward¡­ Fu Ling will now be promoted to a female official of fifth rank.¡± Yan Hong Tian seemingly sounded like he only spoke a casual sentence but Fu Ling¡¯s face turned white and immediately knelt down, ¡°Fu Ling don¡¯t dare.¡± Qing Feng was also stumped for words with Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sudden bestowal. Once she saw Fu Ling¡¯s pale face and frown, she could not help but to have some suspicions. For the Emperor to bestow a female official, why would they be this frightened? Qing Feng does not understand the status of Qiong Yue female officials but Fu Ling has been in the Palace for ten over years and naturally know it better than anyone else. There is a ranking system for female officials. Shui Xin and Xiao Yu is the Palace¡¯s highest ranking female officials at the forth rank, and was only slightly lower in rank than the assistant ministers in the various ministries. In the various dynasties, there is not many female officials that even Wu-er, who was serving Imperial Concubine Hui for so many years, was promoted to the female official and of the same fifth rank. Over the many years, there was no instances of palace maids serving concubines that was promoted to the rank of female officials. Let alone her who was working as a lowly ranked palace maid for so many years. Qing Feng seldom see Fu Ling losing her compose to that extent and thought about whether or not to reject this reward. Yan Hong Tian suddenly lean over with an evil smile and whispered provocatively into her ear, ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t you want to have the upper hand in the Palace? Now you dare not accept Zhen¡¯s favours?¡± Ssi¨C As he was saying, Yan Hong Tian bit her earlobe. Qing Feng clenched her teeth and spoke loudly, ¡°Fu Ling, quickly thank the Emperor for his grace.¡± This outcome is also good, there were quite a number of things that she did not trust others and would get Fu Ling to carry it out. With a status of a female official, it would be easier and convenient for her to carry out tasks. After all, everyone in this Palace would flatter the top and bully the ones below them. The matter was settled with that. Fu ling took a deep breath, calm her mood down and knelt to thank the favour, ¡°Thanking the Emperor¡¯s grace. Long live the Emperor.¡± ¡°All of you can withdraw.¡± Yan Hong Tian waved his hands and everyone retreated out of the place. Qing Feng thought that he has something to say to her but who knew that Yan Hong Tian carried her up and walked into the inner chambers and place her on the bed. Its¡­ Only just past Xushi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9pm)! The palace maids¡¯ and eunuchs¡¯ steps and voices outside could be heard clearly, Qing Feng awkwardly stared at Yan Hong Tian, who was sitting and half propped himself to look at her. It was also Qing Feng first time looking at his face in such silence. Sharp brows to his temple, unfortunately it is always creasing, the dark eyes were like stars but unfortunately it was too deep, the shadows under his eyes made him look tired and his lips were thin and moist, unfortunately it was always clenched¡­ ¡°Have you seen enough?¡± A deep voice startled her staring and Qing Feng lightly coughed and replied, ¡°You are exhausted today.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s words hardly finished when Yan Hong Tian suddenly lowered himself and both bodies stuck together. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s deep voice sounded again, ¡°There is still enough strength to want you.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s face has flushed red till her ears. It is stupid to discuss this with men, especially Yan Hong Tian type of person. Qing Feng turned her head over to the side and did not reply. There was also no more actions from Yan Hong Tian after a long time. Qing Feng curiously turn over to look at him when that pair of eyes full of mischief looked at her laughingly. Qing Feng got irritated became angry and just as she wanted to push him away, the hands around her waist tighten and Yan Hong Tian hugged her from behind and a deep voice sounded from her neck, ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s body stiffen but after a long time, there was no movement from the man at her back. Qing Feng called out in a soft voice, ¡°Emperor?¡± ¡°Yan Hong Tian?¡± Her only response was his even breathing. He fell asleep? Qing Feng tried to struggle for a bit but the large hands on her waist did not allow her to do so and she could only give up in the end. Annoyed that he actually fell asleep, Qing Feng kicked him twice. Can¡¯t he sleep in his Zheng Yang Palace? And the man that she thought was sleeping soundly inadvertently flip his body over and press on top on her. So heavy¡­ Qing Feng felt like weeping but had no tears. ***** The night was already late but the eunuchs and palace maids in Yi Lan Palace was still standing straight, diligently keeping guard in the courtyard, not daring to show a hint of fatigue as the candles were still lit in the Empress¡¯s chambers. ¡°What exactly is the Emperor thinking!¡± An angry low voice sounded from the chambers. Xin Yue Ning really did not understand. A few days back, the Emperor did not bother about Qing Feng and even though the Emperor flip over Qing Feng¡¯s plaque, he did not went over. But now, he has gone continuously for seven nights to Qing Feng Hall. Even during the time when the Emperor was favouring Chen Zhen, he never did that before. Even the palace maid serving by Qing Feng¡¯s side was also elevated to the rank of a female official. The Emperor has never favoured a female to this extent before, what exactly is Qing Feng¡¯s charm? Xin Yue Ning anxiously paced back and forth while Shui Xin quietly stood in front of the dividing screen and continue to update on Qing Feng¡¯s current activities, ¡°Qing Feng have been heading daily to Ling Yun Palace to accompany Imperial Concubine and leaving only in the afternoon.¡± Xin Yue Ning stopped in her steps and urgently spoke, ¡°What are both of them doing together?¡± Originally she was thinking of using Qing Feng to obstruct Chen Zhen spirits but who knew that they were actually together. ¡°Composing poetry, painting, playing chess and appreciating tea.¡± Xin Yue Ning coldly scoffed, ¡°So there is time for such pursuits? Qing Feng wants to get together with Chen Zhen to go against with Bengong!¡± Staring at Shui Xin, who was standing quietly at the side, Xin Yue Ning urgently spoke, ¡°Quickly help Bengong to think of an idea. One Chen Zhen is already enough and now there is a Qing Feng to deal with. Lou Xi Yan was possessed to insist on marrying Qing Ling and thus Qing Feng has Lou Xi Yan as her backing. With the additional favour from the Emperor and Chen Zhen alliance, there would not be any position for Bengong in the Palace!¡± Seeing Xin Yue Ning flustered and exasperated, Shui Xin advised softly, ¡°Mistress do not need to be angry¡­¡± Before Shui Xin can finish her words, Xin Yue Ning heard her cold words and got even more frustrated and shouted, ¡°How can Bengong not be angry! The worst of all is that if she got pregnant with an imperial child¡­¡± The more Xin Yue Ning thought, the more she got angry and glared at Shui Xin to scold, ¡°Its all your fault.! If you had gotten rid of her earlier on, there would not be so much troubles now!¡± Xin Yue Ning snapped and Shui Xin, who accustomed to it, quickly became calm and softly replied, ¡°Mistress, keep calm and don¡¯t get agitated. Allowing to have children does not mean able to conceive. Moreover, it is a good thing that Qing Feng and Imperial Concubine Hui are closer to one another as Mistress is able to shoot two birds with one arrow.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s eyes brighten as she urgently asked, ¡°What of shooting two birds with one arrow?¡± Shui Xin took a slight step forward and whispered softly into Xin Yue Ning¡¯s ear, ¡°Mistress can¡­¡± Listening to what Shui Xin spoke, Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face changed a number of times, from worried to excitment. Xin Yue Ning lowered her voice and replied, ¡°Good! Do it like that then! You can go and prepare but this matter must be carefully carried out. Not a flaw can be detected.¡± Shui Xin lightly nodded her head and replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s mood was much better and her face was flushed due to the excitement and nervousness. Taking a deep breath, Xin Yue Ning could not replace the smile on her face. If this matter is successful, she would be able to get rid of both of them! Chapter 46 Choushi (modern timing: 1 ¨C 3 am) has passed and it was deep in the night. The nights in the summer did not feel warm and it was the perfect weather to have a good night sleep. The Emperor did not come over this night thus there was only a red lantern in the entire Qing Feng Hall. The palace maid that was on night vigil was napping and the courtyard was so quiet that one can only hear the rustling of leaves in the breeze. In the darkness of the night, a lone slim figure slowly opened the door and walked softly towards the side doors. When she walked out the door, another slender figure followed her out. In the middle of the night on the palace road, there was only a lantern that was lit. Fu Ling watch the figure lightly running and her brows were knitted tightly. That day after she brought back that silk brocade bag, Mistress had her monitor for any suspicious activities from anyone in Qing Feng Hall. Lan-er and a few palace maids curiously asked a few question but only Xia Yin stay away and dare not look at all. She has monitored her for a few days and finally she moved tonight. Xia Yin was being very careful and as she ran, she kept looking at her surrounding. Fu Ling was afraid that she would discover her and dare not follow her too closely. After following for a while, Fu Ling gradually found out the direction that Xia Yin was heading towards¡­ Seemingly Ling Yun Palace? Fu Ling conjecture was indeed correct, seeing Xia Yin stopping at the back door of Ling Yun Palace, she knocked softly twice before the door opened. Xia Yin immediately entered and the door closed again. As she was too far from her, Fu Ling could not see clearly who was it that opened the doors for Xia Yin and just as she wanted to get closer so that when Xia Yin leaves, she would be able to see who was meeting up with her, a sudden male voice sounded, ¡°Who is it?¡± The sudden fierce voice made Fu Ling jump in shock. Before she could respond, a sword has blocked her path. Although it was not removed from its scabbard, the killing intent by that person scared Fu Ling into not moving a muscle. ¡°Who are you? Which palace do you come from?¡± An indifferent male voice sounded again and Fu Ling looked up to see the owner of the sword. It was a man clad with the guard¡¯s uniform and that tall figure overshadowed her without her knowledge. His black eyes stared at her, without giving in to the dark black night. This person¡­ Seems familiar, but where did she see him? Fu Ling didn¡¯t seem to remember. The male was impatient and glanced at the palace placard hanging on Fu Ling¡¯s waist. Fu Ling felt a sharp pain on her waist and the palace placard was pulled off. Ming Ze looked at the delicate white jade palace placard in his hand, is this a placard for female officials? Upon taking a closer look at the carved words, it was indicated Qing Feng Hall and the back of it engraved with ¡®fifth grade ¨C Fu Ling¡¯. Qing Feng Hall? She is the female official by her side? Ming Ze look once over at this female called Fu Ling, clean outlook, calm eyes and even facing his sword, her face only slightly change and did not lose her grace. Sheathing back his sword, Ming Ze coldly asked, ¡°It is already so late, what are you doing here?¡± Fu Ling secretly took a deep breath and calm herself down before faintly replying, ¡°Was walking around as it was too hot to sleep.¡± Too hot? This excuse was clearly not smart at all but it also render one speechless. A normal palace maid or eunuch would not be able to walk around in the Palace after Xushi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 pm) without their mistress instructions. But Fu Ling rank is higher than his fifth rank third class and for her to walk around to ¡°enjoy the cool air¡±, it is not for him to manage it. With a self-depreciating thought, Ming Ze handled the white jade placard back to her and said in a cold expression, ¡°It is late, do return back.¡± With her eyes glancing over the closed door, Fu Ling was worried that Xia Yin would come out to see her and the guard and it would definitely arouse her suspicions. Taking the placard from Ming Ze, Fu Ling quickly walked away. Fu Ling walked ahead while Ming Ze followed behind. He was taller and bigger in size but his footsteps were very light. If it was not the long shadows cast by the moon, Fu Ling did not feel that anyone was behind her. After the shadow has been following her for a while, Fu Ling finally stop her steps and turned back to ask, ¡°Why are you following me?¡± Ming Ze coldly retorted, ¡°This guard is on night patrol.¡± Fu Ling started to get angry but she could not flare it out. It would seem that if he does not see her entering Qing Feng Hall, he would not rest. Fu Ling was thinking of getting rid of Ming Ze and her steps were quite urgent when she suddenly trip over herself. ¡°Ah!¡± Fu Ling cried out and before her cries finished, she was lifted up by her arms by someone. After staggering for a bit, Fu Ling manage to stand up. She seems like a very calm person, how would she trip over when walking? Unless it is true that whatever Mistress would have the same kind of servant? Thinking about that rainy night, Qing Feng was drenched and was in a sorry state. Ming Ze could not help but raised his lips. Fu Ling wanted to give her thanks but when she looked up, she saw a smile between his eyebrows. Even though it was light but he was smiling. That smile broke the coldness and loneliness on his face making him look much softer. What was exactly so funny about her?! Struggling off Ming Ze¡¯s hand, Fu Ling accelerated her pace and almost ran back, not caring if that person behind was following or not. Upon reaching the side doors of Qing Feng Hall, Fu Ling wanted to push it open but only realise that it was locked from the inside. Xia Yin has came back? Or was it the eunuch who was patrolling found that it was not lock and thus locked it? Fu Ling was pondering about it when that long shadows appeared behind her. Fu Ling silently cursed, this person seriously cannot stop lingering around her like a soul! With lack of a better option, Fu Ling could only gently knock on the door. After a while, a palace maid voice sounded from the inside, ¡°Who is that?¡± ¡°It is me, Fu Ling.¡± The doors quickly opened and the palace maid¡¯s head popped out to verify that it was her before she quickly opened the door and asked, ¡°Older sister Fu Ling? It is already so late, why are you still out?¡± ¡°Just go in.¡± Fu Ling naturally did not answer her and pushed the palace maid in. As she stepped in, Fu Ling turned her head to look back but there was no one behind her? Where is¡­ He? Fu Ling stood at the doorway to look around, the palace maid also looked curiously out the door and only saw the wane shadows of the trees that was cast by the moon that were gently shaking and the lanterns that were lit afar. There was no one in the palace road. The palace maid asked, ¡°What is older sister Fu Ling looking at?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Recovering herself, Fu Ling closed the main doors. Fu Ling did not enquire from the palace maid if Xia Yin had came back or not and went straight back to her room under her puzzled look. Entering the room, Fu Ling lightly lean against the window frame and wanted to see when will Xia Yin return. Upon waiting for half a sichen (modern: 1 sichen = 2 hours) she still did not see her at all. Fu Ling yawned and her placard fell from her sleeves. Seeing the cooling white jade, that cold face appeared in her mind and his faint smile on his lips too. Who is he? Why did she think that he is familiar? ***** The begonia was not as delicate as the peony and could adapt to the new soil quickly. It grew to be more verdant and greener, turning the condensation into dew in the morning. It was such a beautiful sight. Half opening the window, Qing Feng sat in front of the bronze mirror and with a hand propping her cheek, she was staring at the begonia outside in a good mood. After a long time, the usually deft Fu Ling have yet to comb her hair. Qing Feng look at Fu Ling bowing her head down through the bronze mirror and could not help but notice her thoughtful look and did not notice that Qing Feng has been looking at her for a while. ¡°What are you preoccupied with?¡± A clear voice suddenly sounded and Fu Ling gathered her thoughts and saw Qing Feng¡¯s smiling eyes in the bronze mirror. Fu Ling embarrassingly shook her head and said, ¡°Nothing.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s brows slightly raised, indicating that she did not believe what she just said. Fu Ling avoided eye contact and as she was styling her hair to a bun, she spoke, ¡°This servant heard from the Weaving Department that those silk material were made from the jade silkworms (a breed of silkworm). It is extremely expensive and only the Empress Dowager and the favoured mistresses will be eligible to receive some. Within these two seasons, only Ling Yun Palace picked up three bolts of it.¡± ¡°And there is one more thing¡­ Xia Yin went to Ling Yun Palace last night.¡± After being hesitant for a moment, Fu Ling only then continued, ¡°She entered from the side door. As the night was too dark, this servant was unable to see clearly who she met up with.¡± ¡°Continue to observe her, see if other than going to Ling Yun Palace, who else is she close with.¡± After being in contact with Chen Zhen in these few days, Qing Feng felt that she is a gentle but aloof person. Will such a person use such a vicious way of not allowing her to be pregnant? Even though Qing Feng did not believe it, but she also did not relax at all. ¡°Oh yes, these few days you should go and find out about which Darens are looking into the matter of my Elder Sister drowning and what of the four eunuchs related to it.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling softly replied back. Seeing that she was like in a trance the entire morning, Qing Feng took the comb from her hands and softly said, ¡°You must not have slept well last night. You do not need to accompany me here. Go back and sleep.¡± Seeing Qing Feng¡¯s worried look, Fu Ling felt her heart warmed. Picking up the golden hairpin and placing it into her hairstyle, Fu Ling smiled, ¡°This servant is not tired.¡± She was just thinking if she should inform Mistress about her being stopped by the guard last night. Never mind. He seems like one who would mind their own business and one less thing is better than one more thing to worry about. It seems that there are some things that Fu Ling did not want to talk about and Qing Feng did not ask more about it. When she finish styling her hair, Qing Feng walked to the painting she was working on for the past few days and softly instructed, ¡°Help to prepare the ink.¡± Fu Ling prepared the ink and placed it at the side. Qing Feng stared at the painting for a long time without picking up the brush. Usually she like to paint the entire thing in one go and she would not mind if there is any flaws but she has been painting this for a few days just to show the best effect of the ink. The brush was soaked with the black ink but it was quickly dipped into clean water. When Qing Feng use the brush to paint, the water and ink left a trace of light ink which gave a misty feel when it overlap yesterday¡¯s work. When the final brush was completed, Qing Feng took a deep breath. Finally it is completed. Fu Ling look at the painting on the large table and sighed, ¡°This painting drawn by Mistress should be mounted instead of passing it to the Weaving Department, as they would not be able to replicate the charisma of it.¡± Even though she has not much knowledge about paintings or books, her embroidering skills are also average but she was able to tell. The way the ink strokes set the mood of the painting will not be captured by the embroidery stitches. She wanted it impossible to be embroidered! From the beginning when she suggested a joint gift for the ceremony with Imperial Concubine Hui, it was only for the opportunity to approach her. Qing Feng had never wanted her painting to be hand over to the weaving department. She put in so much effort so that she would be able to seize the attention of Yan Hong Tian too. Towards her, be it be a prey or some novelty, she did not care about what Yan Hong Tian view her. What she wanted was not his love anyway. ¡°Let¡¯s take this to Imperial Concubine Hui to assess if it can be embroidered.¡± Qing Feng has been confident with her painting all along and she is now looking forward to what kind of remarks will Chen Zhen give. When the ink was finally dried, it was already in the afternoon. When Qing Feng and Fu Ling reached Ling Yun Palace, a male clad in an official attireIs younger sister painting finished came out. When the man saw her, he froze for a bit before standing at the side to bow at her. Qing Feng saw that he had a medicine box in his hands and stopped in front of him to ask, ¡°You are the physician who is taking care of Imperial Concubine Hui?¡± The male half knelt to greet, ¡°This official Lin Feng greets your Ladyship Concubine Qing.¡± ¡°Physician Lin, what kind of illness is the Imperial Concubine Hui is suffering from that there is no sign of improvements for almost a month?¡± And it seems to be getting worse these few days. Chen Zhen almost could not get out of bed and spent most of the days lying down. ¡°Her Ladyship Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s¡­ Health is very week and the wind has already seep into her body thus it require a longer time to recuperate.¡± Qing Feng only causally asked but Lin Feng¡¯s cautious and hesitant answer made her suspicious. Lin Feng was still half kneeling on the floor and Qing Feng did not call him up. On the contrary, Qing Feng squatted down to be able to see him at eye-level and she said lightly, ¡°You should know that Imperial Concubine Hui has a delicate body, if her Ladyship¡¯s health is affected, it would be useless to have many heads on top of your shoulders.¡± Lin Feng never would have imagine that Qing Feng would have squatted down to speak to him. He did not dare to look at Qing Feng and quickly bowed his head to his knees. Hearing Qing Feng deliberately emphasising the word ¡°heads¡±, he could not help but shivered. ¡°Younger sister don¡¯t make things difficult for him. I know my health, slowly recuperate will be fine. Physician Lin, you can withdraw.¡± The soft female voice sounded behind him allows him to heave a sigh of relief. He quickly performed the greeting and retreated out of the room. Why is he that terrified? Qing Feng look at the direction where Lin Feng have left when Chen Zhen went up to her and gave a rare enthusiastic expression and smile to her, ¡°Is younger sister¡¯s painting finished?¡± ¡°Yes it is. I have brought it to older sister to evaluate it. If it is good, it would be sent to the Weaving Department.¡± Qing Feng recovered her sight and entered the courtyard together with her. Two palace maid rolled the painting and it was more than ten feet in length. When the painting was fully presented to Chen Zhen, she who has seen numerous number of paintings could not help but be amazed. It was indeed a grand painting of magnificent mountains. From a distance, one could see a ridge between the misty clouds. Chen Zhen sighed in her heart, Qing Feng really deserve her reputation. Just by relying the different shades of ink and with simple and casual strokes of the brush, she was able to draw such a magnificent piece. Chen Zhen sounded really convincing as she spoke lowly, ¡°Younger sister do not need to give.¡± Qing Feng gently raised her eyebrows and asked, ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°This kind of masterpiece they will not be able to embroider it out. It is best for younger sister to frame it up. The Emperor will definitely like it.¡± The Emperor always like magnificent things, and a rare masterpiece like this would definitely catch the Emperor¡¯s heart. Qing Feng was that thoughtful and talented that no one was able to resist it. Feeling that her chest was a bit constricted, Chen Zhen staggered and Qing Feng reached out to support her. It was only then when she found that Chen Zhen¡¯s hand was extremely soft and cold. Qing Feng asked, ¡°Are you all right?¡± It was already in the late summer afternoon, why was her hands that cold? Chen Zhen quickly withdrew her hands and Wu-er quickly stepped forward to support her. ¡°I am tired. May younger sister leave.¡± Chen Zhen turned and walked back into the house, not bothering if Qing Feng was in the courtyard. Wu-er even shut the door after them. Looking at the tightly shut doors, Qing Feng lost her smile. It was her first time being ¡°chased¡± out like this. What illness is Chen Zhen suffering from? This illness does seem a little strange? ***** Hall of the Ministry of Justice ¡°Prime Minister Lou.¡± Liu Hong, who was the Justice Official in charge of investigating the incident in the Imperial Gardens, gave a respectable bow. Even though Lou Xi Yan¡¯s face was gentle and smiling, Lui Hong was so tense that he swallowed again. After taking over the case he then knew that the person that fell into the water was Prime Minister Lou¡¯s wife to be and the target of the investigation was the Inner Palace. With the Emperor¡¯s decree to mange it strictly, if this case was not settled properly, losing his position would be a small problem, he was only afraid that he would offend someone that he should not be offending and lose his life in the process. With a cup of clear tea in his hands, Lou Xi Yan was neither slow or quick when he asked, ¡°How was the investigation?¡± Liu Hong quickly replied, ¡°Among the four eunuch, one had committed suicide by biting off his tongueShe is indeed stayed in the Palace and the remaining three denied the attempt of murdering Miss Qing Ling. The four of them were originally working in the Imperial Household and were Liu Zhi Hai¡¯s lower ranked eunuchs. Normally they were tasked to do small errands and seem not the type to create trouble.¡± Commit suicide by biting off their tongues¡­ A trace of coldness flash across Lou Xi Yan¡¯s eyes as he lightly tap his finger on the teacup and asked, ¡°Who else do they have in their family? Where are they now?¡± ¡°Two of them were sold into the Palace by human traffickers thus there are no family registers for them in the Imperial Household. As for the other two, the family members are currently missing.¡± ¡°Search! I don¡¯t want to hear that the news of other three died ¡®without cause or reason¡¯. All the related personnels that enter or exit the Imperial Gardens must all be interrogated. If there are any suspicious activities, immediately report it up.¡± The one without family will bite their tongue to commit suicide and those with families would not admit till their death? It would have seem that she clean up very quickly and thoroughly. She indeed stayed in the Palace as a mistress for a long time. ¡°Yes.¡± Lou Xi Yan¡¯s voice was not high but Liu Hong was able to feel his displeasure. He did not dare to look up with that type of pressure. Gently placing the teacup down, Lou Xi Yan walked out of the discussion hall and was still refined and gentle but Liu Hong was already soaked in sweat. Within Zheng Yang Palace, Yan Hong Tian was playing with the deep-sea red coral that Northern Qi gave as tribute and smiled, ¡°What is the progress of the case?¡± Lou Xi Yan lowered his head to read the list of tributes that were sent by the various countries and without looking up, he replied, ¡°The Emperor wishes for this official to investigate or not.¡± ¡°Zhen has already handled the matter to you. You have the ability to investigate it through so just continue your investigation.¡± He was actually happy to see his mother and his favourite official battle with their wits and Lou Xi Yan obviously could not take it lying to and wanted to tell everyone just how important Qing Ling is to him. As for the Empress Dowager¡­ It was also necessary for someone to let her know that there were a lot of things that cannot be done just because she wishes to. Lou Xi Yan only smiled and did not continue the topic. Instead, he took a red card out from his sleeves and place it in front of Yan Hong Tian. What is that thing? Yan Hong Tian took it and open to see. His face sank at first before he helplessly laughed out, ¡°You really cannot wait?¡± Originally once the celebration is over then they will get married but now, he wants to get married before the celebration. Throwing the red booklet on the table, Yan Hong Tian leaned his back on the throne and with a gloating look, he laughed, ¡°How about old General Lou¡¯s and Empress Dowager¡¯s opinions?¡± The narrowed smiling eyes looked at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s light-hearted ones and Lou Xi Yan chuckled as he replied, ¡°This official told them that this is the date that was granted by the Emperor.¡± The smile on Yan Hong Tian lips stiffen, ¡°Lou Xi Yan!¡± He actually used him as his shield! No wonder there is no comments from Lou Mu Hai and these few days the East Empress Dowager did not look good to him and when he went to give his greetings, she rejected it. So it was Lou Xi Yan who played it behind his back! ***** With the gauze drapery, the scent of incense was filled in the air as a golden statue of a Buddha with a compassionate quietly stood. The muyu (the wooden instrument that devotees use for praying) sounded as each knock produced a clear and calm sound. Coupled with the light scent coming out of the red sandalwood prayer beads, it calms one down. In front of the statue of Buddha, Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s eyes were closed and her face was peaceful and calm. The old mama stood outside the veil and waited. When the sound of muyu diminished, Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s faint voice could be heard from in the room, ¡°How are the things handled?¡± ¡°May the Empress Dowager rest assure. The arrangements had been completed and they dared not speak nonsense.¡± The old mama suddenly fell to her knees and softly confessed her wrongdoings, ¡°This time it is all this servant¡¯s negligence which allow the matter to be brought to light. May the Empress Dowager melt the punishment.¡± The veil was gently lifted up and Yang Zhi Lang slowly walked out. The old mama quickly got up and stepped forward to support her. Her face did not show how angry she was but instead showed a faint smile as she sighed, ¡°Let the matter drop. It was her luck that Qing Ling did not die. This ¡°accident¡± was not all unfruitful. At least Aijia found out that the always impeccable Lou Xi Yan has weakness too.¡± Xi Yan ah, Lou Xi Yan, you should not have bullied Xuan-er. You should not be the good nephew of Lou Su Xin. You even more should not go against with Aijia! Supporting Yang Zhi Lan to the wooden chair to sit, the old mama softly said, ¡°Yu Xiang is here.¡± ¡°Announce.¡± A thirty something guys followed the old mama into the room and knelt down to greet, ¡°May the Empress Dowager be always safe.¡± Being simply clad and possessing an average body type does not make him stand out, only except for the pair of radiant drooping eyes. ¡°Raise.¡± Yang Zhi Lan took out a bronze coloured secret letter and coldly directed, ¡°Take this and head to the northwest territories in the fastest speed and bring it to the Mu Cang chieftain. It must be personally handed over to him.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Taking the secret letter, the male tucked it into his chest and greeted back before leaving the place. Yang Zhi Lan picked up the Buddhist scriptures and flip though it with a kind expression which was totally different from her cold calculated look before. The old mama stood behind Yang Zhi Lan for a long time and kept hesitating before she finally voice out her concerns, ¡°Empress Dowager, recently the Emperor favours Qing Feng which causes the other concubines in the Inner Palace to be upset. Qing Feng¡¯s arrogance has been increasing and in the long run, it is feared that she will not even respect you.¡± Yang Zhi Lan smiled gently and calmly replied, ¡°With regards to who the Emperor favours, it should be left to the Empress to worry about it.¡± Hong Tian favoured Qing Feng only because Xin family was victorious and he used Qing Feng to balance off the Inner Palace. Once Lou Xi Yan is toppled, Qing Feng would naturally unable to stir up any trouble. ***** At night The moon on the fifteen was especially bright which allows Qing Feng to lie on the bed and watch the moonlight coming through the window and shed a flurenscence glow when it hits the window paper. Yan Hong Tian has not been coming over for the past few nights and she was happy to be idle. It is just that from the afternoon, she felt that her abdomen hurts and she did not pay much attention to it but now it seem to have worsen. When she just couldn¡¯t fall asleep, Qing Feng lightly press down her abdomen with her hands and wanted to call Fu Ling from the side hall to take a look. Just as she was about to get out, a shadow flew from the window quickly and disappeared from the windows. Qing Feng was alarmed and dared not move a single bit. Just as she was deciding if she should call someone, that black shadow open the windows again and left¡­ Chapter 47 The black clad person has light footwork. When he jumped through the window, he did not make a single sound. He surveyed the room while he was squatting below the window. Qing Feng lay by her side on the bed and following the black clad person¡¯s every move with her eyes. Even though the view was between them, when he looked over, Qing Feng¡¯s heart could not help but pound loudly. She clutched the sheets under the thin quilts and her breath almost stopped. Qing Feng bit down her lips and the pain she felt help her to calm down. It is too late to call for help. Before the guards can arrive, she would have lost her life. The black clad person look around before getting up and walking towards the low cabinet beside the screen. In the dark, Qing Feng could only see that the black clad person was about seven feet tall, with a fit body and dressed in black. The person¡¯s face and hair were all covered up. He opened the cabinet and rummage before quickly closing it up and quickly jump out from the window. The entire ordeal only lasted half a cup of tea (one cup of tea time = 15 mins) Qing Feng lay stiffly on the bed and dare not move for a long time. She only looked out of the window at the side of her eyes and saw the bright moon shining against the window paper. There was no more black shadow. Was he gone? After waiting for a while longer, it was still quiet outside. Qing Feng quietly got out of the bed and walked to the side of the door and opened a crack to peer out. The courtyard doors were tightly closed and there was no one in the courtyard. With a lantern hanging on the handrail at the stone steps, the eunuch who was on night vigil was laying flat on the steps sleeping. Everything looked calm as if there were nothing unusual. Qing Feng then boldly pushed open the doors. Outside the house, the night wind kept blowing making Qing Feng shiver immediately. At that moment she then realised that she was so scared that she broke into a cold sweat and her clothes were damp. Qing Feng softly called out, ¡°Xiao Chu-er¡± Xiao Chu-er was lying on the steps motionless. Qing Feng reach her hands out and tapped on his shoulder but he did not respond at all. Qing Feng pushed him but Xiao Chu-er still lay motionless. He¡­ Will not be dead right? Qing Feng that was just settled started to increase again. ¡°Xiao Chu-er!¡± Qing Feng called out as she forcefully push his head around. The person who was lying on the ground suddenly moved, frightening Qing Feng to take a step back. After a while, Xiao Chu-er sat up and with a still confused mind, he looked up and saw Qing Feng¡¯s ashen face. Xiao Chu-er got a shock and his mind suddenly woke up as he went down on his knees and begged for mercy, ¡°This servant deserves to die! This servant deserves to die! Begging for forgiveness from your Ladyship!¡± He usually would not doze off when he was on night vigil but not sure what was the matter today, he suddenly felt so tired and he could not remember when he fell asleep! He was still alive! Qing Feng was secretly relieved. The series of shocks almost made her collapse that the abdominal pain suddenly worsen. Qing Feng leaned against the door frame and called out softly, ¡°Get up and call Fu Ling over.¡± ¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡± Qing Feng did not punish him which Xiao Chu-er was secretly glad about. His steps did not slow down as he got up from the ground and ran off. Fu Ling was awaken by the ¡°pa pa¡± sound at the door and called out softly, ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me Xiao Chu-er! Her Ladyship is looking for you and want older sister to go there immediately.¡± Fu Ling just finished asking when Xiao Chu-er¡¯s voice immediately sound from the other side of the door. Fu Ling looked out the window and saw that the night was still thick and the surrounding silence only made Xiao Chu-er anxious steps louder. It should still be midnight now? Not thinking much, Fu Ling threw a piece of clothing over herself and opened the door. Seeing that Fu Ling is out, Xiao Chu-er carried the lantern to light out the road as he urgently spoke, ¡°Good sister, please hurry up!¡± Stroking her loose hair, Fu Ling quickly tidied up her clothes as she asked, ¡°What time is it now?¡± ¡°Midnight has passed.¡± Fu Ling head towards the main house and it was lit up by the dim candlelight. The door was still ajar thus Fu Ling had a bad premonition and quicken her pace. Lightly opening the door, Fu Ling saw Qing Feng, who was suppose to be lying on the soft bed, sitting at the round table in the middle of the main hall. Fu Ling was alarmed as she called out, ¡°Mistress?¡± Hearing Fu Ling¡¯s voice, Qing Feng propped herself up and said, ¡°Close the doors.¡± Fu Ling closed and locked the doors before walking quickly to Qing Feng¡¯s side. Before she could speak, Qing Feng suddenly grabbed her hand and clutch it tightly. The ice cold fingers made Fu Ling worry, ¡°Mistress, your hands are so cold. Are you not feeling well?¡± Qing Feng leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice to speak, ¡°Just now¡­ There was a black clad person who entered the room.¡± What? ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Fu Ling unconsciously looked around and when she recovered, she nervously looked at Qing Feng from head to toe, for fear that she would suffer any mishaps. ¡°I am fine.¡± Qing Feng gave her a forced smile but her face was still pale. Fu Ling was worried that she wanted to take her pulse but Qing Feng suddenly pointed to the low cabinet by the screen and said, ¡°Oh yes, when the black clad person came in, he went over to that cabinet and rummage something before immediately leaving. Go over there to see what was missing?¡± ¡°En.¡± Letting go of Qing Feng¡¯s cold hands, Fu Ling walked over to the low cabinet and place her hand on the handle. Her heartbeat started to accelerate as she pull it open. There was nothing abnormal about it. The jewelry and silver were rampaged through but when Fu Ling take a quick stock, there was not a single jewelry or silver missing. Under the boxes of silver there seem to be a red cloth. She remembered that Mistress does not have any red scarves and thus reached in to take it out. Fu Ling then found that there was something soft like a bunch of cloth wrapped in the red cloth. Fu Ling took the cloth bag out and look at it with a candle- Seeing the things wrapped in the red cloth, Fu Ling gasp in shocked. Her hand loosen and the thing fell and rolled to the corner of the cabinet. Hearing Fu Ling¡¯s gasp, Qing Feng looked up and saw a bundle of stuff falling from her hands, seemingly like¡­ A doll? She wanted to get up but the throbbing pain at her abdomen made her immovable thus Qing Feng could only call out clearly, ¡°Bring it over for me to see?¡± Fu Ling fearfully picked up the doll and tightly held it in her hands. Even when she pass it to Qing Feng, her ends was still shaking. Qing Feng saw the thing in her hands, it was an exquisite doll which was wearing a red brocade robe, its long hair were like clouds and there were four needles pierced into its head. On its chest, there was also a yellow amulet paste on it with the words ¡°Third quarter of Maoshi¡± (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 am). A long and thick needle was pierce through the doll¡¯s heart and out the chest, making it look even creepier. What does this mean? Why did the black clad person took such a big risk just to put a doll in her room? There was no birth information written so who was it cursing? Who instructed the black clad person to do it? When Qing Feng was holding the doll thinking, Fu Ling suddenly thought about something and snatched the doll from Qing Feng¡¯s hand and removed the needles, tore the amulet off as she anxiously said, ¡°The Inner Palace forbids witchcraft. The punishment for it ranges from being banished into the Cold Palace to death!¡± If this doll was found by others, no matter how Mistress would explain, someone would have took the matter to task and one will lose their heads over it. Fu Ling frantically tore the doll apart and Qing Feng slowly calm herself down before saying, ¡°The Inner Palace is heavily guarded and it is difficult for those outside the Palace to enter, much less to correctly identify which is Qing Feng Hall. Thus it must be someone from the Palace and is familiar with the locations in the Inner Palace and know the timing of the guards patrol and the various routes. He would also be familiar with Qing Feng Hall as he was able to complete what needed to be done in a very short time.¡± He entered her room so easily and it would not be difficult to kill her so why place a doll in her room? Her thoughts in her mind got clearer and clearer but the pain in her abdomen suddenly act up and Qing Feng moaned out. Fu Ling looked up and it was only then she realized that Qing Feng¡¯s face was so white and transparent and her forehead was filled with sweat. At first she thought that Qing Feng was frightened but it seems that it was more than that. ¡°Mistress, what is the matter?¡± ¡°My¡­ Tummy hurts a little.¡± Clutching her abdomen, Qing Feng¡¯s voice tremble. Fu Ling quickly took her wrist and take her pulse. This pulse¡­ Fu Ling look up in astonishment and stared at Qing Feng with some hesitation and joy. Qing Feng was unable to make out the meaning of it and asked, ¡°What is wrong?¡± Fu Ling did not answer for a long time and carefully took a long time to read her pulse before she softly replied, ¡°Mistress, it seems that you have¡­ A pregnant pulse.¡± A pregnant pulse?! ¡°Not possible!¡± Qing Feng expelled it out lowly, how was this even possible? The first time when she shared the bed with Yan Hong Tian, she drank the concoction from JingShiFang. Its not possible. The second time that she attended to him was only a little more than a month, after that even when Yan Hong Tian often come over to Qing Feng Hall, most of the time he was so tired that he just hug her and fell asleep. How was it possible for her to be¡­ Pregnant? ¡°This servant does not dare to confirm it. It would be good to get a physician to look at it.¡± Fu Ling was also in panic as being pregnant with the imperial line was a big issue! And Mistress¡¯s pulse seem to be unstable thus it would be ideal to quickly get a physician to diagnosis and treat. ¡°Wait a while.¡± Qing Feng stopped Fu Ling who was preparing to call more people and softly spoke, ¡°Let me¡­ Think about it.¡± She is actually pregnant with Yan Hong Tian¡¯s child. A child¡­ After knowing that information, the pain in her abdomen is no longer a simple pain. A life was conceived in her? Yan Hong Tian¡¯s pair of deep dark eyes flashed in her mind and Qing Feng hands that was on her tummy unconsciously clenched into a fist. Qing Feng¡¯s face was as white as a sheet and her lips gradually turned green. Fu Ling urgently spoke, ¡°Mistress, your health must be attended to else the child may be¡­¡± The child may be gone! Her eyes landed on the doll that was torn to pieces by Fu Ling on the round table and she suddenly thought. The child must remain, she did not know what would happen in the short run but whatever that will happen, this child will be her life-saving charm! Qing Feng grabbed the dolls that were already torn up and threw it into the tea tray and said, ¡°Candle flame.¡± Fu Ling understood her intentions and brought over the candle. Lighting up the rags in the tea tray only took a bit of effort and the flames were quickly extinguished. It was a good thing that the silk was burned to a small pile of ash. Qing Feng glance around and saw the begonia by the windowsill, saying, ¡°Bury the ashes in the flower pot.¡± Fu Ling deft hands quickly buried the ashes into the soil, not forgetting to remove traces of the fire on the tea tray. ¡°You. Go and call for Huang Jiao. It is compulsory to invite him here. Hurry up¡­¡± So painful! She could almost not bear it but she cannot trust the rest. ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling dare not delay any longer and ran out after she opened the door. ¡°Older sister Fu Ling¡­¡± Xiao Chu-er was vexed about falling asleep during the night watch and was walking up and down in the courtyard. Fu Ling ran out from her Ladyship¡¯s room and rushed out after opening the main doors. It was useless calling out for her. ¡°Someone come¨C Lan-er! Xia Yin!¡± Before Xiao Chu-er could react, he heard a loud scream from Qing Feng. In the dead of the night, Qing Feng¡¯s sudden scream scared Xiao Chu-er and every single servant in Qing Feng Hall were awaken. Lan-er and Xia Yin were the palace maids by her Ladyship¡¯s side thus they have their own room. When Xiao Chu-er could react, he ran over to their rooms to call them. Lan-er and Xia Yin were panic-striken when they came into the courtyard. They did not know what had happened but they did not dare to slow down their pace. As they were clasping their outerwear, they ran into the main house. When both of them entered the room, they could hear Qing Feng sharply questioning them, ¡°Where is the Emperor tonight?¡± There are unwritten rules in the Inner Palace. After each nightfall, every palace will definitely send someone to the JingShiFang to inquire about which palace will the Emperor be residing for the night so that when their mistress asked, they would be able to answer. But Qing Feng have never asked before, what was it tonight? Both of them looked at one another. Lan-er hung her hand down as usual while Xia Yin replied softly, ¡°The Emperor has been resting in Zhen Yang Palace these nights.¡± Giving Xia Yin a look, Qing Feng faced Lan-er and said, ¡°Lan-er, go to Zhen Yan Palace and tell the Emperor that I am having an unbearable pain and request the Emperor to come over.¡± At this time, she must not let Xia Yin leave Qing Feng Hall. ¡°This¡­¡± There was still about two sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours) before the morning court. To disturb the Emperor in the middle of the night, she was afraid that before she saw the Emperor, she would have been chased back. Lan-er hurriedly look up and saw Qing Feng¡¯s ashen face and was shocked. It seems that her Ladyship was really very sick? It hurts so badly that she was shaking but this girl froze. Qing Feng pounded the table in anger and ordered, ¡°Go quickly!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lan-er hurried lift her dress and ran out. After Qing Feng finished speaking, she lay flat on the table and the heavy breathing sound scared Xia Yin to death. She helplessly said, ¡°Your Ladyship, this servant¡­ This servant will go and call for a physician!¡± ¡°Stop there¡­¡± The supposedly strong voice now sounded very weak. Qing Feng grabbed Xia Yin¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Fu Ling has left for it, you just help me to the bed.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s fingers were cold and her palms were damp. Even though her long fingernails dug into Xia Yin¡¯s skin, she dare not make a sound and supported Qing Feng to the chambers to lay down. Even though Qing Feng was covered in thin quilts, she was curled up and shivering tremendously. ¡°Cold¡­¡± Qing Feng softly murmured. ¡°Your Ladyship?¡± Xia Yin called softly a few times but Qing Feng ignored her. Her eyes were shut tightly, her lips were pursed and she has an unconscious look on her face. Xia Yin suddenly rush out of the room and Qing Feng closed eyes suddenly opened and the cold look was able to suck someone in. Just as she was to prop herself up, Xia Yin ran back and carried a thick winter quilt with her. Behind her, there was a palace maid carrying a cup of tea. Xia Yin covered her with a thick quilt and took a cup of tea from the palace maid over to Qing Feng¡¯s lips and said, ¡°Your Ladyship, this is ginseng tea, please drink a little to warm up.¡± Cold clear eyes stared at Xia Yin for a moment before Qing Feng closed her eyes and took the tea cup. She did not drink it but instead hold it tightly in her hands for warmth. After another wave of pain passed, Qing Feng then said in a low voice, ¡°Let them light all the lanterns and also all the candles in the room.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng sight was not sharp and calm but she could see Xia Yin¡¯s alarm and fright. After the previous call from Qing Feng, the servants in the entire Qing Feng Hall were woken up and was standing outside the house, not daring to say a single word. When Qing Feng¡¯s instructions were laid down, everyone immediately set into action even though they were confused. Soon after, the entire Qing Feng Hall was brightly lit. ¡°The Emperor has arrived¨C¡± It was late at night thus the announcement sounded sharper than usual. The servants in the courtyard all knelt and Qing Feng who was laying on the bed knitted her brows. He, actually came? Chapter 48 ¡°The Emperor has arrived¨C¡± It was late at night thus the announcement sounded sharper than usual. The servants in the courtyard all knelt and greeted, ¡°Long live the Emperor..¡± Before everyone could finish greeting, that pair of yellow boots had already stepped into the courtyard and quickly walked into the house. He, actually came? Qing Feng¡¯s brows furrowed unconsciously. She initially wanted Lan-er to relay the message to Zhen Yang Palace but she did not expect that Yan Hong Tian would come over in the middle of the night. ¡°What is the matter?¡± Qing Feng was still secretly surprised when Yan Hong Tian¡¯s voice sounded by her ears. Qing Feng looked up and saw that familiar figure pulling open the veil in the chambers and stood in front of her bed. Reckoning that he came over too hastily, he did not comb his hair and only casually tied it up with a black band. His pair of eyes coldly stared at her but she was unsure if it was worry or anger and could only hear that there was a bit of hastiness in his voice. Qing Feng slightly bowed her head and did not look into his eyes before softly replying, ¡°Chenqie¡¯s stomach ache.¡± Stomach ache? Qing Feng¡¯s entire person was curled up under the thick quilt and only her head was visible but it was already ashen and turning green. Yan Hong Tian reach his hand out to feel her forehead and even though Qing Feng pulled back, she was unable to escape it. The cold that was felt made Yan Hong Tian¡¯s heart burst irritably, the entire room of servants and there was no physicians at all. Yan Hong Tian impatiently scolded, ¡°Where is the Imperial Physician?¡± Xia Yin quickly stepped forward and replied, ¡°Answering your Majesty, Fu Ling had went to invite him over.¡± After listening to Xia Yin¡¯s words, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face got even more colder. He had already arrived here but the Imperial Physician was actually harder to invite than him, an Emperor?! ¡°Gao Jing, summon Huang Jiao!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Just as Gao Jing was about to leave, he saw Fu Ling dragging Huang Jiao to storm into Qing Feng Hall. When Huang Jiao entered the chambers, he was not surprised to see Yan Hong Tian inside and greeted him breathlessly, ¡°This official, Huang Jiao, greets the Emperor.¡± If it was not the good condition of his old bones, his old life would have been gone with the way Fu Ling drag and run all the way here. ¡°Dispense the ceremony, quickly check up on her.¡± Huang Jiao just held Qing Feng¡¯s wrist when his face changed to dignified yet cautious look. For an old Imperial Physician to look like that, Qing Feng had already guessed that what Fu Ling had said was indeed correct, she is ¡ª Pregnant. Huang Jiao¡¯s expression was not as per normal, not only Qing Feng saw it, Yan Hong Tian also saw it clearly, ¡°How is she?¡± Huang Jiao let go of her hand and got up to clasp his hands to Yan Hong Tian before seriously replying, ¡°Congratulating the Emperor, Concubine Qing has a pregnant pulse. ¡°What?¡± Yan Hong Tian was apparently taken aback. Before coming over to Qing Feng Hall, he thought that for Qing Feng to create such a commotion in the middle of the night, there must be some tricks in play. With her character, if she was truly ill, she will absolutely not let anyone ask for him. He was only interested to come over to look because he was curious of what tricks she was playing. Seeing her ashen face filled with cold sweat, he was really worried if she was poisoned by someone. He never would have thought that she was actually¡­ Pregnant? Huang Jiao reply with certainty, ¡°Concubine Qing has a pregnant pulse.¡± Qing Feng pretended to look stunned at Huang Jiao and dare not look at Yan Hong Tian, thus she did not see that faint smile on his lips after his surprised look. The entire room of servants suddenly knelt down and chanted, ¡°Joyous occasion for the Emperor, joyous occasion for Concubine Qing.¡± The Emperor has few offspring, not mentioning the princes, there were only a handful of princesses. If Concubine Qing was able to give birth to a prince, the mother¡¯s honour increases as her son¡¯s position rises. Even if it was a princess, she would also be part of the Imperial lineage and her position would be much different. During the well-wishing, Qing Feng raise her eyes and glance at Xia Yin who was kneeling by the side of the bed. She was prostrating on the ground with her head facing down. Even though her expression cannot be seen, one can see her slightly shaking hands that were placed on the ground. ¡°Why would her stomach be aching?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s cold voice suddenly sounded and Xia Yin¡¯s hand shook even more. Huang Jiao stroked his beard and calmly replied. ¡°The Emperor need not worry about it too much, Concubine Qing was previously and was unable to fully recover thus her body condition was not good and with her worries and incorrect positioning of the foetus, it has caused the unbearable pain. This official will prepare some medicine for pregnancy and also supplement it with acupuncture which would alleviate the pain.¡± ¡°En, go and prepare it.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Huang Jia went out of the chambers to prescribe the medicine and when he passed Fu Ling, he suddenly said, ¡°Come with me.¡± Fu Ling was stunned for a moment but after some thought, she followed Huang Jiao out of the chambers. Hearing Huang Jiao¡¯s words, Qing Feng¡¯s hanging heart finally settled down but there was no improvement in terms of the pain she was feeling. She herself was also unable to differentiate if it was the cold or the pain and kept on shivering till her teeth were chattering. Yan Hong Tian sat on the side of the bed and leaned over to whisper, ¡°Really painful?¡± No kidding! Qing Feng took a deep breath and continue to stubbornly close her eyes as she reply, ¡°Still all right!¡± Her jaw was already tightly clenched and she still say she was all right. Seeing her acting brave, Yan Hong Tian laughed softly, ¡°There is no need to talk tough at such a time.¡± Leaning against the head of the bed, Yan Hong Tian gently lifted Qing Feng¡¯s neck and let her use his legs as pillow with one hand holding her ten cold fingers and the other hand stroking her spine. Yan Hong Tian was rarely that gentle and Gao Jing saw it quietly with a complex look, unsure if it was happiness or worry. A warm hand appeased her aches and stiff body by the slow strokes. At this moment, she was reluctant to think more about his warm embrace and Qing Feng gently lean against Yan Hong Tian¡¯s embrace and closed her eyes, it should be almost Maoshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 am) now. ***** In the middle of the night, Fu Ling ran to the Imperial Medical Court and practically woke everyone up and also stubbornly dragged Huang Jiao all the way back to Qing Feng Hall. Lan-er even went to the extent to disturb the Emperor in Zhen Yang Palace in the middle of the night. Qing Feng arranged such a commotion so that before dawn came, everyone would know that she was carrying the Imperial line. Pa! At the first quarter of Maoshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 am), a crisp and clear noise sounded from the Empress¡¯s chamber. From the weak candle flame, a figure can be seen walking irritability to and fro. Shui Xin quietly stood at the side of the screen with eyes firmly staring at her feet and there was five faint fingerprints on the side of her cheek, stretching from her eyes to her neck. Xin Yue Ning was so angry that her face was so red but she could not scream and could only bear with it and scolded her, ¡°Qing Feng is pregnant! She was actually carrying the Imperial line! What exactly are you doing?¡± When Shui Xin took actions, it was seldom for it to fail but Qing Feng manage to escape from her past attempts and now she was actually carrying the Imperial line. The more Xin Yue Ning thought about it, the angrier she became, the females in the Qing Family were all demons! Shui Xin was silent as usual but Xin Yue Ning was too impatient as she whispered, ¡°Was the arrangement tonight completed?¡± Taking a hidden deep breath, Shui Xin calmly replied, ¡°It has been completed. The news of Qing Feng being pregnant is too much of a coincidence and the circumstance is odd. It is better to wait¡­¡± ¡°Still wait?!¡± Not waiting for Shui Xin to finish her words, Xin Yue Ning interrupted her and glared at Shui Xin before scolding, ¡°Bengong should not have listen to you from the beginning. Wait wait wait wait wait. Wait any longer, the child would be born.¡± She will definitely not allow anyone to have the opportunity to shake Jing-er¡¯s position of the Crown Prince, even if it was one in a million chance, she will not allow it! ¡°You better act in accordance with the plan. As long as the charge of harming the Empress becomes true, even if she has a child to protect her, Bengong will still be able to send her back to the Imperial Prison once more!¡± This time when Qing Feng goes in, she would not have the luck to come out alive. Chen Zhen and Qing Feng had became thorns in Xin Yue Ning¡¯s heart and for the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, she would not miss out on it. Shui Xin knows that whatever she say now will not be heard by Xin Yue Ning and since that thing was already placed in Qing Feng Hall, there was no choice but to fire the arrow out. Looking at the sky, it was already third quarter of Maoshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 am), Shui Xin softly replied, ¡°This servant understood.¡± ¡°Ah¡ª¡± During dawn, there was a loud shrilling scream sounded from the Empress chambers, causing the entire Yi Lan Palace to fall into chaos. ***** After Huang Jiao gave her an acupuncture treatment, her abdominal pain was relieved by a lot and the medicine was quickly brought up. Yan Hong Tian took the bowl of medication from Fu Ling¡¯s hands and sat by the bed side to scoop a spoonful and gently blowly it cool. After which he delivered it to Qing Feng¡¯s lips with a faint pleasant smile on his face. The long serving servants of the Emperor could not help but to sigh secretly as they only saw few times how considerate the Emperor was, when he let Concubine Qing sleep on his lap for one shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) and to personally feed her medication, which was extremely pampering. Qing Feng also worked hard and carried the Imperial line. It would seem that the bestowal of Imperial Concubine would be a matter of time. With the entire chambers filled with servants and with so many pair of eyes looking, Qing Feng felt that the sudden tenderness by Yan Hong Tian was unbearable and gently cough out, ¡°I will do it myself.¡± Qing Feng wanted to take over the bowl but when she touched it, she felt that it would scald her hands. Thus Qing Feng withdrew her hands and let Yan Hong Tian hold the medicine bowl. She picked up the spoon and slowly sipped the medication. Even though it was very bitter, thinking of that someone who was still holding such a scalding hot bowl, the medicine was no longer that bitter. Qing Feng¡¯s pleased look was seen by Yan Hong Tian and the corner of his mouth unconsciously perked up slightly. Apparently seeing him suffer, she will be very happy. ¡°Emperor, Emperor!¡± Outside the courtyard, there were several shouts heard from afar. The incoming person was shouting as he was running into Qing Feng Hall. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression darkens and Gao Jing rushed out of the chambers and scolded loudly, ¡°Impudent. You dare to yell and scream in the Imperial presence.¡± An eunuch went down on his knees in front of the door and replied breathlessly, ¡°Something happened to the Empress!¡± Gao Jing felt that it was strange and whispered, ¡°What happened to the Empress?¡± The eunuch cautiously looked towards the chambers and as if afraid that the Emperor cannot hear, he loudly replied, ¡°Before the dawn broke, with unknown reasons, the Empress suddenly scream and then started to smash everything violently in Yi Lan Palace, as if¡­ As if as one is being possessed! Both Empress Dowager was alerted and the East Empress Dowager order this servant to invite the Emperor to quickly go over.¡± Possessed? The sharp voice flowed into the chambers easily and Qing Feng glanced at Yan Hong Tian. From his deep black eyes, she saw the dark look and the need to enquire. From Yan Hong Tian¡¯s keen and profound thinking coupled with the many events from last night (believe that the author was referring to that night but refer as last night since Qing Feng slept at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lap which makes it the next day), he should already felt that something was wrong. Qing Feng broke eye contact and fished out the silk pillow to place it below the bowl and took the medicine from Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands. She lowered her head to drink the medicine as she replied, ¡°Emperor, please go over to take a look. It is no longer serious for Chenqie and will be fine after a rest.¡± Yan Hong Tian quietly watched Qing Feng feeding herself and did not look at him face to face like usual. Yan Hong Tian slowly got up and smoothed his ruffled robes and without saying a word, strode out of Qing Feng Hall. Qing Feng held the bowl of medicine and continue to send spoonful of medication into her mouth as if what she was drinking was not medicine at all. The quiet suppressed atmosphere made the entire room of eunuch and palace maid not dare to breath loudly. Until the medicine was finished, Qing Feng then softly said, ¡°Fu Ling stay behind, the rest can withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Everyone secretly sighed and quickly exited. When the chambers was quiet again, Fu Ling took over the medicine bowl from Qing Feng¡¯s hands and asked, ¡°Mistress, how are you feeling?¡± Qing Feng looked out the window and saw a red flush in the sky and quickly asked, ¡°What time is it now?¡± ¡°Third quarter of Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am).¡± Third quarter of Maoshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 am), third quarter of Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am), for the Empress to be possessed at this time, it is definitely not a coincidence. Was it really the Empress? Imperial Concubine Hui, what role will you place in this conspiracy? She would have to wait and see. Qing Feng was silent for a long time before she suddenly asked, ¡°What did Huang Jiao said to you?¡± ¡°He said, from now onwards he will come over every other day to take your pulse and let me go over to the Imperial Medical Court daily to collect the medication. Upon returning to Qing Feng Hall to cook the medicine, it must not be delegated to others. And he also said¡­¡± Fu Ling hesitated for a moment before replying in a low voice, ¡°Your unborn child is very precious. One must be really very careful and even more careful.¡± Be really very careful and even more careful¡­ Didn¡¯t he say in front of Yan Hong Tian that there was no major problems? Qing Feng suddenly understood and laugh grimly, ¡°It would seem that it is unknown if this child can be safely born.¡± When Qing Feng¡¯s words were spoken, there was a sudden clamour of noises sounded at the courtyard, as if a crowd of people has rushed in? In a short while, Lan-er¡¯s clear voice was heard shouting, ¡°What are you all doing? Even dare to trespass Qing Feng Hall.¡± Hearing the orderly footsteps, it did not sound like eunuchs. With her hands lightly rested on her flat belly, Qing Feng whispered to Fu Ling who was beside her, ¡°Go and see what is going on.¡± Fu Ling nodded and opened the door to see that there was a dozen guards standing at the courtyard and the one leading them was¡­ Him? Chapter 49 Hearing the orderly footsteps, it did not sound like eunuchs. With her hands lightly rested on her flat belly, Qing Feng whispered to Fu Ling who was beside her, ¡°Go and see what is going on.¡± Fu Ling nodded and opened the door to see that there was a dozen guards standing at the courtyard and the one leading them was¡­ Him? The guard that stop her at that night. A tall and thin frame with a cold temperament that Fu Ling would be able to recognise him with a side view. However, he seems to be a bit different today. His eyes were constantly narrowed on his cold solemn face as if it was in contact with a gasp of cold wind. Fu Ling took a deep breath before pushing the door open and loudly spoke, ¡°Who are you and what are you here in Qing Feng Hall for?¡± Ming Ze looked up and saw Fu Ling. With an emotionless face, as if it was his first time seeing her, he coldly replied, ¡°This officer Ming Ze, third class Imperial bodyguard of the Guards regiment, received the Emperor¡¯s order to do a search in various palaces in the Inner Palace and would seek your forgiveness.¡± When Ming Ze finished speaking, without waiting for Fu Ling to respond, he clearly order, ¡°Search.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± After finishing, several guards began to search Qing Feng Hall but none would dare to force into Qing Feng¡¯s chambers yet. This person was extremely rude! A fire rage in Fu Ling¡¯s heart as she angrily said, ¡°This is her Ladyship¡¯s bed chambers and will not tolerate your impudent actions. If it is under the orders of the Emperor¡¯s, where is the decree?¡± Ming Ze¡¯s sharp brows pinched slightly as he coldly looked at the female that was glaring at him from the top of the platform but in his heart he was chuckling. Seeing the servant and thus knowing the mistress. It would seem that the one in the chambers would be more difficult to deal with. Under the direct cold vision, Fu Ling¡¯s heart started to palpitate like never before but she was unwilling to show any weakness in front of him and stared coldly back like him. ¡°Fu Ling.¡± Fortunately at this time a clear sound came from the chambers and Qing Feng gently pushed open the doors and said, ¡°Since it is under the Emperor¡¯s command, let them search.¡± Fu Ling secretly took a deep breath and replied softly, ¡°Yes.¡± Her complexion looked bad, it was pale and green and even though it was midday in the summer, she was still covered in a long silk drape. Ming Ze cast a look at her and quickly avoided her line of sight and continue to speak to the guards beside him, ¡°Two of you will search the chamber carefully and place the stuff gently. As for the rest, go and search the rooms of the servants.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ming Ze brought the two guards and walked into Qing Feng¡¯s room. Qing Feng exchange a look with Fu Ling and Fu Ling lightly nodded her head in understanding and followed the guards into the inner chambers and observe them while they were searching. Qing Feng and Ming Ze were both left at the outer chambers. Qing Feng sat down on the soft couch by the window, with a small warmer in her hands and her eyes were looking out the window, not sparing Ming Ze a look. There was no impact to Ming Ze when Qing Feng did not look at him. Ming Ze stood in the middle of the room and look at the furnishings, even though he did not search through every single thing but that sharp gaze and pressure would make one with a guilty conscience tremble with fear. Qing Feng secretly breath a sigh of relief in her heart, it was a good thing that that thing was burnt to ashes else she would definitely be uneasy now. When Ming Ze eyes swept over the low cabinet by the screen, he unexpectedly saw a familiar black umbrella leaning against the leg of the cabinet. Is that¡­ His umbrella? Ming Ze remembered that rainy night and that sorry condition but glamorous face. She actually kept the umbrella in the room? Hearing Ming Ze taking two steps to the direction of the screen, Qing Feng look from the side and saw him staring at that direction. She look at the direction he was looking and discover the umbrella which was placed at the corner. Her heart thumped and Qing Feng¡¯s face suddenly warmed up and she quickly turn her head to the other side, afraid to look at him. Qing Feng¡¯s face was very warm. That time when Fu Ling asked if the umbrella should be returned, she thought that Ming Ze would not be bothered about it and she did not want to make others think that she wants to use the opportunity to be close. In an annoyance, she did not let Fu Ling bother about it and the umbrella was left there. She never would have thought that Ming Ze would come into her chambers. This is just great, now she don¡¯t know how that person would think of her! Qing Feng was upset and embarrassed and chose to ignore Ming Ze¡¯s footsteps that were heading towards her. She could only pretend to be calm and continued to stare out of the window. When the steps has stopped, there was no sound for a long time. Just when Qing Feng wanted to turn around, Ming Ze¡¯s deep voice sounded from behind her, ¡°The Xin family have invited Yu Quan Temple¡¯s abbot over due to the Empress sudden craziness. That bald donkey (mocking that Buddhist monk) said that there was someone in the Palace using witchcraft to harm the Empress.¡± That deliberate lowered voice did not mention anything about the ¡°umbrella¡± which made Qing Feng stunned for a moment. Recalling his two words ¡°bald donkey¡± made her almost laugh out and she could cough lightly to suppress her bubbling laughter. But her laughter died with what Ming Ze said next. ¡°The leading officer had found a doll with the Empress¡¯s birth characters on it at Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s place. And Imperial Concubine Hui has been escorted to Yi Lan Palace.¡± Imperial Concubine Hui? What exactly was going on? Wasn¡¯t the person they were trying to frame her? Qing Feng looked back at Ming Ze in surprise but found that Ming Ze only left a view of his back to her, like the many times before. He had never gave her the time of the day and now why would he tell her these? Qing Feng wanted to ask him that but the lower ranked officers have finished searching and walked out. Thus Qing Feng can only give up on it. A lower ranked officers broke, ¡°Daren, there was nothing unusual found.¡± The search at the exterior area was also completed and the guards quickly reported back, ¡°The entire Qing Feng Hall has been searched and there was nothing unusual found.¡± ¡°Have disturbed your Ladyship rest, this military officer will take his exit.¡± Cupping his hands in greeting, Ming Ze voice did not show any warmth in his words before he turned and left Qing Feng Hall. He always reach a helping hand to her when she was in difficulties but yet ignore her when she take the initiative to express her goodwill. What exactly was this person was thinking? Seeing that back gradually moving further apart, Qing Feng bitterly laughed. Fu Ling felt an indescribable feeling when the person beside her suddenly shook her head and bitterly laughed. At that moment there was a scene flashed in her mind and she finally remembered when she last saw Ming Ze! When Mistress was in the Imperial Gardens, she almost fell due to the scare from the Princess¡¯s dog, it was him who help Mistress up. On that day there was a strange smile on Mistress¡¯s face, was it that they knew one another? ¡°Fu Ling.¡± Qing Feng called a few times before Fu Ling recovered her senses. ¡°Support me to Yi Lan Palace to take a look.¡± Fu Ling was surprised and anxiously said, ¡°Mistress, at this time it is better to avoid it.¡± If the matter last night was arranged by the Empress and there were other parties who are also framing, thus there would be more happening next that they do not know about. It was already difficult to hide from this so why walk into the mess? Qing Feng shook her head and replied in a persistent tone, ¡°One cannot hide from the inevitable.¡± She really want to know what tricks Xin Yue Ning was up to! Is Imperial Concubine Hui innocent? Is the brocade bag in her pillow part of her or the Empress plot? As her mind recall the exchanges she had with Imperial Concubine Hui, Qing Feng did not have any answer. But she knows that whatever it is, she knows that if she did not go to Yi Lan Palace, she fear that it would be harder to see Chen Zhen again. ***** ¡°Chen Zhen has never dabble in witchcraft in the Inner Palace.¡± Qing Feng just entered Yi Lan Palace when she heard Chen Zhen indifferent yet clear voice. The servants in Yi Lan Palace saw her coming and was stunned for a while before rushing to give their greetings and there was someone who wanted to announce her arrival but Qing Feng waved her hands at him and spoke in a low voice, ¡°Withdraw.¡± Currently Qing Feng has the authority and also pregnant with the Imperial seeds, the eunuch did not dare to directly disobey her and quietly step aside. Qing Feng did not immediately enter and just stood at the side of the flight of the stairs to monitor the situation. The Empress, who was the main character of the matter, was not in the hall and Chen Zhen alone was kneeling in the middle of the hall. Her white cloak was wrapped tightly around her and her hair was pulled up without any hair accessories. It would be seen that she was escorted over early in the morning and did not have time to care about her appearance. But that very straight back and calm voice was enough to show that she would not be defeated by this farce. The Emperor sat on the main seat with a hazy look but he did not say a single word. Both the Empress Dowagerw were sitted at the Emperor¡¯s left and right side, there was a thirty over years old man stilling behind the West Empress Dowager. His physique was larger in size and he was not wearing official clothing but his expressions were arrogant, portraying an air of officialdom. Even in front of the Emperor and Empress Dowagers, he did not exercise restraint and his brow was quite similar to that of Xin Yue Ning. Qing Feng roughly guessed his identity. Behind the East Empress Dowager stood Shui Xin, the female official of the Empress and in her hands held a doll. Based on the looks of the doll and the material, it was similar to the one that was place in Qing Feng Hall. At the right side of the palace hall which would lead to the Empress chambers, there was an old monk who was holding a stock of paper in front of a long table and writing some kind of spell while he was reciting some stuff. Qing Feng secretly snorted coldly, what a big disposition of forces. ¡°Imperial Consort Hui, you have always been pure and virtuous and Aijia would not believe that you will do such a thing. But why were there such stuff within your palace and there was even an altar set up in Ling Yun Palace. How would you explain that?¡± Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s voice remain very gentle as she look at Chen Zhen but was unable to see any kindness or trust. ¡°Chenqie don¡¯t know why would this doll be in Ling Yun Palace and with regards to the altar that Empress Dowager was referring to, it was because of Chenqie recent health issues, the altar was set up to seek the Gods blessings.¡± Chen Zhen¡¯s back was facing her and thus Qing Feng was unable to see her expression. But just based on her neither servile nor overbearing manner, it made Qing Feng secretly cheered for her. That slightly plump male (Translator comment: finally a non-slim/slender person is mentioned) cough lightly and walked to Shui Xin before grabbing the doll in her arms and threw it to the floor in front of Chen Zhen. He coldly said, ¡°Imperial Concubine Hui, the Master just broke your spell, a vicious two persons spell, which require two person to do it together in order for it to be successful. This doll only has the Empress birth dates and the other doll would have the timing of the spell. You still do not want to say who is your accomplice?¡± Two persons spell? Qing Feng finally understood why there was a similar doll in her inner chambers and why there was only the timing written on it. So it is actually a plot to kill two birds with one stone! If she did not felt pain and could not sleep at night, the people who will be kneeling here would also include her! Only at this moment, Chen Zhen could see clearly the doll. There was a note with birth dates written in blood-red cinnabar attached to the doll¡¯s chest with a long needle piercing through it, making it unrecognisable. Chen Zhen laugh grimly, this time Xin Yue Ning really give it her all. In order to harm her, she even cursed herself. She was not even afraid of doing such things that will shorten her life! Chen Zhen did not even give a hoot at Xin Fu Chen and coldly replied, ¡°Chen Zhen has never dabble in witchcraft in the Inner Palace, further more have any accomplice.¡± The evidences were already place in the hall but she still so arrogant. Xin Fu Chen took a step forward and pointed to Chen Zhen as he snapped, ¡°The Empress is now still unconscious but you still say that you have no idea why the doll is in your palace. There is even an altar set up in your palace, you still dare to argue.¡± Even with his forceful criticism and expression, Chen Zhen still remain quiet as she knelt at the hall and did not plead guilty to the accusations or defend herself. Xin Fu Chen still wanted to continue to press her with questions but he saw Qing Feng quietly standing outside the hall. Xin Fu Chen changed the subject and faced Yan Hong Tian to say, ¡°Emperor, this matter is not a small matter and must be investigated thoroughly. As for the people who are close to Imperial Concubine Hui¡­¡± The next one that they were targeting was her right? Qing Feng did not deliberately conceal herself and everyone in the hall, except for Chen Zhen, would have already seen her. Qing Feng plastered a smile on her face and strode into the chambers and broke out, ¡°Is Xin Daren referring to Qing Feng?¡± Chapter 50 ¡°Is Xin Daren referring to Qing Feng?¡± X¨¬n Fu Cheng did not expect that she dared to enter the place so magnanimously at this time and was stunned for a moment. Qing Feng stood beside Chen Zhen and slightly bent her body to greet, ¡°Qing Feng greets the Emperor and both Empress Dowager.¡± Yan Hong Tian who was silent for a long time only said a word coldly, ¡°Rise.¡± Qing Feng slowly got up and her eyes met Yan Hong Tian¡¯s cold dark ones. From it she could see his suppressed anger, especially when he saw that she was much more energetic. Qing Feng avoided his line of sight and did not look at him. It was useless for Yan Hong Tian to stare at her, this matter indeed has nothing to do with her and in fact she was also a victim to it. The matter of Lou Xi Yan¡¯s insistence on marrying Qing Ling had already made Lou Su Xin angry for a long time that even looking at Qing Feng, she would feel unhappy. Naturally her words to her were impatient, ¡°Concubine Qing, what are you doing here? Do you not think that there are not enough chaos here?¡± ¡°Chenqie heard that the Empress honourable body is out of sorts thus specifically came to visit¡­¡± Before Qing Feng could finish, X¨¬n Fu Cheng cynically said, ¡°So Concubine Qing is saying that she does not know anything about what Imperial Concubine Hui has done?¡± Qing Feng naturally and relaxedly nodded her head, ¡°Qing Feng really do not know.¡± ¡°Imperial Concubine Hui uses witchcraft to do harm to the Empress and everyone in the Inner Palace know that Concubine Qing and Imperial Concubine Hui have close relations. Even if one do not know what was happening, one should avoid arousing suspicions.¡± Expecting that he will use this reasoning, Qing Feng smiled and smoothed her dress before replying, ¡°Last night, Chenqie was not feeling well and was with the Emperor all the time. Naturally the Emperor is clear whether or not a spell is cast to harm the Empress. Other than not meeting those that should not be approached, Qing Feng have nothing to avoid.¡± She thinks that by involving the Emperor, she will leave here unscathed? X¨¬n Fu Cheng sneered, ¡°Last night when the Empress was possessed, Concubine Qing was coincidentally unwell. It should not be likely that one will take the opportunity to deceive the public to facilitate Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s actions and can also absolve yourself in the act.¡± He actually bully that much. She was not Chen Zhen and never believe that silence would be the best measure. She don¡¯t even bother about the two Empress Dowager, could it be that she will be scared of him this kind of eloquent official? The smile on Qing Feng¡¯s face was wiped off as she mocked, ¡°It is understandable for Xin Daren to be like this since the Empress is in this condition, but Qing Feng¡¯s health was not good and the Imperial Physician can be called upon as witness. For Xin Daren to speak without thinking and frame Qing Feng for harming the Empress, was there any evidence? Qing Feng Hall was just carefully searched and was there anything discovered?¡± Qing Feng press back with every question and it made X¨¬n Fu Cheng speechless. This slut! Relying on her pregnancy to be that arrogant. Xin Fu Chen felt so much anger in his heart that he clashed his hands together and loudly spoke to the Yan Hong Tian, ¡°Since ancient times, the art of witchcraft is malicious and evil and thus is forbidden in the Palace and is a punishable offence. Not to mention that Imperial Concubine Hui and her accomplice is trying to harm the Mother of a nation. In any cause this would not be left as it is! This official request the Emperor and the Empress Dowager to back the Empress.¡± Qing Feng found it funny, the Xin family did not know how to observe the mood of the situation? The Empress was like this and the Gou Jiu (title used by Empress¡¯s brothers) too? Didn¡¯t he saw that Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face has become so frosty cold and dark? The two Empress Dowagers were both aware of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s anger and both of them gave a look at one another before Yang Zhi Lan lightly said, ¡°Emperor, this matter¡­ Should be dealt by you.¡± The entire huge hall was scarily silent and everyone was waiting for Yan Hong Tian to rule and Qing Feng¡¯s heart was practically in her throat. The doll was found in Ling Yun Palace and whatever Chen Zhen now say would be useless and the most likely scenario was that she will be imprisoned in that fearsome Imperial Prisons awaiting for trial. Qing Feng was still thinking about it when Yan Hong Tian¡¯s cold voice suddenly sounded, ¡°Someone come, Chen Zhen¡¯s title of Imperial Concubine Hui will be abolished and she will be banished to the Cold Palace.¡± What? Banished to the Cold Palace? Qing Feng was shocked. She could feel that the person kneeling by the side almost collapsed even though she still put up an indifferent outlook. When Wu-er, who has been standing in the corner in fear, heard Yan Hong Tian¡¯s words, she quickly rushed towards Chen Zhen¡¯s side and cried, ¡°Emperor, it must absolutely not done like that, her Ladyship¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Chen Zhen who was originally kneeling suddenly yelled at Wu-er loudly and also push her away. Chen Zhen stood up as she look at the man sitting high up with a pair of tearing eyes. With a choking voice, she said each word slowly, ¡°Since the Emperor finds Chen Zhen guilty, Chen Zhen have nothing to say.¡± Qing Feng could not bear to see that face filled with tears. Maybe there was no hate but it could not suppress the pain in her heart. Why did Yan Hong Tian not conduct a thorough investigation and banished a female who has accompanied him for so many years to the Cold Palace just because of some weird doll? How can he be that emotionless? He was indeed colder than what she has thought, until the moment when Chen Zhen was taken away by the guards, he did not reveal a trace of unwillingness, in fact not even disappointment was shown. It was as if the female that was taken to the Cold Palace was of no significant to him. Is this the outcome after being favoured by him for three years? At that moment, Qing Feng felt cold from her head to her toes. Yan Hong Tian does not have a heart. Finally gotten rid of Chen Zhen, X¨¬n Fu Cheng was secretly proud of it. Now the biggest stumbling block for the Empress is Qing Feng and X¨¬n Fu Cheng was reluctant to give up, thus softly reminded, ¡°Your Majesty, there is another doll¡­¡± ¡°The entire Inner Palace was rummaged through and Noble Officer Xin is still not satisfied?¡± Sharp eyes were approaching him and no matter how stupid X¨¬n Fu Cheng was, he can also feel Yan Hong Tian¡¯s displeasure and quickly replied, ¡°This official wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Yan Hong Tian was extremely angry and no one else in the huge palace dared to mention about the doll and one can only hear the monks¡¯ chants from the chambers. Yan Hong Tian suddenly stood up and walked down and everyone thought that he wanted to leave. Who knew that he walked over to Qing Feng and stood in front of her. Yan Hong Tian said out clearly, ¡°Didn¡¯t the Imperial Physician told you to rest well?¡± Even though Yan Hong Tian did not scold her, Qing Feng felt an invisible pressure on her as if Yan Hong Tian was squeezing her neck. Secretly sweating, Qing Feng softly replied, ¡°Chenqie is much better already.¡± Suddenly her hand hurts and it was Yan Hong Tian who has clenched her hand and gently said, ¡°Zhen will send you back.¡± From others¡¯ view, it would seems that Yan Hong Tian pamper her in every possible way but only Qing Feng knew how much energy he has used. ¡°Emperor!¡± Seeing Yan Hong Tian holding Qing Feng and wanted to leave, Lou Su Xin could not help to stop it, ¡°The Empress¡¯s is frail and her vital energy is weak. The Emperor is of a heavenly body and should stay to accompany the Empress!¡± What was he thinking, there should be a limit on how much to favour a concubine. The old monk finally finish writing the spell and when he heard the words of the Empress Dowager, he quickly stood forward to say, ¡°Yes indeed, the Emperor has a yang energy and will bring benefits to the common people. If the Emperor is around to accompany, the Empress would be able to recover soon.¡± Yan Hong Tian laughed lowly, ¡°The Empress has the Empress Dowagers¡¯ good fortune and shelter, the Master to wear off evil spirits and also so many Imperial Physicians. Is Zhen still needed?¡± Lightly holding Qing Feng¡¯s waist, Yan Hong Tian clearly said, ¡°Feng-er is currently pregnant and Zhen is prepare to confer her as Imperial Concubine Qing. The Official of Rites will process the edict of the Imperial Concubine confederation for Empress Dowager to look over.¡± Confer as an Imperial Concubine? Qing Feng¡¯s entire body stiffen and the hands on her waist tighten thus Qing Feng obediently shut her mouth. Yan Zhi Lan could not sit still and anxiously spoke, ¡°The Emperor wants to confer the title of Imperial Concubine to Qing Feng?¡± ¡°No way!¡± Because of them, Lou Su Xin almost died of anger. What exactly was going on that these children were head over tails over the Qing family sisters! Yan Hong Tian coldly replied, ¡°Why not?¡± He actually dared to ask why not, Lou Su Xin pointed at Yan Hong Tian but was speechless due to the anger. He did not drag Qing Feng down and instead she was conferred as a Imperial Concubine. X¨¬n Fu Cheng was getting angrier and angrier and he too wanted to object conferring the title of the Imperial Concubine but Shui Xin quickly went forward, acting like she was going to the inner chamber to take care of the Empress but was actually stopping X¨¬n Fu Cheng. Shui Xin shook her head and softly said, ¡°Gou Jiu mustn¡¯t rush indiscriminately into action. Go back and inform the Lord of the matter and let the Lord decide.¡± X¨¬n Fu Cheng thought about it and finally retreated back. At this time, when the morning court was not even attended and due to this matter of the Empress, there was already a fire in the Emperor¡¯s heart, to have a conflict with the Emperor, it would definitely damage the relationship between the mother and son. Xu Shu Ping lightly tugged on the sleeves of Lou Su Xin and shook her head at her as she tried to mediate, ¡°Naturally there is nothing wrong for the Emperor to confer a concubine but it is not a trivial matter to confer a Imperial Concubine and one must not act carelessly. Furthermore the celebration is coming up thus the matter of conferring to a Imperial Concubine can be discussed after that.¡± ¡°Xu Mama, how long have you been in the Palace?¡± ¡°Forty years¡­¡± Meeting Yan Hong Tian¡¯s slightly narrowed dark eyes, Xu Shu Ping suddenly broke into a cold sweat. Just now she was protecting her mistress wholeheartedly and had forgotten her position. At this kind of occasion, it would not be her turn to speak. She has watched the Emperor grow up and know his personality! Xu Shu Ping threw herself on her knees and hastily begged, ¡°This servant deserve to die! May the Emperor forgive!¡± The old mama that has been serving her for so many years was now in such a poor condition in front of everyone, Lou Su Xin was shaking in anger, ¡°Is it that the Emperor also want to get rid of Aijia!¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows slightly draw back as his cold voice replied, ¡°Xu Mama has been in the Palace for so many years and should leave the Palace to live in comfort.¡± ¡°No¡­ No way!¡± Xu Mama accompanied her into the Palace and have served her for over forty years. She was practically the same as her family and if she were to leave the Palace, how would she live in the future? Xu Shu Ping was an old mama in the Palace and was under the protection of the Empress Dowager, thus no one in the Palace dared to offend her. Even though she is a servant but she enjoyed the splendour that came with it and did not want to leave the Palace at this time. Xu Shu Ping indeed panic as she kowtow on the floor loudly as she cried, ¡°May the Emperor have mercy¨C¡± Yan Hong Tian remain unmoved as he led Qing Feng out of the hall. Qing Feng could almost still hear that thumping sounds of kowtow outside Yi Lan Palace. The noon sun made one eyes blur when it was shining but at this moment, Qing Feng¡¯s mind was very clear. With her head bowed slightly and letting Yan Hong Tian lead her when she walked. His steps was not fast but every step was heavy. Even though both of their hands were holding on to one another but it felt cold. Qing Feng felt that her palm hurts but it did not injure her and she felt the chill from Yan Hong Tian¡¯s anger. Two of them walked all the way back to Qing Feng Hall silently, Qing Feng initially thought that Yan Hong Tian would interrogate her regarding what had happen today and kept thinking of how to absolve herself but when they reached the doors, Yan Hong Tian released her hand and turned to leave without saying a word or looking at her. ¡°Wait for a while.¡± What did she call him for? To protest unfairness for Chen Zhen? She was powerless to defend herself and was also not that great. To tell him not to confer the Imperial Concubine title? Isn¡¯t fighting for favour and power was what she wanted in order not to be bullied? After calling out, Qing Feng immediately regretted it but it was too late to regret as Yan Hong Tian¡¯s cold and dark pair of eyes locked onto her tightly. Qing Feng felt a chill in her spine and she secretly took a deep breath before speaking out, ¡°Chenqie has something to show to the Emperor.¡± Chapter 51 Chapter 51: Imperial Concubine Qing Qing Feng felt a chill in her spine and she secretly took a deep breath before speaking out, ¡°Chenqie has someone to show to the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian face was still gloomy but he still turned and walked into Qing Feng Hall. ¡°Go and bring the painting over.¡± Qing Feng hurried and explained to Fu Ling who was beside her and without stopping her steps, she followed Yan Hong Tian into the house. She knew that at this moment that he is not to be trifled with. ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling dare not delay and quickly took the framed painting and walked back in to the house. In the chambers, the Emperor sat on the highest seat and her Mistress stood at the side. Fu Ling naturally did not dare to look into the Imperial eyes but that force and imposing manner made her have breathing difficulties. ¡°Open it.¡± Listening to Qing Feng, Fu Ling quickly open the painting up but because the entire painting was as tall as a person and more than one zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet/3.3 meter) wide, Fu Ling had a hard time holding it and Gao Jing had to come forward to hold on to one side of the painting and slowly unroll it in front of Yan Hong Tian. ¡°You drew it?¡± The deep voice questioned her but one would not be able to hear any joy or anger. Qing quietly observed Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expressions as she softly reply, ¡°En.¡± Yan Hong Tian did not ask her about her words and his dark cold eyes continue to stare at the painting before him with an expressionless face. When the painting was unrolled, Gao Jing could not help but look at it and be secretly amazed at it. He has long heard that the Qing family sisters were well versed in the Four Arts (zither, weiqi, calligraphy and painting) and Qing Feng¡¯s calligraphy and painting was more difficult to get that a thousand gold bars. He believes that Qing Feng¡¯s painting would indeed be of fine works or art but he guessed that for a female to paint, one would only paint flowers, birds, insects and fishes but did not think that what was shown would be a painting of vast and majestic peaks of lofty range of mountains. Between the misty clouds, the imposing peaks of the mountain range stretches to a thousand li (1 li = 500 meters), like the blue dragon in the sky and the lengendary dragon in the sea (that control the weather). Under the shades of the ink, the misty clouds around the mountain seems to drift out from the drawing paper. The free strokes of the brush and the casual placement of the ink and the majestic manner did not seem to have come out from a young female¡¯s hands. Qing Feng indeed live up to her famous reputation. This piece of painting, the Emperor will indeed like. Qing Feng was full of confidence with her paining that even though Yan Hong Tian was staring at it for a long time without saying a word, she was not nervous. She softly questioned, ¡°What does the Emperor think?¡± ¡°Good.¡± Yan Hong Tian plainly threw out a word. Although there was not much praise spoken, his face apparently did ease up a bit. Qing Feng thought about it before speaking, ¡°Chenqie also like it a lot, especially the layers of miasma. The mountain are always there and how much can be seen depends of how much miasma is in one¡¯s eye.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s words were not light nor heavy and even though Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression did not change but Gao Jing¡¯s heart worsen with the words. ¡°You feel that Zhen was bewitched by the miasma?¡± Yan Hong Tian was still appreciating the painting in front of him but the casual question revealed a cold chill. Qing Feng¡¯s heart tightened but she did not intend to remain quiet, ¡°Naturally the Emperor would not be bewitched by the little miasma but Chenqie is afraid that the rest of the mountain creatures would be bewitched by it and cannot see where the sky is.¡± Qing Feng knows that what she say today was practically like pulling the teeth from the tiger¡¯s mouth but she still could not help but say it. Not because to help Chen Zhen to seek for forgiveness, not because to push the Empress aside but because she felt a trace of¡­ Indignant. ¡°How about you, can you see clearly where is the sky?¡± Yan Hong Tian suddenly got up and his cold and deep eyes landed on her like a sword, piercing into her heart. He did not grabbed her hand or pinch her neck like in the past but Qing Feng felt like she was pinned down to the ground and could not move or speak. ¡°Your smarts better be used at the correct place.¡± The deep cold words were like both a warning and reminder. Until Yan Hong Tian leave the courtyard, Qing Feng could then recovered from her trance and her legs actually staggered. When their eyes met at the moment previously, she practically thought that she don¡¯t know how to breathe. Fu Ling quickly went forward to support Qing Feng. Her Mistress palm was full of sweat and her face was flushed red. Fu Ling urgently said, ¡°Mistress, quickly sit down.¡± After a long time trying to catching her breath, Qing Feng then softly replied, ¡°I am all right.¡± The cold facial expression that Yan Hong Tian was portraying today made her heart palpitate faster than the other angrier moments. In the morning, he made one calm, in the afternoon, he made one disappointed and now he made one wonder and panic. She started to feel that she really did not understand this man. ***** After that day, the Inner Palace was not calm but it was that Yan Hong Tian did not come over to Qing Feng Hall and no one came over to look for trouble which allowed Qing Feng to have a couple of peaceful days. Perhaps it was because she was pregnant, Qing Feng feel drowsy lately and it was almost the afternoon when she just woke up. ¡°Your Ladyship, your Ladyship!¡± Qing Feng was eating the bird¡¯s nest porridge that Fu Ling brought in when the sound of Lan-er¡¯s joy flowed from outside the house before seeing Lan-er charming figure swiftly ran in. Seeing her breathless and flushing, Qing Feng could not help but laugh, ¡°Where does this sparrow come from to chirp so loudly early in the morning.¡± Seeing that Qing Feng¡¯s mood seems to be good, Lan-er let go of her nerves and smiled, ¡°Lan-er is not a sparrow but a magpie (bird that represent spreading good news)! Specifically here to inform your Ladyship of the good news.¡± Qing Feng lightly smiled and casually asked, ¡°What made you this happy?¡± ¡°This servant heard from the people from Zhen Yang Palace that the Imperial Edict on the confederation of the Imperial Concubine has already drawn out and it would be announced in the morning court today to confer you as Imperial Concubine Qing. The Imperial Household was busy preparing the things to bestow. Reckon that in a while, they will be here to announce the edict!¡± The spoonful of food that Qing Feng picked up paused. These few days she has been thinking about it, Yan Hong Tian insisted in announcing in the Empress¡¯s Palace about conferring the Imperial Concubine title, first to balance the forces in the Inner Palace and the other was to give the Xin personnel behind the Empress some intimidation and embarrassment. With such an action, Yan Hong Tian will definitely confer the Imperial Concubine on her. It was just that there were objections of her becoming an Imperial Concubine that day and she thought that this thing would drag till after the celebration. But it would have seemed that she has underestimated Yan Hong Tian. The corners of her lips raised as Qing Feng laughed, ¡°This is truly a happy occasion. Fu Ling, reward this little sparrow bearing good news.¡± ¡°Thanking your Ladyship!¡± Lan-er was beaming with joy, not because of the reward but because her own mistress was currently favoured and was even conferred as a Imperial Concubine. If in the future, a prince was born, even the Empress would have to give in to her mistress. She would then be able to finally live with her head held high in the Palace. ¡°The Imperial Edict has arrived.¡± While there was still laughter at this end, there was a call and a furry of footsteps from outside the door. Lan-er excitedly went out to welcome them while Fu Ling supported Qing Feng out of the chambers. In the main hall, Wang Xi Xin was standing outside waiting and when he saw Qing Feng coming out, he loudly exclaimed, ¡°Qing Feng to receive the edict.¡± Fu Ling supported Qing Feng to half knelt on the floor and Wang Li Xin quickly stood forward with the Imperial Edict and read, ¡°According to the mandate of Heavens, the Emperor proclaim that Qing Feng has both morality and conduct and carry herself in a dignified, composed and magnanimous manners which is a role model for the Inner Palace. Pregnant with the Imperial heir, she would be bestowed as Imperial Concubine Qing and be one of the four leading Imperial Concubines. Bestow: fifty blots of brocade, fifty blots of thin silk, five hundred liang of Gold, four pairs of jaded Ruyi, four pair of jasper bangles, two sets of hairpins and buyaos, two mountian of precious red corals and ten servants. Decreed by the Emperor himself.¡± One of the four leading Imperial Concubine? Imperial Concubine Shu has passed, Imperial Concubine Hui was deposed and now it was only left with her newly conferred ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing¡±. Yan Hong Tian actually place her target quite high. ¡°Thanking the Emperor for the Imperial kindness.¡± After performing a bow, Qing Feng took the golden and dazzling edict and slowly got up. When she just got up, Wang Li Xin immediately went on his knees to give her a big bow and shouted out, ¡°This servant greets your Ladyship Imperial Concubine Qing. Long live your Ladyship.¡± The ten over palace maids behind him also obediently knelt with their heads bowed and holding the trays filled with the different treasures that were bestowed, chanted, ¡°Long live your Ladyship!¡± ¡°Long live your Ladyship!¡± All the palace maids and eunuch that were serving Qing Feng also chanted and in a short time all the servants in Qing Feng Hall knelt on the floor and chanting ¡°Long live¡±. Qing Feng slightly frowned and lazily replied, ¡°Everyone raise. Fu Ling, reward.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling passed a big bag of money to Lan-er hands and motioned to her to hand it out to the servants and Lan-er happily took it over. All the new palace maids place the treasures in their hands down and quietly retreated. When the last palace maid walk pass Fu Ling side and suddenly looked up towards her and winked. Fu Ling froze for a moment, she is¡­ Lan Fang from the Laundry Bureau? Everyone withdrew before Wang Li Xin came forward and said softly, ¡°The Emperor said that he will come over for dinner tonight.¡± Qing Feng looked at him and Fu Ling understood and took a stack of golden leaves from her waist and lightly stuffed into the hands of Wang Li Xin¡¯s. He surprising replied, ¡°This servant don¡¯t dare. In the future when your Ladyship¡¯s palace is lacking of anything, just send someone to tell this servant and this servant will definitely arrange it.¡± When Qing Feng just entered the Palace, he even said that she was a ugly monster. This time when he came over to announce the Imperial Edict, his heart was hanging. With her position at this moment, by just moving her fingers, she would be able to crush him. As long as her Ladyship does not create trouble for him, he would have already thank the Gods with incense, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to accept her rewards! Qing Feng chuckled loudly and said, ¡°In the future, Bengong would need to trouble Gongong in many areas.¡± Her laughter is very light but Qang Li Xin shivered. If he does not answer her, he would have truly offended her. After hesitated a moment, Wang Li Xin took the golden leaves from Fu Ling and respectfully replied, ¡°Thanking your Ladyship for the reward.¡± Qing Feng did not say anything more and waved her hands before Wang Li Xin retreated. The main hall was not small but how with the silk, satin, gold and jade filled it up. Qing Feng felt irritated when she saw the hall filled with treasures and walked to the side hall as she said, ¡°Fu Ling, immediately order people to move the things away.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling waved a few palace maids over and with their quick feet and nimble hands, the treasures were all moved away. After being busy for a while, a few eunuch carried in the dishes into Qing Feng Hall and the one leading them was Xu Ji. When the usually overbearing Steward Xu saw Fu Ling, he actually greeted pleasingly and smiled, ¡°Miss Fu Ling, this servant request to see Imperial Concubine Qing and seek your help to pass the message over.¡± Knowing the type of narrow minded person he was, Fu Ling did not say anything but just nodded her head slightly indicating to let them wait as she turn into the house. Lately Qing Feng has been drowsy and Fu Ling intended to come in to take a look. If Mistress has fallen asleep, she will sent Xu Ji and the rest away but who knew that QIng Feng was actually toying with the pot of Begonia at the windowsill, with a good mood. After standing behind Qing Feng for a while, Fu Ling then said, ¡°Mistress, Xu Ji is currently outside requesting an audience.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s brow did not even raise and casually replied, ¡°Let him enter.¡± Fu Ling went out of the room to bring Xu Ji in. Qing Feng was already sitting in the main seat in the hall and Xu Ji went down on his knees and performed a big bow, ¡°This servant greets your Ladyship Imperial Concubine Qing. Long live your Ladyship.¡± ¡°Steward Xu has time to come over here.¡± Even though Qing Feng said those courtesy words, she did not let him raise. Xu Ji was still kneeling on the ground and he wore a large smile on his face as he replied, ¡°This servant do not deserve the good fortune. Recently heard about your Ladyship not having much of an appetite, so thus servant specially prepared a few appetising snacks for your Ladyship to taste.¡± Finishing his words, the three eunuch behind him brought over the dishes. Green and plump pickled plums, white powdered glutinous rice balls with the scent of Osmanthus and the last dish was a plateful of red, green and white carrots that was arranged like a beautiful fan. All three snacks were place on small white jade places which made it very tempting. Qing Feng tasted the last dished and found that the carrot was crisp and tasted very refreshing. Qing Feng praised, ¡°The taste is indeed not bad. Reward.¡± Xu Ji quickly waved his hands and urgently said, ¡°This is within this servants area of responsibilities thus dare not accept any rewards!¡± Qing Feng¡¯s bright eyes slightly raised as she tasted the other two snacks and did not bothered about Xu Ji who was kneeling by the side. Fu Ling walked to Xu Ji¡¯s side and softly spoke, ¡°If there is nothing else, Steward Xu can go back.¡± Xu Ji became anxious and finally could not help but said, ¡°This servant to be so bold as to ask a favour.¡± Her heart scoff as Qing Feng lightly said, ¡°Speak then.¡± Raising his head to see Qing Feng¡¯s expression, Xu Ji deliberated again before softly speaking, ¡°My sister had offended the Emperor and would be expelled from the Palace soon. She has been in the Palace for her entire life and there is not a family member outside the Palace. Would beg your Ladyship to ask a request from the Emperor to let my sister remain in the Palace. She will definately be dedicated to serve the Empress Dowager. This servant and sister will not forget about your Ladyship¡¯s grace.¡± Finishing, Xu Ji prostrated at Qing Feng feet and heavily gave a few kowtows. ¡°This matter Bengong has noted it. You can withdraw.¡± All of Qing Feng¡¯s attention was practically on that few plates of snacks and she was only casually replying him. Actually he took his chance today to beg her, Qing Feng is the most favoured and if she was willing speak a little, there would perhaps be some hope. But it seems from now that she lack of the interest and would not want to be near this matter. He still have to think of other ways. Xu Ji got up and greeted before backing out. That face was filled with schemes and it is not necessarily be true for him to really care about his elder sister but he was afraid that moving forward he would not have any backing in the Inner Palace. ¡°Mistress, the Xu family siblings are grass by the wall. Today they will swing to your side and it is possible for them to swing to others tomorrow. You better not make the Emperor angry because of them.¡± Fu Lin disdain people like them and her words were rarely sharp and harsh. Qing Feng smiled brightly, ¡°I never expect them to be truly loyal to me. Don¡¯t worry about it, I have a sense of propriety on this matter.¡± When Qing Feng¡¯s chopsticks move towards the plate of cold vegetables, Fu Ling quickly pick the dish up, ¡°This type of food should not be eaten too much. Cold food does not do good for one¡¯s health.¡± The chopsticks in her hands were frozen mid-air but the plate was taken away by Fu Ling made Qing Feng scold with a laugh, ¡°Fu Ling, your courage is growing bigger, just like a mother-in-law!¡± ¡°Well managed.¡± A low voice sounded from behind, shocking both of them. Fu Ling turned back and saw that yellow figure and quickly knelt down to greet, ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Qing Feng looked outside and saw the sun setting, it was already time for dinner. Qing Feng slowly got up and greeted, ¡°Long live¡­¡± ¡°Beloved Imperial Concubine is pregnant, Zhen will grant you to not perform greetings in the future.¡± When she just saw Yan Hong Tian, she was a little nervous. Thinking about his deep black eyes that day, Qing Feng could not help but be perturbed but at this moment, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s tone was relaxed and his mood was light, as if it has returned to how he was previously, still elusive but not as heavy and cold like the other day. Qing Feng secretly observed and replied without a change in expression, ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± Holding Qing Feng hand and sitting at the main seat, Yan Hong Tian smiled, ¡°Are you satisfied with what Zhen has bestowed to you?¡± ¡°Satisfied.¡± ¡°Satisfied but nothing much to be happy about?¡± The other concubines would have place the things that were bestowed at the most conspicuous place, afraid that the others will not be able to see it. But there was not a single thing in the house that was bestowed from him and even the original furnishing and decorations were removed. The entire house was brighter and simpler like her transparent and lofty appearance. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips lightly hooked up and he said, ¡°There is one thing that you will definitely be very happy about.¡± ¡°Oh? Chenqie is at all ears.¡± Even though that was what she said but Qing Feng did not think that there will be any matter that would make her happy. Yan Hong Tian also did not say anything and took an red invitation from his sleeves and place it in front of her. Qing Feng took and and curiously opened it, ¡°This¡­¡± The words inside made Qing Feng eyes widen as she starred at the small invitation as if the words that were in it would disappear. She asked in a trembling voice, ¡°Is it really as the official wife?¡± The two words ¡°official wife¡± on the invitation answered Qing Feng. Lou Xi Yan did not care for the public wrath and insisted in marrying Eldest Sister as the official wife. It can be seen that he truly care for Eldest Sister and Eldest Sister finally found someone to entrust her life to. After a long time of clasping the red invitation, Qing Feng gently spoke two words, ¡°So good¡­¡± Qing Feng brows were smiling and that normally bright eyes started to sparkle with a bight light and the corner of her lips were raise and light. Yan Hong Tian had never seen her smile like this before. So beautiful. Yan Hong Tian had a moment of doubt, previously he had never wanted to gain a female¡¯s heart and only want their submission. At this moment, seeing this kind of smile, he started to think that receiving submission would not seem enough. The sun gradually set but the candles were not lighted, making the room feel somewhat dim. But at this moment she seems to be glowing and the smile on Qing Feng¡¯s face was warm and dazzling. This smile was not because of him and that did not make Yan Hong Tian¡¯s heart happy as he crooned, ¡°Good? Still do not know if it is a fortune or a curse.¡± Qing Feng did not mind his words. It was hard to predict the future and who knows what would happen then. At least in the foreseeable future, Eldest Sister was blessed. She carefully closed the red invitation and Qing Feng asked in a slightly excited tone, ¡°Can I attend their wedding ceremony? ¡°No.¡± The indifferent word made the smile on Qing Feng¡¯s face collapse. Why bother to show the invitation if he does not let her go. Yan Hong Tian really know how to torture people by giving her hope and then deeply breaking it! ¡°Your identity now is Imperial Concubine Qing and you are also pregnant thus cannot go out of the Palace.¡± From the word ¡®no¡¯ from Yan Hong Tian, Qing Feng already know that it was not possible for her to go out. This man has always stand by his words, but when Yan Hong Tian explained, Qing Feng was very surprised and starred at him, trying to see something out from that pair of faintly smiling dark eyes. ¡°But¡­ Zhen can bestow an official token. With this one can enter and exit the Northern Gates everyday from Shenshi (modern: 3 ¨C 5 pm) to Youshi (modern: 5 ¨C 7 pm). Like that, Qing Ling can enter the Palace frequently to accompany you.¡± When the golden official token was placed in front of Qing Feng, she did not dare to believe it. Holding the official token, Qing Feng¡¯s heart was pounding hard, unsure whether it was because of joy or due to the uneasiness. Yan Hong Tian was unusual today but thinking of official token, she will now be able to see her Elder Sister often and that made Qing Feng very happy. Her hands rubbed the patterns of the token before Qing Feng apprehensively replied, ¡°Thanking the Emperor¡­¡± The ability to control a person¡¯s mood was indeed pleasing, especially when it was her. Yan Hong Tian suddenly felt better and saw the entire table filled with dishes and his lips slightly raised, ¡°The dinner today is indeed abundant. Let¡¯s eat.¡± Keeping the commanding token well, Qing Feng suddenly said, ¡°All of you do not need to wait upon and can all withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling and Gao Jing exchanged a look and exited the room and closed the door gently. Qing Feng stood by Yan Hong Tian side and pour wine and pick the dishes. They do not spend much time together and usually it would be a tense battle of wits and thoughts. It was rare to be this peaceful. Yan Hong Tian enjoyed Qing Feng serving him and ate till he was seventh or eighth full before slowly placing his chopsticks down, taking a light sip from his wine cup and smiled, ¡°Say what you need to say.¡± Chapter 52 Night has come and the the lanterns inside and outside Qing Feng Hall were lighted up. It was not very bright in the courtyard but it was enveloped in a warm glow. When Gao Jing step out of the chambers, he stood one zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) away from the door and wait, with a calm yet expressionless face. There were may new palace maids today and even though they were quietly working, Fu Ling felt crowded and was a little annoyed. Walking out of Qing Feng Hall, the early autumn night wind was blowing. Fu Ling unconsciously shivered but still stood in the wind for a long time. ¡°Older sister Fu Ling, do you still remember me?¡± A gentle female voice rang by her ears which made Fu Ling look back. A female clad in the palace uniform smiled as she look at her with full of hope. Fu Ling gently nodded her head and replied, ¡°I remember, it¡¯s Lan Fang. How did you come to Qing Feng Hall?¡± Lan Fang knows that Fu Ling will definitely remember her but now her position was a female official and was also the confidant of her Ladyship. If she pretended not to remember her it would also not be strange. Hearing that Fu Ling remembering her, Lan Fang was secretly relieved and she smile, ¡°You are now already a female official and still remembered me. This time I spend all of my money to put everything in order so that I can enter here. Both of us had also been through thick and thin, you must guide me well!¡± It was originally like that, it is understandable for people to climb higher. The Laundry Bureau was actually not a good place to stay at. Fu Ling smiled, ¡°Her Ladyship treat people magnanimously and her mind is clear. As long as one whole-heartedly serve, she would definitely not ill treat you.¡± The corners of Lan Fang¡¯s smile somewhat stiffen, but it was only for a moment before she bowed and replied obediently, ¡°Yes, this servant will serve whole-heartedly.¡± Finishing her words, she did not forget to greet before withdrawing. Just now it was ¡°me¡±, now she had refer herself as servant. Fu Ling shook her head helplessly, what she say was indeed the truth, most likely Lan Fang felt that she was putting up an air around her. ¡°Older sister Lan-er, let this servant do this kind of work.¡± Standing outside the door, through the half opened door to the hall, Fu Ling saw Lan Fang standing by Lan-er¡¯s side talking respectfully and carefully. Lan-er sized up the well-behaved palace maid beside her with a look and frowned, ¡°Do you know how to do it?¡± Fu Ling was usually the one taking care of her Ladyship and now it would be her or Xia Yin to intervene. The tasks of doing laundry or sweeping, these kind of menial tasks did not require her to do. Seeing her Ladyship treasuring these Begonias, she casually trimmed the leaves. Lan Fang saw that the expression on Lan-er¡¯s face was not very good and quickly replied, ¡°This servant had learned from many old Mamas on how to do flower arrangements and even though the skills would not be comparable to older sister, these type of tasks should naturally be done by us servants. Older sister can just point out from the side.¡± Lan-er raise her eyebrows slightly, this palace maid¡¯s mouth was sweet. She unceremoniously dump the scissors to Lan Fang and smile, ¡°Then this would trouble you.¡± Lan Fang looked alarmed as she anxiously said, ¡°It is nothing. This servant just come here and don¡¯t know anything and would need older sister for guidance.¡± Lan-er nodded her head in satisfaction and took two steps before suddenly asking, ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°This servant name is Lan Fang.¡± Giving her another look, Lan-er smiled, ¡°Then you trim it first and I will come over later to take a look.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lan Fang answered as she respectfully bowed and Lan-er returned back to her room in a good mood. The respectful expression on Lan Fang¡¯s face immediately faded but she actually did the work very seriously. Fu Ling sighed, perhaps Lan Fang type of person would be more suited to live in the Palace and all she needed was an opportunity. In fact everyone in the Inner Palace were in rivalry for favour, the mistresses wants to get the Emperor¡¯s affections, the servants were also the same, hoping to get recognition from the mistresses. Everyone was fighting and even though she originally thought that Qing Feng and her were not those who fight but now it seems like Qing Feng was also fighting. This is what the Inner Palace is. Fu Ling suddenly felt a little out of breath and she looked up to the starry sky. Suddenly a pair of aloof and indifferent eyes appeared in her mind. That person¡­ Does he bother to compete? Realising that she was thinking about that cool and arrogant man, Fu Ling¡¯s brow wrinkled up. ***** ¡°Say what you need to say.¡± The candlelight in the house was warm and atmosphere was arely harmonious. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s tone was relaxed and it seems that his mood was also good. Qing Feng considered for a moment before speaking, ¡°Xu Mama has been by the Empress Dowager¡¯s side for a long time and for her to go out of the Palace now meant that the Empress Dowager do not have a caring person to look after her living conditions. Why not let her stay in the Palace to serve the Empress Dowager and atone for her offences.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand was holding the wine cup and his cold eyes turn sombre, ¡°What you wanted to say is that?¡± His voice was light and neither joy or anger could be heard. The Empress Dowager have been repeatedly pleading and it was impossible for the Emperor not to give her face. Till now he did not answer to it, it could be that he wants to leave this favour to her, so for her to say this now, there should not be anything wrong? Qing Feng questioned herself another time before replying, ¡°Yes.¡± Since beloved Imperial Concubine has plead, it is approved.¡± As what she espected, Yan Hong Tian did not make things difficult for her but his voice was cold and some disappointed was also heard, but why? As she was looking up to see his expression, Yan Hong Tian suddenly stood up and opened the door and strode off, in her astonishment. Staring at the figure striding away, Qing Feng was filled with doubt. Was he angry just now? But what was he angry about? Or what was he expecting her to say? The Emperor has left for quite some time but when Fu Ling entered, she still saw her Mistress;s brows knitted as she stood there blankly. She could not help but worried as she softly called out, ¡°Mistress?¡± Shaking her head, Qing Feng still could not read Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mind and she might as well ignore it, ¡°I am all right.¡± When her eyes swept pass the ink black umbrella leaning against the wall, Qing Feng thought about it before speaking, ¡°Fu Ling, it is no longer raining lately so keep the umbrella.¡± If this umbrella continued to be placed there, the next time Ming Ze see it, it would be even more embarrassing. She cannot always be in a sorry position in front of him! ¡°Yes,¡± Fu Ling picked up the umbrella and saw that there was some dust, thus she opened it up and used a cloth to clean the surface of the umbrella. When she close it up, she felt that there was an uneven area and looked at it carefully and found two words ¨C Qi Yu? The words were so small and if one do not looking for it, one will not even find it. What was the meaning of the two words? Is it the name of umbrella¡¯s owner or was it some kind of tag? Fu Ling did not care about being unable to guess it and close the umbrella before covering it up. This umbrella has been placed in Mistress room for so long thus it certainly was special to Mistress. Opening the cupboard innermost drawer, Fu Ling place the umbrella inside, especially separating it from the other umbrellas. ***** As the sun sets, Qing Feng laid on the reclining chair in the middle of the courtyard to look at the courtyard full of Begonia. They have already adapted to the new soil and the foliage were lush and vibrant but unfortunately they were not yet flowering. Qing Feng ordered a few people to plant batches of feverfew along the walls. Over the summer and entering autumn, the feverfew were budding and it was particularly eye-catching when looking across the emerald undergrowth. Under Fu Ling and Huang Jiao careful conditioning, her health has improved alot and she no longer felt pain in her abdominal. But Huang Jiao said that she was still too thin and Fu Ling would bring her different types of stews and soup to drink, just like today. Just when Fu Ling brought over the freshly completed chicken soup over to Qing Feng, she heard her forlorn voice, ¡°Fu Ling, do you find a little strange these days?¡± Scooping the soup to near Qing Feng¡¯s mouth, Fu Ling smiled, ¡°There is nothing strange.¡± If anything was strange, it was them trying all sorts of way to let this Mistress¡¯s body get better but she still remained that slim and thin (OMG!!! THAT IS SO HATEFUL!!!! I CAN GET FAT BY JUST DRINKING WATER!!!). Sitting up and taking the bowl of soup from Fu Ling¡¯s hands before she rolled her eyes and spoke, ¡°I was saying that the Inner Palace is too peaceful already. The so-called witchcraft was not investigated and the Xin family did not continue to pursue it and the strangest thing was on the matter of the Emperor conferring me as an Imperial Concubine, both Empress Dowager did not make things difficult for me and even the Empress is that tolerant?¡± Fu Ling smile bitterly, it seems that if she does not explain it clearly, this Mistress of hers will not have a peace of mind to rest, ¡°The celebration is about to begin and all the different countries envoy and merchants have gathered in the capital. The Emperor said that the state affairs are the most important thus the witchcraft in the Inner Palace will end as it is and should not be mentioned. Prime Minister Lou will be getting married in these two days thus the West Empress Dowager is afraid that Princess Chao Yun will once again do something silly and have been accompanying her everyday and have not time for you. The East Empress Dowager have been on a cold war with the Emperor because of the confederation of Imperial Concubine and to add on Prime Minister Lou insisted on marrying Miss Qing Ling as wife, she was made furious. It is a good thing that at the end the Emperor allowed Xu Mama to remain in the Palace and the East Empress Dowager anger defused a little. These two days they are preparing to head to another courtyard to rest so that everything is out of sight and out of mind. As for the Empress¡­¡± Qing Feng questioned alertly, ¡°How about the Empress?¡± Fu Ling sighed and smiled, ¡°Over at the Empress side, her health have yet to be recovered thus her doors are closed and she does not go out or see anyone.¡± ¡°I still feel weird.¡± Shaking her head, Qing Feng did not believe that XIn Yue Ning will just drop the matter like this. Pregnant woman tend to be easily irritable and suspicious. Fu Ling looked up at the skies and saw the setting sun and found that the rays are no longer that strong before smiling, ¡°How about this servant accompany you out to walk around. The Imperial Physician said that walking is good for both you and the child.¡± ¡°That is good.¡± Two of them slowly walked on the small ally in the Inner Palace and when the palace maids and eunuchs saw them afar, they all knelt on the ground. The other concubines either avoided them from afar and for those who were unable to do so, came forward to greet and left when she nodded her head. Is this the treatment given to all favoured concubines? The feeling of stepping someone under one¡¯s feet is not a pleasant thing and it only made one tired. If she this type of fox that exploits the tiger¡¯s might, felt that way, how about Yan Hong Tian? Qing Feng could not help but thought about how he left a few days back. She was sure that he was angry but did not understand why was he angry. Qing Feng smiled, it was indeed the female in the Inner Palace have nothing much to do. Other thinking of that man, it was still thinking of that one man¡­ Approaching the Imperial Gardens, may different types of flower fragrance started to approach which made Qing Feng feel nausea. Picking up her handkerchief to cover her mouth and nose, she softly said, ¡°The flower fragrance in the Imperial Gardens are too heavy which makes me uncomfortable. Let¡¯s go somewhere else to walk.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Knowing she prefers tranquillity, Fu Ling supported Qing Feng to the quiet trail at the side to walk. The trail was lined with just grown Acacia, which during the early autumn would still have lush foliage and the setting sun fell through the layers of leaves shone on the grounds like spots. Qing Feng steps on the speckled trail and breath in the light fragrance of the leaves as her steps slowed down and a gentle smile slowly graced her lips. She like it here. Until the end of vestige of the sun was swallowed by the night, the sky got darker but Fu Ling saw that Qing Feng did not have the intention to return and lightly persuaded, ¡°It is getting late, may Mistress return.¡± Qing Feng, however, stood there not moving and pointed to the female nearby and asked, ¡°Fu Ling, look at who that person is?¡± Fu Ling look over intently and saw that a slender figure holding something looking around and moved forward cautiously. Looking at that appearance¡­ Fu Ling replied, ¡°It seems like it is Wu-er from Imperial Concubine Hui.¡± The sky just gotten dark and she was already so sneaky. It must be something that cannot see the light of day. Qing Feng whispered, ¡°Lets go over to take a look.¡± After following Wu-er. they only saw her going through a small round door. Qing Feng wanted to continue to follow but Fu Ling stopped her, ¡°Mistress, the Cold Palace is in front. It is most probable that Wu-er have gone to visit Imperial Concubine Hui. Your health is preciously and it would be better not to go on further. This servant will go and take a look.¡± Whatever the situation of the Cold Palace was, other than Chen Zhen and Wu-er, she did not know anyone else and she was also pregnant, making it inappropriate to enter. After thinking a while, Qing Feng nodded her head in reply, ¡°En. You must be careful yourself. No matter what you see, you must not make a noise and come out as soon as possible.¡± The worry in Qing Feng eyes made Fu Ling¡¯s heart warm as she smile and nodded, ¡°En.¡± After Fu Ling went it, Qing Feng was left alone. It was only then she realised that this place was remote and it was pitch dark here even though other palace would have a small lantern every three to five zhang (1 zhange = 10 feet). The trees along both side of the path were neglected and it has overgrown to taller than a person, which made it look like a dark mass when one look over now. The night wind started to blow, making Qing Feng gently rubber her arms and started to feel that it was a wrong decision to let Fu Ling go in. After waiting for a while longer, Qing Feng got worried for Fu Ling and was hesitant if she should go into the Inner Palace to search when she suddenly heard the tress shaking from three to four zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) away. The trees were shaking so badly that it seems like it was not caused by the wind. Qing Feng was surprised, who else was there? Chapter 53 Who else was there? Qing Feng¡¯s heart raised as her eyes starred at the patch of grass that was shaking. Her arms tightly held together and she unconsciously trembled. It was originally a desolate place and it was rather cold. Qing Feng did not believe in ghosts but this was the Palace. It would be a lie if she was not scared. Qing Feng took a deep breath so that she could calm down. Qing Feng held her breath and carefully stepped into the patch of leaves as she wanted to see what was creating the noise. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯t be like this¡­ What if others see¡­¡± A vague female voice sounding from the bushes intermittently. Qing Feng thought that she had heard wrongly and wanted to go closer when a slightly impatient male voice sounded, ¡°There would not be any one in this place.¡± Qing Feng was surprised for a moment and quickly stop her steps. Soon enough, the sounds of the female and male sounded heavily. Qing Feng finally knew what was going on and her face redden. She immediately turned to leave but because of the dark night, she stepped on a dried stick and made a ¡®kacha¡¯ sound. ¡°Who is it?!¡± The alertness level of the person inside was quite high that even a slight noise was noticed by them. Qing Feng stiffen on the spot and dare not move unnecessarily. The person was also listening attentively and could only hear the wind rustling through the trees. That male apparently know some martial arts and there was no one around. If they were cornered¡­ Qing Feng maintained her state of mind and loudly yelled, ¡°Who that is there better roll out of there in front of Bengong.¡± The cold voice was able to cut through the silent night and the people who was inside was frightened and the bushes and vegetations started to shake much more dramatically. One was also able to hear the female tearful voice in the rustling of the clothes. ¡°Could it be that you want Bengong to go in to grab you before you are willing to come out?¡± The people who were listening started to panic and Qing Feng took this time to continue bluffing, ¡°Someone come!¡± When Qing Feng words were out, a figure rushed out from the trees and that man was clad with dark red uniform from the Imperial Guards and his hat was hung low making one unable to see his looks. His skills were good enough that after a short time he was able to run more than one zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet = 3.3m). With the dark night as his cover, he quickly disappear from Qing Feng sight and did not even look back once. He just ran away like that? Qing Feng¡¯s heart despised that man running away at the sight of trouble and at the same time she was able to put her worried heart at ease. Looking at the depths of the bushes, Qing Feng cold voice sounded, ¡°You still don¡¯t want to come out? He was able to run away but do you think you are able to get away?¡± After a while, the tree shook for a bit before a palace maid came out sheepishly. The clothes on her were still tidy but her hair was already loosen and hung behind her. After walking two steps, that female suddenly fell to her knees and slowly crawled to Qing Feng. Not even daring to lift her head, she kept kowtowing and her trembling voice keep chanting, ¡°May your Ladyship please have mercy! This servant will not dare to do it in the future!¡± ¡°Lift your head.¡± The female slowly lifted her head, she look like twenty year old with a delicate and pretty face. Qing Feng was standing against the moonlight and thus she was unable to see her expressions but was able to see the scars on her face. The already paled face palace maid got whiter as the fear in her eyes were as if one saw a ghost. It is¡­ Imperial Concubine Qing¡­ Qing Feng raised her eyebrow sightly, what kind of expression was that, was she that frightening? Her hand could not help but to feel the scar on her face and her heart somehow felt uncomfortable. Her voice became even colder, ¡°What is your name and which palace are you from?¡± The female trembled but her entire body was shaking like a leaf. Qing Feng frowned, ¡°Since you don¡¯t want to say then leave it. Will hand you over to the Imperial Household, Bengong do not have the mood to care about this filthy things.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Seeing that Qing Feng turned and wanted to leave, the female threw herself at her feet and grabbed tightly onto her dress and replied, ¡°This servant is called¡­ Yao Chan, a palace maid in Xi Xia Palace. In another two years, this servant will reach the age to leave the Palace. When this servant is in the Palace, he was the one who has been taking care and we have agreed that once we leave the Palace, we will get married so¡­ So that is why we cannot control our emotions¡­ Seeking forgiveness from your Ladyship!¡± If she handed her over to the Imperial Household, she would be dead! So it was someone from the West Empress Dowager¡¯s palace. No wonder when she saw her, it was like she has seen a ghost. Qing Feng said indifferently, ¡°Since there are two more years before you are allowed out of the Palace, then you should abide to the rules. The crime that you committed today is enough to take both of your heads away.¡± ¡°This servant knows the mistake and will not dare to do it again! Seeking forgiveness from your Ladyship.¡± The quivering voice was heard with the ¡®dong dong¡¯ sound of her kowtows that Qing Feng felt irritated when she heard it. Remembering that figure who did not look back once, Qing Feng asked, ¡°Who is that man?¡± ¡°He¡­¡± Squeaking for a long time, the palace maid bit her dry lips and started to kowtow again, ¡°It is all this servant¡¯s fault. If your Ladyship wants to punish, please punish this servant!¡± The ground was filled with gravel and for her to kowtow like that, even if she does not lift her head, Qing Feng knows how much her injury would be like. That man threw her away to escape without any conscience and she was still defending him silly. For something that was not worth persevering, she was also regretful. After a long time, Qing Feng replied softly, ¡°With regards to today¡¯s event, just drop it and withdraw.¡± Yao Chan did not dare to believe her own ears, her Ladyship was really¡­ Not going to pursue it? In a daze, she lifted up her head to look at Qing Feng but was unable to see anything clearly due to the dark shadows. ¡°Thanking your Ladyship! Thanking your Ladyship!¡± Fearing that Qing Feng would go back on her words, Yao Chan quickly got up after she recovered her senses and ran away in an embarrassing state. Seeing that figure fleeing, the corner of Qing Feng¡¯s lips raised slightly, Xi Xia Palace, Yao Chan¡­ She had noted it down. ¡°Mistress? Mistress!¡± Fu Ling anxious low voice was heard from the small path and Qing Feng replied, ¡°I am here.¡± ¡°Why are you in the bushes?¡± Seeing an unclear figure who was almost drowned in the bushes, Fu Ling quickly stepped forward to help her out of it as she rapidly said, ¡°There are lots of bugs in there. Do come out quickly.¡± Both of them got out of the bushes with great difficulty and Fu Ling squatted down to tidy up her dress from the grass bits/ Qing Feng held her hand as she pull her up and asked, ¡°Chen Zhen, how is she?¡± Qing Feng felt that Fu Ling stiffen a bit but she was unable to see her expression due to the dark night. Qing Feng chuckled, ¡°Not good?¡± It should be. She previously was in such a distinguished position and now was reduced as a discarded woman in the Cold Palace. Not many people will be able to handle it. A quiet and suffering life was not scary but what was scary was the disparity in one¡¯s heart and the endless despair. After being out for a long time, Qing Feng was hungry and was intending to head back but Fu Ling look around then and suddenly got close to her to whisper a few words in her ear. ¡°What?!¡± Qing Feng stared at Fu Ling in astonishment and after a long time she then lowered her voice and asked, ¡°Are you speaking the truth?¡± ¡°This servant just witnessed it herself.¡± How was this possible? ¡°I want to see it for myself.¡± She did not believe it. ***** The so-called Cold Palace was just a place in the depths of the Inner Palace. It was a place where no one asking for them, no dignity or hope in it. The ¡°Cold Palace¡± in front of here was not as run-down as one would expect. At least the heavy red doors are still solid. There were no plaque on the doors and the faint candlight mirrored the doors as it highlights the stillness. ¡°Mistress, slow down and be careful of the heat.¡± Chen Zhen already delicate hands was now scrawny, her face was thin and coupled with the light purple rings around her eyes, it made her look very haggard. Wu-er¡¯s eyes could not help but redden. ¡°Silly girl, why are you crying?¡± With hands holding the bowl of soup, Chen Zhen smiled and gently said, ¡°Actually it is good now. Previously even though there was a life of luxury, one would need to monitor what that person is doing or thinking every day and worry about all the jealousy and conspiracy everyday. Now it is better. After ending those thoughts, I will not need to live in fear and currently is happy with the tranquil.¡± ¡°It is indeed tranquil.¡± An icy cold voice from the heavy wooden doors and the doors was forcefully opened. ¡°Kuang dang.¡± After seeing the person outside the door, two persons in the room was so frightened that their faces turn pale, especially for Chen Zhen, she was now shaking like a leaf in the autumn wind. Her hands shook so much that the bowl of soup in her panicked hands fell onto the floor. Qing Feng coldly gazed at this once elegant and noble woman. There was a never before seen fear in Chen Zhen¡¯s face that even when everyone was accusing and framing her till she was banished to the Cold Palace, she did not once lose her head out of fear like this. When her sight landed on her abdomen, Qing Feng slightly raised her eyebrows. Without the large cloak to cover it out, her abdomen seems to be like that of six to seven months. Feeling that where the hot blazing sight landed, Chen Zhen suddenly flinched and her abdomen felt uncomfortable and she clutched her stomach and shrunk back. ¡°What¡­ What are you doing here for? My mistress has already fallen to such a state, what else do you still want?¡± Wu-er blocked the path to Chen Zhen and treated her with contempt. Unfortunately the supposedly clear voice was trembling violently like her hands. ¡°Why?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s slightly narrowed eyes were staring closely at Chen Zhen who was hiding behind Wu-er. She truly did not understand. Seeing Chen Zhen looking like this, the child was already about six to seven months which meant that when that event happened, she was already pregnant. So why did she not speak about it? Why was she willing to be banished to the Cold Palace than to speak about it? Her heart sighed, no matter how one hide from it, what will come will still arrive. After being panic-stricken when she first saw her, Chen Zhen¡¯s heart gradually calmed down. Although she was still afraid of Qing Feng, her face was able to portray the clam like she did in the past. Lightly patting Wu-er¡¯s hand and pulling her from in front of her, she looked directly at Qing Feng but could not find any joy or anger in her eyes. Chen Zhen softly replied, ¡°Because I want my child to live.¡± There was a flash of coldness in Qing Feng¡¯s eyes, ¡°You want your child to live, so you want other¡¯s child to die?¡± Thinking about the scent sachet in her pillow, Qing Feng wanted to tear her apart. Chen Zhen was stunned for a moment before she replied, ¡°I do not know what are you talking about.¡± She do not know? Seeing that dazed look on Chen Zhen, it does not seem like she was faking it. But Fu Ling clearly saw Xia Yin entering Ling Yun Palace in the middle of the night, so how can that be explained? She has to clarify all of this today. Qing Feng put on a sneer on her face, ¡°You still want to put on an innocent face now? You ordered Xia Yin to medicate Bengong as you want Bengong to not be able to get pregnant at all. Such a vicious female like you do not deserve to have any children.¡± Chen Zhen¡¯s furrowed her brows, it appears that she was being framed by someone again. If it was the past, she would not be bothered to explain but today, she cannot not defend herself, ¡°I did not arrange Xia Yin to Qing Feng Hall. I also would never instruct anyone to medicate you and harm your child.¡± She knows that after she got pregnant, she worried about what the Empress would do and wanted to provoke Qing Feng and the Empress. As long as they were fighting one another, they would not pay much attention to her. But she did not think that Qing Feng would have been on her case. The Empress was indeed very vicious and wanted to kill two birds with one stone. Seeing that Qing Feng did not believe it, Chen Zhen laughed bitterly, ¡°I am already like this, what else is there to fight for or lie to you for?¡± ¡°All right.¡± Qing Feng replied frankly and her sights landed on her abdomen as she spoke clearly, ¡°You dare to swear upon the child in your womb?¡± ¡°Mistress mustn¡¯t do it!¡± Wu-er grabbed onto Chen Zhen¡¯s sleeves and cried, ¡°You did not even do it, why must you swear upon little master?!¡± This child was the only hope left for mistress and if there were any mishaps, her mistress would also not carry on living. As the sharp eyes landed on her abdomen, Chen Zhen unconsciously shuddered. If she do not swear, Qing Feng will definitely think that she was the one who was plotting to harm her. Thinking about her current situation, if Qing Feng wants her to die, she would not be able to live. Grabbing on the end of the table, Chen Zhen stood up and slowly raised her right hand and looked towards the dark night skies while she spoke each word, ¡°With the Heavens above, if Chen Zhen speak of any lies, may my child¡­ Not be able to come out to this world.¡± A silent tear rolled out of her eye and landed on her belly. Qing Feng was still starring at Chen Zhen¡¯s face and did not let any shred of emotion pass her. There was some sadness, frustration and also some guilt in the face but there was no panic or fear. It was really not her¡­ Qing Feng chosed to believe in her but if it was so then Qing Feng do not understand and asked, ¡°Why are you protecting that child if you do not hope to expect the child to bring you out of this situation?¡± She made a big ruckus to let everyone know that she was pregnant so that the child can be her safety charm. Chen Zhen was also pregnant but why did she not say it at that time? If anyone wants to kill her now, they would be able to do so easily. ¡°I wanted¡­ To bear him a child. Not for any schemes or power, but just a child from both of us as a continuation of our flesh and blood.¡± Finishing speaking, Chen Zhen¡¯s lips gave a warm smile which was unpleasant to Qing Feng. A continuation of their blood? Qing Feng continued with disdain, ¡°The offence of performing witchcraft is always been nonsense but he did not even investigate it before banishing you to the Cold Palace and after that he was also indifferent to you. Is this kind of man worth for you to bear a child for?¡± She only felt utterly disappointed in the hall that day. Comparing with Qing Feng¡¯s cold cutting words, Chen Zhen only gave a plain smile, ¡°Qing Feng, you don¡¯t understand the Inner Palace, don¡¯t understand him and don¡¯t understand love.¡± Actually, she also hated him and blamed her but after staying in the Cold Palace for this period, she had thought a lot and gradually she somewhat understood. What does she mean with her words? Qing Feng did not understand it for a moment when the person in front suddenly knelt down in front of her. ¡°Qing Feng, regarding what happening today, please do not tell anyone about it. Chen Zhen beg of you!¡± Qing Feng was startled that she took a step back. This proud female actually knelt down on the ground to beg her? ¡°Mistress!¡± Wu-er was already crying soundlessly for her mistress heartache, grievances, resignations but was unable to do anything about it. Quietly watching the humble yet noble female on the ground, Qing Feng raised her hands and caressed her lower abdomen. At the end, she did not say that agree nor disagree to it but acquiescently turned around and left the Cold Palace. Coming out of the Cold Palace, Qing Feng was silent the entire journey. The moon was covered by the clouds and the once shaded alley was completely dark. Fu Ling carefully supported her and dared not make a single sound as she felt that with regards to what happened tonight, she, who was already in the Palace for ten years, was shock and her Mistress, who only entered the Palace slightly more than half a year, would not have recovered from it yet. ¡°Fu Ling.¡± A slightly heavy sounding voice sounded. Fu Ling gave a light reply but there was no movement for a long time. It was too dark to see anything surrounding them so Fu Ling was unable to know what Qing Feng¡¯s face was expressing. ¡°We have been played around by someone all these time.¡± The muffled sound did not sound like much deterrent force was used but Fu Ling¡¯s heart sank. That was because the arm that was supporting her hand was gripped with pain and Fu Ling could only stay silent, not knowing how to reply. Xin, Yue, Ning! You were already the mother of the nation and your son was also the Crown Prince so what more do you want? Are you really that fond of fighting? Qing Feng secretly clenched her teeth. She will definitely protect Chen Zhen¡¯s child, even though she may not be able to win Xin Yue Ning at the end, she still want to leave a big problem to her! Qing Feng knew deep in her heart that the road head of her was like this dark and unlit palace road. Unsure of how the road would be like ahead of her and do not know what was waiting for her but like Chen Zhen, she did not have a choice and could only carry on walking. Chapter 54 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 54 Chapter 54: Thoughts In A Whirl (Part 1) Zhen Yang Palace Xiao Yu carried the freshly brewed red celery wormwood tea with two palace maid following her, carrying a few exquisite refreshments. Afraid that the tea would get cold as it was the beginning of autumn, the trio hurried their pace towards the Imperial library. ¡°It is already so late, tea is still served?¡± Xiao Yu was slightly stunned and her footstep paused as she look back. She saw Qing Feng walking slowly from the palace door with a faint smile on her face but Xiao Yu did not feel any trace of a laugh and the coldness surrounding her was colder than the early autumn night. Why did she come? Qing Feng have never taken the initiative to come to Zhen Yang Palace to look for the Emperor, much less coming over so late at night. Xiao Yu was unable to guess Qing Feng¡¯s intention as she lowered her gaze and slightly bowed, ¡°Greeting Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± ¡°Raise.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s slight landed on the trays that were held by them. Other hand a pot of good tea, there was quite a lot of food. Xiao Yu softly explained, ¡°The ceremony is approaching thus there are numerous affairs. These days the Emperor only rest after third of the five night watch periods (Modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am), thus the need to prepare tea and snacks.¡± Qing Feng looked up and saw the study was lighted up and the doors were wide open. Yan Hong Tian was sitting behind a desk with numerous reports that covered half of the desk. He was holding a writing brush and was writing from time to time in the report. From the beginning to the end, his brows were furrowed. Even though he sat on top, it revealed his fatigue. But even so, it still portrayed a breathtaking majestic. Staring at the man not far away, Qing Feng suddenly woke up. There were a lot of things that happened to night, Chen Zhen made her feel shock and also unconvinced. She was still thinking of what action to taken when her legs unconsciously brought her here. Actually it was useless coming here as what Chen Zhen said may not necessarily be credible but what she said was not incorrect. She did not understand Yan Hong Tian, not one bit. Qing Feng¡¯s expression flicked and Xiao Yu secretly watched as she did not want to say anything but the tea in her hands would cool down if she does not bring it in. After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Yu asked softly, ¡°Does this servant need to inform¡­¡± ¡°Not needed. Do not bother the Emperor dealing with affairs of the state.¡± Qing Feng recover her sight and slightly waved her hands. Leaving that sentence, she turned to leave like how she suddenly came. Before Xiao Yu could react, Qing Feng was already out of Zheng Yang Palace. Xiao Yu carried the hot tea in and place it gently on the shorter table beside the desk. Her eyes swept across the desk and saw ten over reports across the desk. It would seem that the Emperor would not be able to rest till after midnight. After placing the tea and snacks aside, Xiao Yu took two steps back but did not leave. Waiting until Yan Hong Tian stopped to drink the tea during his spare time, Xiao Yu said softly, ¡°Emperor, Imperial Concubine Qing just came over and left when she say you dealing with affairs of the state.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands was holding a cup of tea while his eyes was still staring at the reports intently that his eyelids did not even lift up when he replied, ¡°Withdraw. You all do not need to serve here.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Coming out from the study, Xiao Yu send the rest of the palace maids back as she slowly headed back. Walking along the stone steps between the Royal Study and the bedchamber, Xiao Yu sat down and propped her chin with her hands and stared at the almost covered moon in a daze. Xiao Yu was a Female Official by the Emperor¡¯s side that even if she was sitting at the stone steps at such a late night, no one dared to tell her off. The night guards who were on duty only dared to glance at her quickly when they pass her before hurrying away. ¡°It is so late already, Attendant Xiao still have the mood to appreciate the moon?¡± Xiao Yu need not need to lift her head up to guess who it was as no one will use this ridiculous tone to speak to her in Zheng Yang Palace. The ceremony was nearing, thus she was able to see Ming Jian daily instead of the usual once in ten days to a month. Xaio Yu cast sidelong glance at him before continuing to look up at the sky and not pay him any heed. Initially she thought that he will leave but she did not think that Ming Jian would actually sit down beside her, ¡°What made you lost in your thoughts?¡± ¡°Thinking of what that looks clear but is actually very shameful.¡± A cool voice with some disdain and resent. Ming Jian was surprise for a moment before he smile, ¡°What angered the always magnanimous Attendant Xiao?¡± Xiao Yu could not be bothered with him. Seeing her beautiful light eyebrows knitted like she have something on her mind, Ming Jian asked seriously, ¡°Really so vexed?¡± Xiao Yu shook her head, ¡°I was thinking, who would be the next Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± Qing Feng? He know that Qing Feng was came over tonight but left in a short time. What did she say to Xiao Yu that was able to make Xiao Yu, who always ignored about the matters of the Inner Palace, to be this trouble? Ming Jian smiled tentatively, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s charms are not small indeed that even you start to care about her.¡± First it was Imperial Concubine Shu, then it was Imperial Concubine Hui and the next one was Imperial Concubine Qing. Xiao Yu lightly exclaimed, ¡°Is it true that beautiful women are born unlucky?¡± And what would her fate be? Once she reaches the age, she would only have two roads, one was that the Emperor would take a fancy on her, keep her by his side and confer a title of Beauty or whatever and then she would spend a lifetime in the Palace. If her luck was better, the Emperor would bestow a marriage for her but with her age and identity, it would not be possible to be an official wife and only be a concubine. Actually, the only biggest difference between both road was the size of her cage. She hated this kind of feeling. The melancholy that was reflected in Xiao Yu eyes made a slight ripple in Ming Jian¡¯s heart. He lifted his hands to her shoulders but did not dare to place it down even after a long time when suddenly a voice sounded, ¡°Commander, General Su is here late at night to seek an audience with the Emperor.¡± Ming Jian quickly took his hand back. It is already the middle of the night and for General Su to personally enter the Palace this late, it must be something important. Ming Jian did not dare to slight and immediately stood up to reply, ¡°Bring the General to the side hall of the Imperial Study to wait.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The guard accepted the order and quickly left. Ming Jian thought that Xiao Yu was still behind him and wanted to turn back and inform her but he llater discovered that Xiao Yu had already left. Ming Jian sighed and headed towards the Imperial Study. ¡°Emperor, General Su request an audience.¡± The hand holding the writing brush paused as he looked out of the room. The night was already deep. Yan Hong Tian softly asked, ¡°What time is it now?¡± ¡°Just past Xushi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 pm).¡± ¡°Announce.¡± For Su Ling to request an audience this late at night, Yan Hong Tian vaguely felt that the matter should be related to the case of the missing gold. In a short while, Su Ling, clad in a dark green uniform and with hands holding a report, strode up and without waiting for him to greet, Yan Hong Tian waved his hands to motion to dispense the ceremony, ¡°What matter that cause such urgency?¡± ¡°It is indeed very thorny.¡± Su Ling did not say anything more as he handed the report over. Flipping open the not so thin report and only reading a few pages, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes slightly narrowed as he softly recite, ¡°Colluding with rebels, robbing the treasury, intent to conspire against the state. It is indeed thorny, every line is a capital offence.¡± Su Ling felt the anger from Yan Hong Tian and said seriously, ¡°When Su Ren caught the rebels and initially interrogated them. At that time, they said that year when the gold vault was open with the collusion of the Minister of Revenue and also signed their confession. But who knew that once they are back to the Mistry of Justice, they insisted that it was the instructions of the Prime Minister Lou¡¯s, father and son.¡± A Pa sounded and the reported was thrown onto the desk. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips raised slightly but there was no smile, ¡°Who would have thought that not only you have brought the gold back, you also brought such an interesting issue back.¡± Even though Yan Hong Tian said that it was interesting, those that were present did not felt it. That pair of dark eyes were slightly narrowed and there was a killing intent but it was only for a moment before it became calm, ¡°Gao Jing, summon Dan Yu Lan to the Palace.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Picking up the report to read again, when Yan Hong Tian finished the last page, he suddenly said, ¡°Conspiring against the state is indeed a serious matter and is not a laughing matter. When Official Dan reach, both of you should discuss and imprison those first thing tomorrow under the ¡®intent to conspire against the state¡¯.¡± ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Tomorrow was the day of Lou Xi Yan¡¯s marriage?! Su Ling frowned, ¡°Does this matter require to be discussed with Prime Minister Lou?¡± Yan Hong Tian lean back comfortably on the cushion as he smiled, ¡°General Su have underestimated Prime Minister Lou. He is always strategising. Just wait for a good show tomorrow.¡± This issue was strange and for the Emperor to do as such, first was to create a surprise so that the mastermind behind the matter would not be able to react quickly and secondly he did not want Prime Minister Lou to get married that freely and happily. Su Ling was not worried for Lou Xi Yan, it was just that for a day like tomorrow, when he brought people over to arrest him, he don¡¯t know how would Qing Mo that woman would argue with him. That may not necessarily true, since she did not argue much but prefer to act instead. Thinking of the two tough and difficult female from the Qing family, Su Ling head started to ache. ***** When dawn broke, Qing Feng Hall started to bustle with noise and excitement. The valuables and treasures that the Emperor usually bestowed were taken out and individually placed into delicate wooden boxes and wrapped up. ¡°Fu Ling, are the congratulatory gifts ready?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget any congratulatory gifts!¡± ¡°What time is it now? You all have to be quick about it and not make any mistakes.¡± Seeing Qing Feng being busy since early in the morning, Fu Ling quickly stepped forward to support her and helped to to a wooden chair to sit while smiling, ¡°It is only Chenshi (Modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am), Mistress do rest assure that everything is prepared.¡± Qing Feng knows that Fu Ling through with her tasks but it was a special day today and she was happy but a little nervous as Eldest Sister will finally get married. Pointing to the two carved green jade Ruyi and taking out the official token from her sleeve before handing over to Fu Ling, Qing Feng said, ¡°The Ruyi have auspicious meaning. Pass that and this over to her hands.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling kept the token and smiled, ¡°You have not been this happy for a long time.¡± Qing Feng gave a pleasant smile, ¡°It is Eldest Sister big day. Although I am unable to go, I am still happy for her.¡± Seeing that the sun has finally broke through the clouds, Qing Feng impatiently push Fu Ling out, ¡°Quickly go, don¡¯t miss the timing.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± At this time, the Palace Gates just opened. Fu Ling was helpless, seeing that her Mistress was that anxious, she could only head out. After Fu Ling left, Qing Feng had nothing much to do. Her heart was both happy and excited that she was of no mood to read or write. She was only hoping that Fu Ling could hurry back and tell her about the grand wedding. She also don¡¯t know what message will her sister pass to her and Mo-er should also be at Eldest Sister¡¯s wedding. She had not seen her for six months and should have grown up a lot. ¡°The Emperor has arrived!¡± A loud cry sounded from outside the hall which brought Qing Feng¡¯s wandering thought back. Yan Hong Tian had come? Qing Feng look out the window, when she was indulging in her imagination, the sun has long risen and shining down the window frame. It was already Sishi (Modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 am). Today was Prime Minster Lou wedding and hundreds of officials will be congratulating. Even if he did not have to congratulate personally, he should be in the Imperial Study working on affairs of the state at this hour. What was he doing at her place? Chapter 55 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 55 Chapter 55: Thoughts In A Whirl (Part 2) Qing Feng did not have time to ponder when that familiar bright yellow figure appeared outside her door. Qing Feng greeted with a slight bow, ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian entered and used one hand to support Qing Feng up. His eyes landed on her protruding abdomen and there was a trace of anxiety that flashed across his eyes but it soon faded. Holding Qing Feng¡¯s hands and smiling, ¡°Didn¡¯t Zhen said before that beloved concubine do not need to perform greetings.¡± Letting the servant serve the hot tea, Qing Feng asked an unintentional question, ¡°The Emperor has time to come over today?¡± Taking the teacup over for a sip, it was not done as attentive as what Xiao Yu usually did or as careful as what Fu Ling usually did. Yan Hong Tian put down the cup, ¡°Was recently busy with the affairs of the state and thus do not have time to see you. Why? You do not wish to see Zhen?¡± ¡°Chenqie do not dare.¡± Both of them said a few more words but it was all useless talk which made Qing Feng¡¯s doubts deepen. At this time Yan Hong Tian suddenly walked to the study room facing the chambers. Even though it was a study room but actually it was just a separating area. She likes to paint so there were not many books in the study room and the bookshelves are filled with many of her artworks and eight chi (1 chi = 1 yard) table occupied almost half of the study room. The table was filled with paper and ink slabs, a few half-finished paintings and a just completed painting of an auspicious Q¨ªl¨ªn which was place in the middle. When Yan Hong Tian entered the study room, he was apparently attracted by the painting. It was almost the height of a person with one Qilin¡¯s foot stepping on a cloud, mist coming out of its mouth, it¡¯s whole black body was surrounded by colourful clouds, it¡¯s eyes were as bright as bronze bell and two tusks were basked in coldness. It was half lying down like it was resting but also looked like it has accumulated enough energy and was about to pounce out of the painting. Yan Hong Tian touched the paper and found that the ink was dried so he rolled it up and place it aside as he flip through other unfinished paintings. He quickly found out that this beloved concubine of his likes to paint landscapes. Even though it was not as massive and grand as that painting of mountains, one could see the free and easy strokes in them. Qing Feng stood there silently and watched and Yan Hong Tian did not asked her anything thus she did not say anything. At this time, Gao Jing brought a wooden box over and place it at the side before starting to tidy up her desk. In a short while it was tidied up. Then Gao Jing opened the wooden box and took out a dark red book and place it neatly on the right side of Yan Hong Tian. That book does not look like a report thus Qing Feng guessed that it was some memorandum on the affairs of state. Yan Hong Tian pass the rolled up painting to Gao Jing and sat down in front of the desk and started to¡­ Read through memorandums? What was the meaning of these master and servant? This was not the Imperial Study. Qing Feng started to frown. Yan Hong Tian now occupy her desk and she is unable to stand long and could not leave him aside and retreat to her chambers to rest. She could only lay on the couch by the bookshelf and casually flip through a book but her heart was not on the book at all. She quietly look at Yan Hong Tian who was concentrating on evaluating the reports and Qing Feng started to be confused. Since it was dealing with affairs of the state, why did he come over to her place? After about more than a sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours) of that, it was approaching lunchtime and Qing Feng back started to hurt as she kept laying down but Yan Hong Tian barely moved at all. Qing Feng cursed silently in her heart. Just as she stood up, Fu Ling panicked voice was heard from out the door, ¡°Mistress, something happened!¡± Pulling the curtains away, Qing Feng replied, ¡°What went wrong?¡± Running to Qing Feng¡¯s side, just as Fu Ling was about to speak, she saw Yan Hong Tian sitting behind the desk and her knees buckled when she quickly knelt down, ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian continued to look down at the reports in his hands, as if he had not seen Fu Ling. Fu Ling was sweating and her heart was pounding. Prime Minister Lou just got in trouble but the Emperor was behaving like this in front of Mistress, was he lashing out? It does not look like it. Monitoring? It was not necessary. Fu Ling stood frozen and did not speak for a long time. Thinking that she went to send out the wedding gifts today and came back looking like this, Qing Feng started to get anxious. Could it be¡­ ¡°Something happened with my Eldest Sister?¡± Fu Ling shook her head. Qing Feng hanging heart was settled down a bit. If it was not Eldest Sister that was in trouble, it was fortunate. Yan Hong Tian did not say a word thus Fu Ling dare not get up, so QIng Feng pulled Fu Ling¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Fu Ling continued to keep her head lowered and dare not speak but she quietly wrote three words, ¡®Prime Minister Lou¡¯, on Qing Feng¡¯s palm with her finger. Just as she finish writing, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes was still on the reports but his deep voice sounded, ¡°Your mistress ask you to speak so you should speak.¡± Fu Ling thought for a while before replying, ¡°General Su wiped out the Northwest rebels and captured the leader. The rebels confessed that they colluded with Prime Minister Lou, father and son, to steal the gold from the treasury and con¡­¡± Fu Ling hesitated and wanted to see the Emperor¡¯s expression but she didn¡¯t dare to do so. Qing Feng got more anxious, ¡°Speak!¡± Fu Ling bit her lips before whispering, ¡°Conspiring against the state.¡± Conspiring? Qing Feng¡¯s heart jumped, this was an indeed large offence that can behalf on the entire clan. ¡°How is Lou Xi Yan now?¡± ¡°Prime Minister Lou, both father and son, was arrested by Official Dan and General Su and is imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice¡¯s prison.¡± Qing Feng started to get angry, ¡°How about the wedding? Who gave them such a courage to dare to storm into the Prime Minister manor to arrest?¡± Fu Ling lowered her head and was afraid to answer. Qing Feng cursed her stupidity. Who else would give them that courage, of course it was that man behind her! Else no one in the nation would dare to arrest people in the middle of a wedding. Secretly taking a deep breath, Qing Feng asked softly, ¡°How is my Eldest Sister?¡± ¡°Mistress can rest assure and Lou Furen is all right.¡± Lou Furen¡­ Qing Feng sighed, ¡°They had completed the wedding ritual.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s steps started to waft so Fu Ling quickly stepped forward but dare not get up and only prop Qing Feng on her knees. She said, ¡°It was Lou Furen who insisted on completing the wedding ritual before letting General Su to take him away.¡± At that time, the situation was chaotic. Lou Furen took the veil off and insisted on doing the wedding ritual in front of everyone as she was determined to face life and death with him. That indifferent expression with a firm gaze and relaxed attitude made Fu Ling admire in her heart. No wonder Prime Minister Lou do not want to marry any other female. Eldest Sister still married to Lou Xi Yan regardless. Qing Feng was unsure if she should be happy or sad and only waved her hands, ¡°You can withdraw.¡± The Emperor did not speak anything but Qing Feng thicken her skin and withdraw. She softly shut the door but dare not close it up and left a crack. She knows her Mistress¡¯s temper well, on normal days it was already bad even though she had tone it down lately, but once it involves the Qing family, she was afraid that Mistress and the Emperor would have conflict. Her Mistress was currently pregnant and there must not be a slightest mistake. When Qing Feng turn back, Yan Hong Tian had already place the book down and his eagle-like dark eyes was locked on her. It was not as cold like in the past but it was still like a bottomless pit which made one unable to read his mind. From Qing Feng¡¯s eyes, this kind of look was examining, prying and also warning her. Qing Feng coldly looked back at him, ¡°Is this the reason why you stayed at Qing Feng Hall the entire afternoon?¡± Every time when she does not refer herself as Chenqie and hypocritically called him Emperor, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mood would be better. Looking coldly at her, Yan Hong Tian did not say anything. He wanted to see how this kitten would unleash her claws. Qing Feng suddenly laughed but her laughter did not reach to the end of her eyes, ¡°You really think highly of me. It is presumed that the Emperor would have a lot of state affairs to handle. So please!¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows raised, she has improved. Folding his hands in front of his chest, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°Zhen did not expect that beloved concubine would assess the situation like that, after hearing that Qing Ling is all right then start to chase people away. Have you forgotten that Lou Xi Yan has taken care of you and now he is your older brother-in-law, you do not plead for him?¡± ¡°Plead?¡± Qing Feng laughed again, but this time it was full of sarcasm, ¡°Is the Emperor kidding? With regards to the affairs of the state, Chenqie is only a female and do not dare to critique. Prime Minister Lou and the Emperor grew up together and have been assisting by the Emperor¡¯s side for so many years. He is already your arms and is dedicated his heart and energy to the Emperor. The Emperor knows his every move better than Chenqie. In the entire sky and ground, if the Emperor says guilty who not be not guilty?¡± The clear voice and every single word clearly meant ¡®you are an incapable ruler¡¯. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sharp eyes froze, ¡°Qing Feng!¡± Qing Feng could not help filching her body but did not retreated a hairsbreadth Qing Feng guessed that Yan Hong Tian should be in rage now but Yan Hong Tian ask her one question seriously, ¡°In your eyes, Zhen is an incapable rule?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Are originally one¡­ Both of them was separated by a large desk but that atmosphere weighted down on Qing Feng so much that she was unable to breath. His face was calm and his cold eyes were like a hawk¡¯s but she continue to stare at him. She did not finish her words when Chen Zhen¡¯s voice sounded in Qing Feng¡¯s mind, ¡°You don¡¯t understand the Inner Palace, don¡¯t understand him and don¡¯t understand love.¡± She don¡¯t understand and she also don¡¯t want to understand, not even one bit¡­ Her mind was thinking that but her heart felt bouts of pain. ¡°Ou.¡± A wave of nausea burst in her stomach and Qing Feng could not help but to turn to the corner. First it was just retching but after that she started to vomit. Qing Feng was curled up in a corner. Just now she was snarling at him with her claws and now she was like a kitten. Yan Hong Tian closed his eyes in tiredness and called out, ¡°Someone come!¡± Fu Ling stood outside the doors and when she heard the retching sound from Qing Feng, she wanted to go it but because of the presence of the Emperor, she could only anxiously stand outside the door. Now that the Emperor called, Fu Ling immediately rushed in. Fu Ling gave some warm water to Qing Feng, so that she could gargle and also help to pat her back but Qing Feng vomited more severely than usual. She did not eat anything this morning and now Qing Feng¡¯s cheeks were red but her lips were pale. ¡°Summon the Imperial Physician.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face was ashen when Fu Ling quickly explained, ¡°Emperor, Mistress is suffering from morning sickness. It is useless for the Imperial Physician to be here.¡± Qing Feng half knelt on the floor in a sorry state and vomited till she was unable to catch her breath. Yan Hong Tian frowned, ¡°She vomit like this everyday?¡± Fu Ling did not dare to look up and just nodded as she supported Qing Feng to a lounge seat by the side to rest. Yan Hong Tian stood up irritably and walked a few rounds the main hall before exclaiming, ¡°From today onwards, Qing Feng is not allowed to step out of Qing Feng Hall. If she take a step out, everyone¡¯s heads will roll!¡± ¡°May the Emperor be appease!¡± All the servants in Qing Feng Hall was so scared that they all knelt down but Yan Hong Tian ignore them and walked out of Qing Feng Hall. ¡°Gao Jing, summon Huang Jiao over to take a look at her.¡± Reaching out of the hall, Yan Hong Tian walked toward the Northern Gates after leaving those words. ¡°Yes.¡± Gao Jing had expected that the Emperor would say that and started to walk towards the Medical Court. After taking two steps, he stopped and passed the drawing that the Emperor handed to him in the morning to the eunuch behind him and instructed, ¡°Get it framed.¡± The reason why Emperor came here to day was, first to avoid all the audiences from the officials on Prime Minister Lou¡¯s rebellion and secondly he was afraid that this intense mistress would harm herself when things were still unclear. Gao Jing started thinking, since when did the Emperor start to truly felt for Qing Feng? Chapter 56 Qing Feng Hall The tree that was planted in the courtyard had shaded almost half of the entire courtyard and there was a simple swing hanging for the thick branch, which was swaying with the autumn wind. Under the tree, there laid a female on a couch with both eyes closed. Her face was calm and her abdomen was slightly protruding, like a pregnant female of six months. Two palace maids quietly stood behind her with their heads slightly bowed and even their breathing were careful so as not to disturb their mistress dream. Qing Feng could not sleep the last night and the news that Fu Ling brought back in the morning only brought her a little peace of mind. From the letters that were found with the rebels, there were many seal from Lou Xi Yan but it was not written by him. A rebellion would jeopardise the nation and it was an capital offence, even though the evidence was not irrefutable, Lou Xi Yan could only continue to be imprison. The Prime Minister manor were closed and quiet, so Elder Sister should still be safe. Fu Ling hurried into the courtyard and walked to Qing Feng. After some hesitation, she spoke, ¡°Mistress, Prime Minister Lou¡¯s furen used the token and has already entered the Palace by the northern gate.¡± When Prime Minister Lou¡¯s furen use the token at the Palace Gates, the guards came to report. Prime Minister Lou was just imprisoned and Lou Furen entered the Palace, it would seem that it would be related to that. The originally lazy look that Qing Feng wore on her face suddenly open her eyes wide and propped herself up from the couch as she urgently said, ¡°Quickly go and pick her up. Bring her to Qing Feng Hall and be careful not to let anyone see.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling slightly bow and quickly left. Qing Feng got up and the palace maids behind her immediately approached her but she waved her hands so that they would withdraw. Qing Feng stared at the courtyard and her hands unconsciously intertwined and clenched together. In a short while, Fu Ling lead Zhou Qing into Qing Feng Hall and Qing Feng immediately came forward to greet, ¡°Eldest Sister!¡± Once Zhou Qing entered the courtyard she saw Qing Feng, she was still so thin, making her abdomen look much more prominent. ¡°Follow me.¡± Taking her hand, Qing Feng brought her inside the room. Both of them entered the room and Qing Feng gave a look to Fu Ling. Fu Ling nodded her head smartly and gently shut the doors before quietly backing out. ¡°Eldest Sister, are you still fine?¡± Both of Eldest Sister¡¯s eyes were slightly swollen and her face was too pale. She has always been gentle and delicate. How much did she suffer in these turn of events? Tightly holding Zhou Qing¡¯s hands, Qing Feng felt emotional. Gently patting Qing Feng¡¯s hand, Zhou Qing gave a faint smile, ¡°I am fine.¡± Qing Feng believed firmly that Zhou Qing intentionally hid her sorrow and gently comforted, ¡°Actually pertaining older brother-in-law case, you need not need to be too worried. Even though Yan Hong Tian is a tyrant, he is not¡­¡± Thinking back on yesterday when she was confronting Yan Hong Tian, Qing Feng suppressed the sigh in her heart and continued, ¡°He is not an incapable rule. Older brother-in-law is a Prime Minister of a nation and have been his right hand man all these time. This case is really strange, it would be better to wait and observe the changes.¡± Zhou Qing firmly shook her head and replied in a cold voice, ¡°I can wait but Xi Yan¡¯s body cannot wait. If he carry on staying in that prison, before the investigation is completed, he would have been dead. This time, I do not want to sit and wait for death.¡± She believe that at the end the truth will prevail but she was not willing to wait, especially after seeing Xi Yan today. Qing Feng was slightly startled. She never saw this kind of persistent and strength in her Elder Sister¡¯s eyes before. In the past, she always believed in fate. Was it Lou Xi Yan that changed her? Determining that she was serious, Qing Feng did not persuade her again and ask her directly, ¡°What are your plans now? What do you need me to do?¡± For Elder Sister to look for her, there must be a plan. Zhou Qing¡¯s eyes swept over Qing Feng protruding stomach and she swallowed the words that she wanted to say. After hesitating for a moment, she then said, ¡°I know that your life in the Palace is not easy. The thing that I request for you to do, you only need to do your best. If it cannot be done, then leave it. The most important thing is to protect yourself well.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s heart warmed as she still held Zhou Qing Hands and smile heartily, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will be careful. Tell me what I need to do.¡± She had sworn before that those people who showed kindness to her, she must return it. For those who showed her hatred, she will definitely avenge. For this half a year, Lou Xi Yan has helped her so many times and she did not forget about it. No matter what Elder Sister require her to do today, she would definitely complete it. Zhou Qing bent slightly and whispered into Qing Feng¡¯s ear. Qing Feng look shocked as she faced Zhou Qing. She initially thought that her Eldest Sister would request her to intercede with Yan Hong Tian and did not think that she wants¡­ Meeting Zhou Qing eyes, it seems that she has a scheme and was not the simple and gentle Elder Sister she remembered. Zhou Qing softly asked, ¡°Can you do it?¡± Recovering her thoughts, Qing Feng nodded her head in reply, ¡°I will definitely get it done.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Zhou Qing stood up, ¡°Then I will leave first. Look after yourself.¡± She was very grateful to Qing Feng but because of this sensitive issue, the longer she say in the Palace, the greater impact it has on Qing Feng. Qing Feng also immediately got up and hugged her tightly. It was only for a short time and Qing Feng sensibly let go of her hands, ¡°You have to take care too.¡± Both of them smiled at one another, there was no need to say more words. When the room doors were opened, Fu Ling could be seen running all the way from the courtyard and stood in front of them before she panted, ¡°Mistress, the Emperor is heading towards Qing Feng Hall.¡± He rarely come over to Qing Feng Hall at this time. Could it be that he is here for her Elder Sister? Zhou Qing exchanged a look with Qing Feng and both of them came to the same conclusion. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed as she spoke to Fu Ling, ¡°Fu Ling, take her away from the side door. Quick!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Qing did not converse more and waved at Qing Feng before following running after Fu Ling and left from the side door. ¡°The Emperor has arrived!¡± The eunuch¡¯s voice sounded from the courtyard but Qing Feng not only did not go out to receive, she also immediately return to the room and shut the doors. If Yan Hong Tian was here for Eldest Sister, then by letting him think that Eldest Sister is still in Qing Feng Hall would allow her to have a little more time to get out of the Palace. In a short time, the doors were opened forcefully by Yan Hong Tian and it was only then Qing Feng slowly got up from the bed and pull the curtain apart before slowly bow and greeted slowly, ¡°Chenqie fell unwell just now and decided to rest a bit thus did not know that the Emperor had arrive and did not receive. May the Emperor punish!¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sharp eyes swept across the not very big chambers. Except for Qing Feng with a calm face, there was not another shadow of a second person. ¡°Where is she?¡± Qing Feng pretended to be ignorant, ¡°Who is the Emperor referring to?¡± The interior of chambers were empty and it was not possible to hide anyone. Seeing Qing Feng indifferent look, the person was already gone. Yan Hong Tian did not have any intention of chasing and coldly said, ¡°It would be best that you do not get involve in matter pertaining Lou Xi Yan. Zhen has a stand on it.¡± Slightly raising her eyebrows, Qing Feng smiled and replied, ¡°Chenqie is already confined in this Qing Feng Palace and what else can be done? The Emperor has worried to much.¡± The incident only happened a day before and Qing Mo had already went to the Ministry of Justice and did not found anything so she turn Su Ling¡¯s study upside down. Qing Ling took a trip to the prison and entered the Palace once. He would not believe that she only walked around casually. This half a year, even though there was Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling who was covering for them, he clearly knew what both of them had done. Now that Qing Ling did not want to wait any longer, what does she want to do? And what she want Qing Feng to do? Yan Hong Tian started to find it interesting. If everything went as he had planed, it would be boring. He knew early on that Lou Xi Yan had strong feelings for Qing Ling but it seems now that Su Ling also lost to the charms of a beauty. How about her? Qing Feng, other than painting, what can you do? Looking deeply in her eyes, his fingers lightly caressed Qing Feng chin as he smile but yet not smile, ¡°It would be good if beloved concubine do not disappoint Zhen.¡± Finishing, Yan Hong Tian did not continue to make things difficult and just swaggered out. When he entered the door, she was able to feel his anger. But now he could leisurely leave, he was indeed very temperamental! The last look that Yan Hong Tian gave was mixed with interest and complexity, making Qing Feng heart shiver. She forced herself to calm down as regardless of anything, she must do what her Eldest Sister have requested of her. Shortly after Yan Hong Tian left, Fu Ling also came back. When she entered the house, she saw her Mistress standing in the middle of the living room with a frown like she has been thinking for a long time. Knowing that Mistress was anxious, before Qing Feng asked, she replied, ¡°Mistress, Lou Furen safely left the Palace.¡± Secretly relieved, Qing Feng nodded her head but refused to sit down. Even though the method that Eldest Sister thought of would be able to rescue Prime Minister Lou in the shortest amount of time but the process was too dangerous. And that person was Yan Hong Tian¡¯s birth mother. Wouldn¡¯t Eldest Sister plan anger Yan Hong Tian? If it was not done like that, what if anything happen to Lou Xi Yan, Elder Sister¡­ Qing Feng bit her lips and beckoned Fu Ling. When she came to her side, Qing Feng then whispered to her ears, ¡°Go to Xi Xia Palace and find a palace maid by the name of Yao Chan. Get her to come over to the side door of Qing Feng Hall at Zishi (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am) tonight.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head but she could not help but wonder, she was practically together with Mistress for all the time. When did Mistress arrange someone in Xi Xia Palace that she did not know about? Fu Ling was about to leave when Qing Feng softly instructed, ¡°Be careful. Don¡¯t let anyone discover you.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling felt that the thing that Lou Furen was requesting of Mistress must be extremely dangerous else Mistress would not be this worried and troubled. There was no wind or clouds tonight, the moon was bright and the night was as quiet as water. At the side door of Qing Feng Hall against the wall, there stood two slender figure who was using the shadow of the lush tree so that even with the bright moonlight, it would be hard to find them in a moment. Fu Ling whispered, ¡°Mistress, Zishi (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am) has passed.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s heart was restless. What if she don¡¯t dare to come? Just at that moment, a shadow appeared on the palace road before it hastily ran over. At almost the side door, no one stood forward but hid at the nearby bushes to observe the surroundings. Fu Ling thought to herself that this person was indeed cautious. Fu Ling walked out a little and the moonlight fell on her. When Yao Chan say her, she ran over and once she got nearer, Yao Chan discover than under the shadows of the tree, there was an elegant figure standing by the wall. Yao Chan quickly stepped forward a few steps, ¡°This servant greets Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± Qing Feng did not beat about the bush and said quietly, ¡°Bengong have something for you to do.? ¡°Your Ladyship, your orders will be followed.¡± Before she came here, Yao Chan had already thought it through, Imperial Concubine Qing let her go at that time was because she was someone in Xi Xia Palace and wanted to use her. ¡°Bengong wants one thing from Xi Xia Palace.¡± Yao Chan kept her head bowed and did not speak while she listen quietly. After a while, she could feel that the person in the dark bend down slightly and got closer to her before gently spitting out the words, ¡°The personal seal of the West Empress Dowager.¡± Personal seal?! Yao Chan was so shocked that she looked up to Qing Feng and saw that pair of cold yet bright eyes looking back at her. Yao Chan felt as those there was a heavy knife on her neck and plop down on her knees but dare not speak loudly and could only anxiously suppress her voice, ¡°May your Ladyship have mercy. This servant, this servant is only a low ranked palace maid beside the Empress Dowager and would not have the opportunity to have access to the seal. And these two days the Empress Dowager would be in the Palace. Even though this servant wants, it is not possible to retrieve it.¡± Saying that she wanted to but not possible to retrieve it meant that she knew where it was located? Qing Feng mood got better, ¡°You need not worry about that. Tomorrow at Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm) the West Empress Dowager will definately leave the Palace. As long as your action is fast enough, no one else will discover. You only need to bring the seal out and there would be someone outside. In only just the time of an incense stick, you can put the seal back in place.¡± She only need to affix the seal on some pages, it would be quick¡­ Yao Chan was almost prostrating on the ground and shook her head aggressively, ¡°This servant really don¡¯t know where the Empress Dowager¡¯s seal.¡± She thought that Imperial Concubine Qing wanted her to monitor everything in Xi Xia Palace and report to her if anything happened but she did not think that her Ladyship would want the seal! Qing Feng was not in a rush as she smiled and lightly coughed. In the quiet night, the melodious voice sounded faintly, ¡°Yao Chan, you will be leaving the Palace soon but Wang Wu still have to work in the Palace. Think about it carefully before answering back to Bengong.¡± That night that man abandoned her and ran away but she would rather die then confess. It would seem that this man was the most important person in her heart. Did she think that if she did not say, no one else would know? She only need to look up the people who are interacting with Yao Chan and then find out the duty roaster of the guards on night duty. How hard was it to search that person out? Watching Yao Chan prostrating on the ground with shorter breathe than before and trembling body, Qing Feng knows that she would definitely win. ¡°This servant¡­ This servant will definitely think of a way to get the seal.¡± Her strong words but crying words firm up Qing Feng¡¯s confidence and thus she waved her hands gently and responded, ¡°Withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Yao Chan did not dare to stay longer and quickly slipped away from the side. ¡°Send someone to watch over her. If she makes other movements¡­¡± The words next were not necessary to say but Fu Ling have understood, ¡°If there are any movements, kill.¡± Her heart tightened slightly but she was able to still reply like usual, ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng raise her hand and pat Fu Ling¡¯s before saying warmly, ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The flash of apprehensiveness and sadness in Fu Ling¡¯s eyes did not escape Qing Feng. Fu Ling was attentive, discreet and was very loyal to her but she was good natured and has an cool exterior but warm heart. This was a very good quality to have but in this Inner Palace, being softhearted was more dangerous than being slow-witted. Both Empress Dowager were dissatisfied with her, the Empress¡¯s forces and actions were vicious and harmful and even though the other concubines have yet to pull anything on her, they must be waiting for a good opportunity to do so. She did not have much power and if some one catches on any of her mistakes, it would be beyond any redemption. Fu Ling and her, known as mistress and servant but have supported each other all the way. In her heart, she had already added her as her family outside her sisters. However what kind of person was Fu Ling? She was someone who refused to bow to anyone, her character was definitely higher and to get her to do sordid things, she must felt pain and that would undermine the relationship between them. Qing Feng also could not bear for Fu Ling to become so vicious and ruthless, after all, not many people were true to her. Qing Feng sighed silently, she¡¯s short of a clear minded and ruthless person¡­ Chapter 57 Xi Xia Palace In front of the hall there was a small garden, the flowers have fallen and there were only a few clusters of flowers left. A dark purple clad woman held a pair of scissors as she carefully trim the leaves and there was a gentle loving smile on her face. The old mama briskly walked over and greeted behind her, ¡°Mistress.¡± The look of joy was apparent but Yang Zhi Lan did not turn her head back and continue focusing on trimming the flowers as she laughed, ¡°Is there any good news?¡± The old mama was all smiles as she replied, ¡°Lou Xi Yan¡¯s illness relapsed again and the Imperial Physicians went over to diagnose and treated him. He only say that if it erupt repeatedly, the physicians would not be able to help. It would seem that he would die in prison before the investigation is completed.¡± Mistress indeed had foresight. Over so many years, on the pretext of looking for doctor and medication for Lou Xi Yan, the medicine that she gave him to supress the illness in fact also make him addicted. For the many years that he was not able to quit, it was handy today. Everything were within her expectations. There was no joy in Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s face but her brow knitted slightly as she asked, ¡°What did the Emperor say?¡± Tian-er and Lou Xi Yan grew up together since young and she was well aware of the deep feelings. She was afraid that this bout of sickness will cause him to relent. Seeing Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s worry, the old mama quickly replied, ¡°Mistress do not need to worry. The two Lee Darens, who were present, lead the entire court officials to pressure and thus the Emperor did not allow Lou Xi Yan to receive treatment out of prison and only decreed to change to another prison cell.¡± ¡°Good.¡± In successive dynasties, the crime of rebellion against the Royal Family was intolerable and Tian-er did not even hesitate when dealing with his own younger blood brother, what more a subject. She really worried too much. Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s eyes darken but it was unsure that if was joy or sorrow of if it was pain or wound. ¡°Get people to watch over that two rebels and make sure they do not talk nonsense. If they are unable to stand the interogation and want to speak. End them. No flaw is tolerated in this matter.¡± Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s hands were arranging the flowers delicately and was full of warmth but the words that were out of her mouth was bone chilling and void of any emotions. ¡°Yes.¡± The old mama heart trembled and dare not show any hint of hesitation. Yao Chan just brought back the water from the well and was preparing to head towards the room to change the water at the Buddhist altar. This was only once chance to be close to the chambers. If this opportunity was missed, even if the Empress dowager is not in the palace, she would not have any chance to steal the seal. She looked up secretly and saw that the Empress was still at the small garden talking to the mama and it seems that there was no intention of them leaving. Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm) was almost here and Yao Chan¡¯s heart was anxious and in panic. At this time a palace maid in her teens suddenly ran haphazardly into Xi Xia Palace and knelt in front of the Empress Dowager with a red face and hasty breath that made one suspect that she was almost unable to catch her breath. Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s hand that was holding cut flower slightly raise and there was no change of expression on her face but there was a trace of displeasure across her eyes. The old mama¡¯s palm hit the girl¡¯s vest as she scolded lowly, ¡°What are you panicking like this. So ill mannered.¡± The palace maid was in so much pain that her face knitted together but she dare not cry out and knelt flat on the ground. After catching her breath, she replied, ¡°Reply Empress Dowager, without any reason, Princess Chao Yun rushed out of Qing Xuan Temple and ran towards the Imperial Study. The servants were unable to stop her.¡± This time, Yang Zhi Lan expression finally changed as she urgently spoke, ¡°What happened?¡± The palace maid express difficulty and she was not ale to explain anything even after stammering half the some. She was just a palace maid in Qing Xuan Hall. It is the Princess¡¯s afternoon nap time after lunch and no one would have guess that the Princess, who was dispirited all these few days, would suddenly rush out of Qing Xuan Hall. Older sister Lian-er was unable to stop it and made her come over to ask for the Empress Dowager¡¯s help. She really did not know what happen. Yang Zhi Lan threw aside the flowers that she was trimming and without asking more, her cold voice said, ¡°Lead the way.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The palace maid got up shaking and walk half a step behind the Empress Dowager and lead the way with a bend. Yang Zhi Lan brought the old mama and several palace maids and hurried out of Xi Xia Palace. Yao Chang was the time and it was Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm). Secretly taking a deep breath, Yao Chan walked slowly into the praying hall with a bucket as usual. The Emperor¡¯s Zheng Yang Palace was in front that there was a large lawn. This was so that when the Emperor look out from the main hall, he would have a broad vision and also able to see from afar who was approaching Zheng Yang Palace as there was no opportunity to hide one¡¯s whereabouts. Usually during the day there will not be anyone in this large lawn. but today one could see a group of palace maid surrounding a female but dare not pull or stop her and only uniformly knelling on the ground and blocking her way forward. Xiao Lian pulled tightly onto Yan Ru Xuan¡¯s sleeves and she urgently said, ¡°Princess, you mustn¡¯t go in!¡± Yan Ru Xuan was stopped all the way and with her anxious heart, she has already long forgotten about a princess¡¯s dignity. She shouted, ¡°Let go. I want to look for Imperial Elder Brother.¡± ¡°Princess, I beg of you to go back with Xiao Lian.¡± Along the entire way, the tugging and pulling failed to block the Princess so Lian-er could only knee down and hold on to Yan Ru Xuan¡¯s legs tightly. ¡°Impudent!¡± Her leg was tightly held on and Yan Ru Xuan was unable to move. Her heart started to get anxious as she starred at Xiao Lian angrily, ¡°You actually dare to block Bengong¡¯s road. You don¡¯t want to live any more?¡± ¡°Princess, you absolutely cannot go! Even if you want Xiao Lian¡¯s head, Xiao Lian will also not let you go.¡± Just ahead was the Emperor¡¯s Zheng Yang Palace and the pulling and tugging might had already alarmed the Emperor. No one could help on the matter with Prime Minister Lou and if the Princess rush in like this, it would only anger the Emperor. Xiao Lian¡¯s face was already bathed in tears. Facing this person who was following her for so many years, it was not possible for Yan Ru Xuan to have her head and thus she could only struggle more and almost fell to the ground for a few times. ¡°Xuan-er, what are you doing?¡± A anxious cry of filled with affection called from behind. The Empress Dowager had arrived, Xiao Lian gave a sigh in relief as she gently let her hand go. When her feet were freed, Yan Ru Xuan immediately ran towards Empress Dowager and tugged on Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s hand while speaking incoherently, ¡°Imperial Mother, Imperial Mother, tell me, is Older Brother Yan locked up in prison? Why did Imperial Elder Brother imprison him? Older Did Brother Yan¡¯s illness has erupted again? What did the Imperial Physician say? Imperial Mother, please speak?¡± ¡°Who told you these?¡± Yang Zhi Lan face turn gloomy as her eyes looked at the servants kneeling on the floor and could not wait to tear all these people apart. ¡°Imperial Mother, accompany me to see Imperial Elder Brother all right? How can he imprison older brother Yan? We will go and plead to him all right?¡± Imperial Mother¡¯s expression changed, this must be true. Yan Ru Xuan¡¯s heart felt more anxious as she pulled Yang Zhi Lan and wanted to run to Zheng Yang Palace. The afternoon sun in early autumn was hot and dry and too add on running all the way emotionally, Yan Ru Xuan¡¯s face was red, there was panic in her eyes and the heat made that previously dull eyes to sparkle. Comparing to the ashen look for the past few days, she was more agile and alive but all this was because of Lou Xi Yan. The hate in Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s heart of Lou Xi Yan increased but her face remained clam and collected. Gently patting Yan Ru Xuan¡¯s hand, Yang Zhi Lan smiled and consoled, ¡°Xuan-er must have listen to all the nonsense talk. The Emperor is a wise and enlighten ruler, how would he imprison a nation¡¯s Prime Minister?¡± Yan Ru Xuan was somewhat taken aback and she stopped her steps to think about Imperial Brothers usual actions. He would not just put anyone in jail but this was related to Lou Xi Yan. She was still not assured and asked, ¡°Older brother Yan was really not imprisoned?¡± Yang Zhi Lan only smiled and nodded but did not answer her. Instead she softly asked, ¡°Where did you heard it from?¡± Xuan-er stayed at her own place and she had already ordered the people in Qing Xuan Hall not to mentioned anything about Lou Xi Yan. How did Xuan-er know about it? This was really strange. Yan Ru Xuan thought about it and shook her head, ¡°I heard it when two palace maids were talking about it. I do not remember who were they.¡± There were so many palace maid in the Palace so it was not surprising for Xuan-er not to remember. But these two palace maid dare to talk about Lou Xi Yan infront of the Princess and also able to recount so clearly which was very strange. Yang Zhi Lan gave a look to the old mama and the old mama quietly withdraw. Yan Ru Xuan grabbed Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s hands but her heart still beating hard, ¡°Imperial Mother really did not lie to me right?¡± Yang Zhi Lan smiled as she coaxed her, ¡°Would Imperial Mother lie to you about it?¡± ¡°Then¡­ I want to go to the Prime Minister Manor to see older brother Yan.¡± She still did not feel settled, what if older brother Yan was in danger, what can she do? How did this daughter become so obstinate, Yang Zhi Lan started to get angry but she did not blame her and instead sighed before speaking, ¡°Xuan-er has forgotten that he just got married?¡± That sentence suddenly pulled out all the strength from Yan Ru Xuan and she stumbled into Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s arm. Her tears started to fall uncontrollably, ¡°That is right, at this time older brother Yan should be accompanying his wife to tour around. Where would he have time to bother about me.¡± The mournful murmurings seem to be mocking herself and Yan Ru Xuan¡¯s face once again lost vigour. Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s heart ached as she gently pat her back and softly spoke, ¡°All right, Mother will send you back.¡± This time Yan Ru Xuan did not make a commotion and woodenly followed Yang Zhi Lan towards the direction of Qing Xuan Hall. ***** Fu Ling had been hiding behind the big tree next to Xi Xia Palace. Only after seeing the Empress Dowager and her party leaving in a hurry, she then walked over to the back door which servants use and waited. Fu Ling was only there when she saw Yao Chan carrying a bucket out. Yao Chan looked at the surroundings for a while before placing the bucket by the door and ran towards her. She came out in such a short time which made Fu Ling worried as she urgently said, ¡°Did you get it?¡± ¡°En.¡± Yao Chan took a white jade seal from her sleeve and handing it over to Fu Ling. With a look, Fu Ling confirmed that it was Empress Dowager Yang Zhi Lan personal seal. Fu Ling took out several similar letterhead from her pockets. Before she open them, she looked at Yao Chan and Yao Chan immediately understood and quickly turned around, not daring to peek or glance. Even though her back was against Fu Ling and she was two to three steps away, she was looking around alertly and covering Fu Ling. This person was discreet and know when to retreat. She was someone that can be of use to Mistress and this was definitely a good thing. Due to time constraint, Fu Ling dare not be distracted and the most important thing was to stamp quickly. As Fu Ling uses the seal, her eyes inadvertently glance at the contents. This¡­ This turns out to be the private letters between the Empress and the Seventh Prince of Liao Yue? Fu Ling¡¯s hands could not help but shake. Lou Furen¡¯s tacit of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth was indeed very smart. After ensuring that everything was stamped, Fu Ling handed the seal back to Yao Chan and urgently said, ¡°Quickly put it back.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Yao Chan¡¯s palms were filled with sweat and she did not speak any more when she quickly went back to Xi Xia Palace on the same route she came from. For Yao Chan to steal the seal today, it was considered that she had truly seek refuge under Mistress and considered as one of Mistress¡¯s people. This way she did not need to die any more. Fu Ling was secretly relieved. Folding the documents and placing it in the chest pocket, she quickly ran towards the northern gates. Fu Ling was very cautious and prudent along her way. When she finally saw the northern gates, her footsteps got bigger. ¡°Stop there.¡± A harsh male voice berated. Fu Ling stop in her steps and her mind started to spin. This is the northern gate and listening to the footsteps behind, it should be a team of guards patrolling at the gates. Fu Ling look down at her clothes and after determining that it did not look abnormal, she then turned to face the people behind. Behind her was a platoon of over ten Imperial guards. The person standing in front should be the one that call her to stop. Fu Ling look up slightly at that person and immediately meet up a pair of cold and silent eyes. Ming Ze¡­ Fu Ling silently cursed, how did she meet him again! Fu Ling unconsciously clenched her hands. Chapter 58 When Fu Ling saw Ming Ze, she silently cursed her luck. When Ming Ze saw Fu Ling¡¯s face clearly, he too furrowed his brows but it was very light that those who were not very familiar with him would not be able to tell. So in Fu Ling¡¯s perspective, she was facing a cold and expressionless face. Thinking of the things hidden on her, Fu Ling was a little nervous and was afraid that Ming Ze could see so she lowered her head and did not meet Ming Ze¡¯s eyes. In order to ease the facilitation, Fu Ling wore a light blue palace uniform and she look no different from an ordinary palace maid so when she did not speak for a long time after she turned around, a guard behind Ming Ze impatiently spoke, ¡°Which palace are you from and why are you here?¡± Fu Ling looked at the sky and it was almost time for the Palace gates to be close. At this time, usually they would allow people to enter and not exit the Palace gate. She had already arranged it beforehand. During the afternoon when she head out, she brought the letters and now if she go out, those guarding would not stop her but who knew that she would have bump into Ming Ze. After thinking about it, Fu Ling faced the questioning guard and answered with a smile, ¡°I am the Female Official Fu Ling from Qing Feng Hall. Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s morning sickness was so bad lately and wanted to eat preserved honey dates but the chefs in the Imperial Kitchens were unable to replicate the taste her Ladyship wants. Yesterday, her Ladyship took a liking to those that Lou Furen brought to the Palace and ordered me to get some back today.¡± As she spoke, Fu Ling flashed the white jade placard out to prove her identity. Hearing that it was someone from Qing Feng Hall and she was a female official, the face of the person questioning immediately turned and that impatient expression was put away as he laughed, ¡°So it is Miss Fu Ling. There is only half a shichen left before the Northern gate would be closed. According to the rules, it is not allowed to leave the palace at such a timing. Why don¡¯t you go out early tomorrow morning?¡± Fu Ling was undaunted with the reply and continued, ¡°Actually it would not be anything to go out early tomorrow morning. But Imperial Concubine Qing do have much of an appetite for the past few days and likes to eat this. I will only go out for a while and returned. Please make it easy for me.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± That guard gave a look at Ming Ze and when he saw that he did not say anything, that guard smiled awkwardly, ¡°This is not really in accordance to the rules. Do you have the Imperial token? If you have it would be another matter itself.¡± The statuses of female officials in the Palace is high and one were to leave the palace for a while, the mistresses would allow it and the guards at the Palace gates would normaly not stop so who would bring the imperial token out? Also, the Imperial token was giving to Lou Furen by Mistress so she would definitely not have it. As the seconds passed, Fu Ling started to get anxious, if the Palace gates closed, she would really not be able to get out. She dare not portray her anxious heart and could only patiently reply, ¡°The Emperor has bestowed a Imperial token to leave the Palace to Imperial Concubine Qing and you are all aware of this. There is definately a Imperial token. It is just that her Ladyship task is urgently required and it was not brought out. ¡°This¡­¡± The guard looked at Ming Ze again and that silent and unmoving person finally spoke, ¡°It is almost time to close the gate. Go patrol around the area one more time.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± A few people gave a sigh a relief, Imperial Concubine Qing was currently in power, if Fu Ling was not allowed out, it would offend her Ladyship and they would suffer. If they let her out, it would not be according to the rules and if the superiors were aware, they would not be able to bear it. Now that Ming Ze instructed, they were happy to keep the distance. After those people had walked far away, Ming Ze did not beat about the bush and asked in a cold voice, ¡°What do you leave the Palace for?¡± Apparently someone did not believe a single word of what she had just said. Fu Ling cursed in her heart, this person was indeed difficult to handle. The matter about Prime Minister Lou, it is not possible for Ming Ze not to know, mixing with half truths, it should be enough to gain more trust from him. Fu Ling looked around and after determining that there was no one around, she quietly replied, ¡°Prime Minister Lou got into trouble and Lou Furen came to the Palace yesterday and cried a lot. Imperial Concubine Qing wanted to leave the Palace to accompany Lou Furen but the Emperor was furious and decreed that the Ladyship was not allowed out of Qing Feng Hall. Her Ladyship was worried about Lou Furen so she let me out to check out how she is doing.¡± The Palace was not considered big and it was neither small. Whatever verbal decree did the Emperor spoke would be quickly spread around. He was aware of Qing Feng being confined in Qing Feng Hall but he was not aware that it was due to her sister. But it was also true, that night she was in such a poor state but did not forget to find out news of her own elder sister. It shows that she treasure her family a lot. Thinking of the anxious expression on Qing Feng¡¯s face, Ming Ze¡¯s heart soften and he coldly replied, ¡°Must be back in within half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours).¡± Fu Ling was stunned, he agreed to it so readily? Slightly looking up, Fu Ling could only saw Ming Se¡¯s cold features and not see what he was thinking about. Nonetheless, he agreed so Fu Ling immediately replied, ¡°Good.¡± Finishing, Fu Ling did not wait for Ming Ze to speak again and ran towards the Palace gates. Ming Ze followed her towards the gates and just as he wanted to call out to the guards not to stop her, he saw that those people were just standing there and did not have any intention to stop or question Fu Ling, thus she could run all the way out. Ming Ze¡¯s cool eyes slightly narrowed as he felt that something was amiss. Without pausing his steps, he followed Fu Ling out of the Northern gates. Even though Fu Ling do not have any martial arts skill, she was very cautious so Ming Ze did not followed too closely and only saw her running towards the south wall after leaving the gates. After running about thirty to forty zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet), there was a dark red horse carriage waiting there. There was a black-clad male standing beside the carriage with his eyes flashing. Ming Ze could only stand in the distance to watch as that male was skilled in martial arts. Fu Ling ran to the front of the carriage and nodded her head slightly at that man before immediately climbing into the carriage. Being too far away, Ming Ze naturally could not hear what the people in the carriage said and could only quietly observe. When Fu Ling entered the carriage, Zhuo Qing immediately went up to her. Fu Ling did not want to waste any time and took out the letters from her pocket to Zhuo Qing, ¡°Lou Furen, are these all right?¡± Zhuo Qing took it and carefully look through, the clear red seal were covered at the specific location required. Zhuo Qing smiled happily, ¡°En. It¡¯s good. Thanks for your help Fu Ling.¡± Fu Ling could not get used to a mistress saying thanks to her as she slightly knitted her brows and replied, ¡°Don¡¯t speak like this, this servant do not deserve this good fortune.¡± Zhuo Qing smiled and did not say anything more. Thinking of that person in the Palace, Zhuo Qing softly said, ¡°Thank her for me when you go back.¡± ¡°Yes, this servant will retire.¡± Just as Fu Ling was about to exit the carriage, Zhuo Qing suddenly stopped her, ¡°Wait for a moment.¡± Fu Ling looked back at her and Zhuo Qing softly asked, ¡°Is she doing well these days?¡± The last time she saw Qing Feng, she felt that she disregarded her psychological state and in order to deal with Yan Hong Tian and the people around, it was not easy at all. To let her help for her today, Zhuo Qing felt very guilty about it. Mistress should not wish for Lou Furen to worry about her. Fu Ling gently smiled and replied, ¡°Mistress is doing well.¡± Zhuo Qing shook her head, this female had a detailed heart. Zhuo Qing waved her hand to her and said, ¡°You should quickly head back.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling did not speak any more and jump off from the carriage and ran towards the Northern gates. That black clad male jump onto the carriage and with a whip, the for horses galloped away like an arrow. Seeing the speed of the carriage, Ming Ze knows that he would not be able to follow it with his speed and Fu Ling was able to reach the Northern gate earlier. When she almost ran near the Palace gates, Fu Ling stopped her steps and took a few large breaths and waited till her breathing has steadied before entering the Northern gates. When Fu Ling just entered the Palace gates, she felt an inquiring gaze on her and she lifted her head to look. It was Ming Ze. Fu Ling smiled slightly to him and when they passed one another, Fu Ling softly said, ¡°Thanks.¡± Fu Ling thought to herself that this person did not seem unreasonable, whereas Ming Ze look at her back view thoughtfully. ***** Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm) has passed and if successful, FU Ling should have gotten the seal. Qing Feng was restless the entire day and stood by the window and watching the begonias could only make her calm down a bit. Before her hands touched the flowers, Qing Feng¡¯s mind has flew far away. A bunch of steps could be heard from outside Qing Feng Hall and Qing Feng anxiously looked over and saw a female clad as a palace maid carrying a bow and carefully walked it. It was not Fu Ling. Qing Feng was a bit disappointed but she say that female walking over to Lan-er¡¯s side and softly spoke, ¡°Older sister Lan-er. hot and dry during the autumn, this servant brought you lily and white fungus soup. As older sister Fu Ling is just nice not here, do serve it to Mistress.¡± The voice was very light and if Qing Feng was not standing by the window, she would definitely not heard it. Lan-er took the bowl over and smiled, ¡°You are indeed careful. In future you do not need to clean the yard sort of work. Help me to take care of these plants, her Ladyship treasures them a lot.¡± A touch of sweet smile appear on the female¡¯s face as she obediently replied, ¡°Yes. This servant will definitely be dedicated.¡± Lan-er carried the bowl into the room and the smile on the female face faded away as she picked up the scissors that Lan-er left and slowly trimmed the flowers. This female was somewhat familiar. After thinking for a while, Qing Feng finally remembered. When she just entered the Palace, together with Fu Ling, this female served her a day and during that time she was noisy and her mind could be easily read. Now it seems that it was much calmer. As Qing Feng was thinking, Lan-er had already entered the house and spoke softly behind the screen, ¡°Your Ladyship, it is hot and dry during the autumn, this servant brought you lily and white fungus soup. Please try.¡± ¡°Come in.¡± Lan-er brought the porcelain bowl into the inner chambers. Facing this mistress, she was only trying to please her but was also afraid of her. ¡°En, the taste is not bad.¡± Qing Feng only tasted a mouthful and did not continue eating. She asked a seemingly random question, ¡°What time is it?¡± ¡°Replying your Ladyship, it is now Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm) and three quarters.¡± Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm) and three quarters¡­ Why was Fu Ling not back yet? ¡°Withdraw.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s heart was like a boat, drifting in the sea. She did not do anything today but felt very tired. Was this the feeling of a weary heart? After don¡¯t know how long, long enough that Qing Feng thought that it fallen through and was exposed, Fu Ling finally returned. ¡°Mistress.¡± Seeing Fu Ling normal face, Qing Feng felt that it should have gone fairly smoothly but still asked, ¡°How was it?¡± ¡°The stuff have been handed over to Lou Furen and the seal has been returned.¡± Fu Ling thought about the episode that happened at the Palace gates and decided not to speak about it as Mistress looks tired and she should not bother her with these small issues. Seeing that the sky was getting later, Fu Ling was just about to exit to call for the dinner when a small cooling hand reached out and stopped her. Fu Ling look at Qing Feng puzzled and only heard her weak voice replying, ¡°Don¡¯t go anywhere, just stay by my side.¡± Whether it was successful or not, it would soon be known. Even if it was accomplished or not, with Yan Hong Tian¡¯s wisdom, he would definately know that this matter involved her. This night would be harder to pass. Chapter 59 After finishing dinner, Qing Feng just sat by the window to read and Fu Ling was quietly accompanying her by the side. During the daytime, time was of the essence and she was always worried if anything would go wrong in the middle and did not thought about many things. Now that it was much quieter, she no longer felt flustered. They framed the Empress Dowager and liaising with a Prince of an enemy. If there were any flaws, it would be an offence that would cause the entire clan to be killed. That day Lou Furen also did not have time to elaborate the matter to Mistress but Mistress still exhaust all her abilities to do it. She was moved by the deep feelings of both sisters. Fu Ling quietly looked up and saw Qing Feng. She was quiet all the time but Fu Ling knew that she was certainly unsettled because she had not even turn the page of the book in her hand. The time to light the lanterns has just passed when there were some noise outside the hall. It was not very loud but one could hear the hurried footsteps outside. However it was soon quieten down. Fu Ling frowned and wanted to go out to check it but Qing Feng grabbed her wrist and said quietly, ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± Fu Ling wanted to say more but Qing Feng said faintly, ¡°Wait and observe the changes.¡± At this time it would be in vain if one would to go fine out more. They only need to wait for the result. ¡°En.¡± The night has fallen and Fu Ling lit the inner chamber up. As she was afraid that Qing Feng will hurt her eyes if she read at night, Fu Ling lit up more candles so that the candlelight filled the entire inner chambers. Qing Feng continued to stared at the book but not flip a single page and just sat there for another shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours). Fu Ling served her hot tea and Qing Feng only took a light sip and closed the book. Apart from leaving a small lamp, the others were all extinguished. ¡°You can go and rest.¡± Yan Hong Tian should not be coming. ¡°Mistress¡­¡± The silence from Qing Feng tonight was scary. After stretching mentally for the entire day, Qing Feng was exhausted and did not want to say anything thus she waved her hands at Fu Ling, ¡°Withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling can only withdraw quietly. Qing Feng laid down fully clothed but she was unable to sleep. She guessed that Yan Hong Tian would most probably come tonight but it was beyond her expectation for the Palace to be this calm. If Eldest Sister plan was successful, the Empress Dowager involvement with the enemy, not mentioning the uproar in the court, how would the Inner Palace and the Empress Dowager¡¯s power not change? If Eldest Sister plan failed, that would be a crime of framing the Empress Dowager. How would Yang Zhi Lan quit? No matter what happen, it should not be this calm. Only one lamp was left lit in the inner chambers. Under the dim light, everything in the room were blurred, like how Qing Feng¡¯s thoughts were at the moment. Painting allows here to calm down so Qing Feng got up and headed toward the study room. Spreading the paper and picking up a brush, she did not know what to draw at such a time. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Qing Feng was still thinking when there was a strange and weird feeling in her abdomen. For just a moment, there was like a little drum in her belly, like something was tabbing it softly, like an illusion. Qing Feng stared at her abdomen with a curious feeling¡­ Was the child in her stomach moving? She previous hated this child and also wanted to make use of him but at this moment her heart was filled to the brim. Placing her hands lightly on his abdomen, she wanted to feel that movement under her skin but after waiting for so long, it did not returned. Qing Feng sighed, she felt a little disappointed and had no more mood to paint even though she was bored. Qing Feng opened the room door and the palace maids that were waiting by the door quickly went up, ¡°Your Ladyship.¡± ¡°All withdraw.¡± The two palace maids looked at one another and dared not say a word before retreating to the room. It was no a full moon tonight but the moonlight was exceptionally clear as one could see the slight swaying of the swing under the tree. Ever since she was pregnant, she no longer sat on the swing. But tonight, she suddenly missed the feeling of the undulating waves of the swing. Grabbing both sides of the swing, Qing Feng carefully sat down. No one pushed her and she also dared not swing it too much. Just lightly swinging her body back and forth, her hair gently sway with the breeze as a few strands fell on her cheeks. It was a little itchy but very comfortable. Suddenly there was a strange movement across her abdomen again which made Qing Feng stiffen. She placed her hands lightly on her abdomen, fearing that it would disturb the little thing. She felt light movements. This time she truly felt it, that the child in her abdomen is moving. Perhaps the child was reminding her it was time to sleep? Her lips inadvertently gave a warm smile. She herself did not realise that that smile was like the spring wind in March, soft yet nourished one¡¯s mind. Gao Jing stand behind Yan Hong Tian and saw that they have reached Qing Feng Hall but master was frozen by something at the door. Following his gaze, he saw a beautiful gentle smile. The Emperor had never drink in the Imperial Study before but he drank quietly for two shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) but the alcohol did not erase his grief. The more the Emperor drank, the more angry and moody he had gotten. How it seems that it had dissipate a little. Qing Feng just got up when the courtyard doors were suddenly pushed open. Qing Feng was shocked and wanted to call for someone but after seeing that tall figure, her entire body stiffen on the spot. Yan Hong Tian? The ink black robe with gold thread hid his entire figure in the darkness of the night. Both of them were not far apart and the strong alcohol scent made her take a step back. His steps were not sturdy but his eyes were incredibly clear and bright. Both of them just looked at one another and Yan Hong Tian turned and walked into the house. The Yan Hong Tian tonight was somewhat different. Qing Feng hesitated for a while but still return to the house. Entering the house, she was unable to see Yan Hong Tian¡¯s figure in the main hall and could only head towards the inner chambers. She had thought that Gao Jing had supported Yan Hong Tian but did not think that Yan Hong Tian just sat on the ground in front of the bed with his back leaning against the bed. He was just sitting there but he look like in a poor condition, like a lazy but dangerous cheetah. Gao Jing solemnly looked at his master sitting on the floor and did not know what to do. Seeing that she came him, a flash of clarity appeared in Gao Jin¡¯s eyes. Before Qing Feng could grasp on what was the situation, Gao Jing had already withdrawn. She felt that she was unable to cope with Yan Hong Tian being like this and wanted to stop Gao Jing but he had exited the room and shut the doors firmly. Qing Feng stood by the screen and dare not get closer. She did not know if Yan Hong Tian was truly drunk or was faking it. Its not like she had not seen his ruthless and emotionless expression. The pain when the talons-like big hands that tighten her throat was unforgettable in her lifetime. She was now with child and did not allow any room for error. ¡°Come here.¡± The grave voice was still overbearing and as the candlelight was not bright, Qing Feng could only see Yan Hong Tian expressionless face but not see that intense and deep eyes. Not daring to annoy Yan Hong Tian, Qing Feng went towards him but still did not go to close to him. The floor was cold so Qing Feng move a side a while before sitting on the side of the bed and place her shoes on the wooden platform. Qing Feng just sat down when an intense alcohol scent and Yan Hong Tian¡¯s breath hit her, stunning her so much that her palms sweat. The light in the inner chambers got dimmer and dimmer, until it was completely extinguished. The inner chambers was suddenly went dark and Qing Feng¡¯s body stiffen. In the darkness, the other senses had become more acute thus she was able to feel that his breathing was heavier than usual and even though there was an air of brutality, there was also a trace of sorrow. Sorrow? Qing Feng frowned, why would she use such a word to describe him? Does he understand the meaning of sorrow? ¡°What is the feeling of love of family?¡± The coarse voice lost the usual majesty and it was as plain as a normal conversation. However, Qing Feng¡¯s brows tightened. If it was like how he usually asked, Qing Feng will definitely think that he was playing her. Yan Hong Tian always knew how important her sisters were in her heart but in today¡¯s case, she felt that Yan Hong Tian was seriously asking. But why? Unable to speculate Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mind, Qing Feng thought about it and faintly replied, ¡°Feeling of warmth.¡± The deep cold voice continued asking, ¡°What is the feeling of warmth?¡± Warmth¡­ Qing Feng remembered the time where the three sisters were painting by the lily pond and compose poetry. She also remembered that during that hot summer and seeing the cooling pond, she could not help but removed her shoes to play with the water and at the end was scolded by Eldest Sister. But when they returned home and was questioned by their parents on why her skirt was wet, Eldest Sister and Younger Sister hastily helped to lie for her. Thinking of those happy memories, Qing Feng smile softly, ¡°Growing up together since young, with mutual companionship and care. Will laugh at you, will scold you but will always protect you. Even just by thinking of them, my heart would feel warm.¡± Warm? Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes squinted, what is that kind of feeling? Born in the Imperial family, there were many brothers and sisters but mutual companionship and care were not known at all, much less protection. As the Crown Prince, even if you don¡¯t fight or snatch, living was also an hindrance. When he was at his youth, Lou Xi Yan accompanied him which made him not as lonely but Lou Xi Yan was always a subject and not someone related by blood. And those blood related brothers did not let him feel the ¡°warm¡± but only biting freezing cold. Adapting to darkness, Qing Feng was gradually able to see the situation in room. Looking at the person beside her, he was still sitting and leaning the frame of the bed but this time she was not even able to see clearly the expression on his face and could only see the barely visible stern outline from the moonlight. Maybe he was unconsciously clenching his teeth as his angular face was sharper than before. ¡°What is the feeling of between a mother and child?¡± He continued his questions with his deep and cold voice. Qing Feng had guessed what caused Yan Hong Tian to be like this. Eldest Sister¡¯s plan should have succeeded. Qing Feng was thinking of how to reply when Yan Hong Tian suddenly raise his head and started laughing. That laughter was not hearty but was low and soft and contained a touch of mockery, ¡°Even if you said it, Zhen will not understand. Zhen only know how to kill own¡¯s younger blood brother and today also eradicate the Yang family power in court and forced birth mother out of the Imperial Palace, to be confined in the Imperial Tombs. Relationship between a mother and child¡­ Ha ha.¡± Confine the Empress Dowager? Qing Feng sucked down cold air, could it be¡­ With regards to Lou Xi Yan being imprison and all the so-called matter on Prime Minister Lou traitorous collaborations were arranged by Yan Hong Tian? Just to eradicate the power of the Yang family? Eldest Sister¡¯s plan was also taken into consideration by Yan Hong Tian? No wonder he gave her the Imperial token to leave and enter the Palace. No wonder her kind and gentle Eldest Sister would thought of such a plan. His schemes were really deep. Qing Feng mocked herself, she really thought that she had truly helped Eldest Sister but at the end she was just a pawn in the hands of Yan Hong Tian. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder that she scold Zhen a brutal bloodthirsty beast.¡± Yan Hong Tian kept laughing and that laughter made Qing Feng scared. Beast¡­ Her heart unknowingly shrink a little. Qing Feng dare not imagine what was the feeling like being scolded a ¡®beast¡¯ by one own¡¯s birth mother. She did not understand, he obviously planned to eradicate his own mother but why did she felt from him that there was a sense of pain from a betrayal of a loved one? Or was it that there were some other reasons? Before her mind can comprehend, her mouth whispered back, ¡°You are not.¡± Yan Hong Tian, who was keeping his head down and laughing coldly, suddenly looked up, ¡°What kind of person is Zhen?¡± In the darkness of the night, she could not see his expression but could felt that the pair of jet black eyes staring at her and it was sharper than usual, like it wanted to look into her heart. She know that today was the best opportunity, to please him or to attack him, it would definitely go straight to his heart. Qing Feng¡¯s lips moved but nothing came out. She only shook her head before coldly replying, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± In this world, how many people keep using their brains to understand the mind of the monarch but how many could truly enter his heart. Those who truly understand, perhaps, would not be far from death. Tens of thousands of citizens give their allegiance. Master of the world. His position was destined to be lonely and it was doomed that no one would understand him. This was what he should have accepted. At this moment, Qing Feng felt that he was hateful and pitiful. A few days ago, she did not want to bring disasters to her sisters¡¯ lives and was unable to kill him. But now, she truly did not want to kill him any more. It was not necessarily lucky for such a person to be living. Chapter 60 The number of high ranks officials and dignitaries were as plentiful as perch (type of fish) in the river and there were many numerous wealthy residences around. But there was one residence which apart from the rest, other than the Imperial Residences outside the capital, it was the largest estate which was owned by the Imperial Censor Xin Sui. It was not because the rank of the Imperial Censor was high but it was because the Xin family had been supporting the Emperor since the founding of the Yan family founded the nation. That year of the founding, the Qiong Yue¡¯s Emperor bestowed this piece of Imperial Land to the Xin Family which showed the unimaginable importance. Even though the Xin family was incomparable from then and now, but all three generations were assisting the Imperial family and Xin Sui¡¯s daughter was the mother of the nation. The Xin family was known to everybody in this Imperial City. The Xin manor was the most unique. In the middle of the compound, there stood and individual house which was three stories tall. Other than the first story that was used for work discussions, the other stories were all filled with books. This could be seen that the ancestors of the Xin family were literary personnels. Zishi (11 pm ¨C 1 am) had long passed but the room still remained bright. Behind the mahogany study table, there sat a sixty over years old man who was holding a cup of hot tea with a hidden sharp look in his eyes but a normal expression on his face, as if he was appreciating the sweet mellow taste of the tea. Two male stood by each side of the study table, one was over thirty over years old with a jittery face of displeasure, the other was a twenty five or six but had a calm appearance. Xin Cu Cheng could not help but ask Xin Sui, who was as settled as a monk, ¡°Father what is the Emperor thinking exactly?¡± The Emperor had summoned Lou Xi Yan, Su Ling and Dan Yu Lan to the Imperial Study tonight. That was not unusual but the unusual thing was that Qing Ling also went and finally, even the Empress Dowager went there. No one knew what was said but Lou Xi Yan was released. The Empress Dowager had spent so much effort to imprison Lou Xi Yan but she did not resist at all today. This was not like style. Standing infront of the young man and laughing lowly while saying, ¡°Think of why the Emperor gave the sisters of the Qing family to Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling and no one else. Think of the two of them, why did they accept such a gift and think of why the Emperor only favour her and allow her to be pregnant?¡± The sisters of the Qing family? Xin Fu Cheng was surprise as he urgently said, ¡°The Emperor want to make use of the three sisters of the Qing family to align the Lou family and Su family together and be the Emperor¡¯s force in court!¡± Xin Sui gently blew the tea leaves on the rim of the teacup and sighed, ¡°The West Empress Dowager lost her cool. It seems that the Yang family is finished.¡± Three years ago it was because of Prince Hao and now it was because of Princess Chao Yun. A woman would always be implicated by her children and would not amount to anything big. Xin Fu Cheng nodded his head and scolded, ¡°Talking about Prince Hao, he was also Lord without any patience. If we have known the temperament of both mother and son, our family would not have collaborated with them that year. The gold was shipped by them but they failed to do so and now was found by the Emperor.¡± And almost dragged their family into it. Xin Yi Heng sneered, second older brother was really stupid. Father on one hand gave support secretly to the Empress Dowager and Prince Hao and on the other hand helped the Emperor through Ning-er. No matter who won at the end, the Xin family would not fail at all. The people who knew what happened that year were a few and now other than the Empress Dowager, they were all dead and would no longer be able to implicate Xin family. Xin Yi Heng was concern on another matter and after thinking for a moment, Xin Yi Heng whispered, ¡°Father, the Yang family have already fallen to misfortune. The Emperor would definitely want to weaken our Xin family power next. What should we respond?¡± Xin Sui took a sip of tea and leisurely replied, ¡°The Xin family is at it¡¯s peak for three generations and have deep roots, else the Emperor would not need this afraid. It will not be that easy to get rid of the Xin family. Yan Hong Tian is not an impatient person so he will not act rashly. Furthermore he definitely did not expect that the sisters of the Qing family were this capable, to be able to bewitch Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling that much and left them with the official wife positions.¡± Xin Sui was the only person in the entire court to call the Emperor by his name and no one else dared to do so, even when it was done secretly. Xin Yi Heng¡¯s eyes lighten up as it seems that he had realised something. He laughed, ¡°One a Prime Minister and the other a Great General. The Emperor must be afraid that both of them would unite and go against the Imperial might! That is why the Emperor dote and favour Qing Feng this much, it is to use her to win over the Qing sisters and control Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling.¡± Looking at his youngest son with praise, Xin Sui conceitedly replied, ¡°The Yang family is no longer standing and the court needs the ability to influence and control, thus he would not touch the Xin family in a short moment in time.¡± Seeing that father and younger brother echoing one another, Xin Fu Cheng did not want to be left out and quickly said, ¡°Father, if so then it must not be taken lightly. Qing Feng must not be allowed to bring this child to birth, else the Crown Prince position would end up in another family hands and we, the Xin family, would not see the light of day.¡± ¡°There will be ample time for that later.¡± That child would not be born immediately and even if it was born, it would not grow up immediately. So why so anxious? ¡°How is Ning-er?¡± Hearing the anger from father, Xin Fu Cheng cautiously replied, ¡°Still angry but Sui Xin is watching over her so there should not be any trouble.¡± Xin Sui¡¯s expression slightly cleared and he coolly replied, ¡°En, let her maintain her calm and don¡¯t get excited.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Xin Fu Cheng¡¯s heart was crying out with bitterness. Ning-er entered the Palace at the age of fourteen and was conferred as the Empress at the age of eighteen. Yan Hong Tian did not control her as she had the Xin family as backing, thus she was spoilt and would not listen to him. He was really afraid she would stir up trouble. Xin Sui put down the teacup and picked up a book at the side to read. The two brothers withdrew from the study room understandingly. Just when they reached the courtyard, Xin Yi Heng lightly greeted Xin Fu Cheng and strode off. Staring at that back of that high-spirited figure, Xin Fu Cheng¡¯s eyes was filled with hatred. Xin Yi Heng relied on his father¡¯s favour and did not take anyone up to his eyes. ***** ¡°Ahh!¡± Originally Qing Feng was not able to sleep peacefully and was suddenly picked up, making her shout before she could wake up. Her frighten eyes met with a pair of smiling black eyes. Qing Feng froze for a moment and in that short period of time, Yan Hong Tian had carried her onto the bed. Qing Feng¡¯s chaotic mind gradually got clearer. Thinking back on the night before, after she said that she did not know, she saw disappointment in Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes. At that moment she felt happy and Yan Hong Tian did not bother with her any more and fell asleep leaning against the edge of the bed. She initially wanted to let him sleep like that the entire night but was also afraid that he would throw a temper when he wake up in the morning, so she called Gao Jing to carry him onto the bed. Naturally it was not possible for her to sleep beside a person covered with alcohol smell. She could only sleep on the lounge chair. ¡°Beloved Imperial Concubine woke up so early in the morning to look at Zhen. Zhen is afraid that there is no more mood to attend the morning court.¡± With a teasing tone, a smile that did not reached his eyes and the slightly narrowed dark eyes, the person in front was indeed that domineering and sometimes demonic Yan Hong Tin, with no traces of his disappointment and sorrow that he displayed last night. ¡°Emperor? It is time for the morning court.¡± An eunuch voice came from outside so Yan Hong Tian let go of her and said, ¡°Come in.¡± Like how the previous morning went, the eunuch helped him to dress up and he strode off without looking back. Qing Feng felt confused, if she was not sleeping on the lounge chair and when Yan Hong Tian carried her, she could smell the faint scent of alcohol, she would have thought that whatever had happen last night was a dream. Yan Hong Tian just left and Fu Ling immediately ran in. When she saw Qing Feng lying on the bed, she urgently spoke, ¡°Is Mistress all right?¡± ¡°All right.¡± Qing Feng slowly sat up. She slept the entire night on the lounge couch and her waist was a little painful. Seeing that her expression was not well, Fu Ling took her pulse to determine that Qing Feng was truly all right. Fu Ling then could calm down and support her to sit down so that she can wash up. Looking through the half opened window, once can see the begonia being lit by the morning sun, making them charming and enchanting. Qing Feng looked at the palace maid who was seriously and carefully trimming the flowers in the flowerbed and gently asked, ¡°That should be Lan Fang.¡± Fu Ling looked up, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°She has changed a lot. Go and check out why.¡± She cannot have another Xia Yin by her side. Now she still keep her by her side because she felt that she was still of use. ¡°Lan Fang was born in a merchant family and it can be considered as well-off. Her mother passed away when during the birth of her younger brother. Half a year later, her father married a vicious female and her father also died within two years. Her stepmother ill-treated them and she also have three other children. Finding them cumbersome, she wanted to sell them to the Palace but Lan Fang did not bear for her brother to suffer the pain of castration and worked out with her stepmother to send her to the Palace as a servant and she would give her monthly allowance. Lan Fang is clever and quick witted so she was able to please the palace¡¯s mamas and was a little favoured by some mistresses, which gave her access to some money to send home every month. Who knew that her stepmother took her money but did not treat her younger brother well at all. Three months ago her younger brother had a serious illness but her stepmother did not get a physician for him and he almost died. After that she took her brother out of the family and hired an old woman to take care of him. But her brother was born with a weak constitution and it would not be fully cured but only recuperate.¡± She also find that Lan Fang was unlike her usual and sent someone to investigate. She did not think that her life was also that pitiful. ¡°So it was like that.¡± Qing Feng suddenly beckoned Fu Ling over. Fu Ling lowered her head as Qing Feng whispered a few sentences to her. After listening, Fu Ling had some feelings of doubt before understanding and she gently nodded her head. Fu Ling combed her hair and did her makeup before Qing Feng calculated that the morning court was nearly over, ¡°In today¡¯s morning court, the Emperor should have some decree to confer.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head in understanding as Qing Feng slightly smiled. Sometimes without even speaking, Fu Ling knew what she was thinking. With Fu Ling accompanying her, life was much livable. When Fu Ling went out, Qing Feng was bored in the house so she walked to the courtyard to get some sun. Lan-er went up and smiled, ¡°Today your Ladyship got up early.¡± Qing Feng brightly smile and said, ¡°Lan-er, lately Bengong like clear jasmine tea and heard that the best teas were all kept at Xiao Yu¡¯s. Go and get some from her.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lan-er answered and hastily ran out. Older sister Xiao would not give tea to just anyone. It was fortunate that her relationship with older sister Xiao was good. Qing Feng randomly glanced at the neatly trimmed bed of begonias and loudly said, ¡°Who trimed these flowers?¡± Hearing her Ladyship berating, all the palace maids in the courtyard knelt on the ground in fright, ¡°May your Ladyship be pacified.¡± Two palace maids looked over at Lan Fang who was kneeling by the flowers so Qing Feng look towards her and coldly asked, ¡°Did you cut it?¡± Lan Fang winced as her mind turn a thousand times before she finally softly replied, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s in accordance to how older sister Lan-er instruction to trim. It must be that this servant was unable to understand the older sister Lan-er¡¯s intention and trim it incorrectly. Seek your Ladyship for forgiveness.¡± Indeed a quick witted girl. Distance herself from responsibility before courageously admit her negligence. The corner of Qing Feng¡¯s lips curled up and she changed the subject, ¡°Did Bengong say that it was trimmed wrongly? It is well cut. Lan-er should be rewarded later.¡± Lan Fang just gave a sigh of relief but Qing Feng continued to ask, ¡°What is your name?¡± Lan Fang quickly replied, ¡°This servant is Lan Fang.¡± Her Ladyship asked for her name. Was it because she don¡¯t remember her? It would be good if she don¡¯t remember. Qing Feng did not even need to look at her to guess what she was thinking. Qing Feng smiled, ¡°How about Ben Gong give you a new name?¡± If one listen, it was a question but Qing Feng had no intention for her to answer. After thinking for a bit, ¡°Just call you Ru Yi then.¡± Lan Fang kowtowed as she replied, ¡°Thanking your Ladyship for the bestowal of name. This servant would definitely strive to meet according to your Ladyship¡¯s wishes.¡± (Ru Yi means according to one¡¯s wishes) Lan Fan secretly told herself that from this moment onwards, she was called Ru Yi. That Lan Fang from the past had died. For her brother and for herself, she must climb up. Qing Feng was dazed for a moment, she only casually mention a name but this girl was somewhat intelligent. Qing Feng was in a good mood as she laughed, ¡°Good. You will support Bengong inside.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Her heart was cheering inside, except for close palace maids, the other lower ranked servants will not be able to enter the Mistress¡¯s room. Today she finally could enter inside. Supporting Qing Feng to the lounge chair by the window, Qing Feng looked out the window as her hand rested on the wooden chair. Her index finger was tapping intermittently when she asked, ¡°Been in the Palace for many years right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do you know why you are still a low ranking palace maid now?¡± Ru Yi hesitated for a moment before replying, ¡°Did not follow the right mistress.¡± ¡°Then do you know what kind of person Bengong wants?¡± Ru Yi nervously swallowed her saliva. She knows that the seemingly random question had to be answered seriously. If she did not give an answer that suits mistress¡¯s intention, she would loose this golden opportunity. Qing Feng was not anxious and let her slowly think about it. After a long time, Ru Yi then replied softly, ¡°Someone who will go all out to complete mistress¡¯s tasks.¡± Qing Feng looked at her mildly and Ru Yi¡¯s heart was pounding loudly. Did she say something wrong? Her brows knitted tightly as she cautiously said, ¡°Someone who is cautious, attentive and abide by one¡¯s role.¡± Qing Feng stayed silent but her finger was still tapping. That dong dong sound was like knocks on her heart, Ru Yi¡¯s forehead was covered by a fine layer of sweat. What kind of person does Mistress wants? After thinking it over, suddenly Ru Yi thought of something and quickly spoke, ¡°A loyal person who will not serve another.¡± That dong dong sound finally stopped and Qing Feng revealed a faint smile, ¡°In the future you will be serving in the house.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi quietly stood by Qing Feng¡¯s side. Only at this time, she felt that she had broken a cold sweat. The Qing Feng today and the one that just entered the Palace was completely different. At that time, she was so cold and proud like a sharp knife that would stab anyone who touches it. The her now was like a vast and deep chilling pond, one cannot see the bottom and it was deep enough to drown someone. Chapter 61 ¡°Mistress.¡± When Fu Ling came back, she was just in time to see Ru Yi slightly lowering her head and standing by Qing Feng¡¯s side obediently. Having guessed the outcome, Fu Ling¡¯s expression was as usual her eyes expressed the clarity and cool. However it was Ru Yi that felt nervous. ¡°Withdraw.¡± Ru Yi greeted Qing Feng and when she passed by Fu Ling, she also bowed slightly before slowly backed out. When Fu Ling walked to Qing Feng¡¯s side, Qing Feng took her hand and let her sit on the couch but Fu Ling felt awkward to be seating by her Mistress and squatted beside Qing Feng before whispering, ¡°Today in the morning court, the Emperor announce two matters. First the Northwest rebels colluded and frame Prime Minister Lou Xi Yan and Dan Yu Lan eventually broke the investigation open before the rebels¡¯ plans succeed. Thus the case of the missing Gold is closed. The second matter is¡­ The West Emperor Dowager would be residing in the Imperial Tombs to pray for the Yan¡¯s ancestors¡¯ blessings.¡± Yan Hong Tian did not mention the private letters from Empress Dowager and the Liao Yue Prince, which was considered as preserving Yang Zhi Lan¡¯s face. With no more backing from the Empress Dowager, the Yang family no longer have any capability left. ¡°How about Lou Xi Yan?¡± Remembering what Eldest Sister had said, he was ill in prison and was unsure how he was now. ¡°Prime Minister Lou return to the manor last night and the Emperor allowed him to rest at home for two days. He was not in court today.¡± It was good that he was back in the manor. Qing Feng¡¯s hanging heart finally felt settled after these two days. Just as she was thinking to head to bed to sleep for a bit, a shrill cry was hears from outside the courtyard, ¡°The Emperor has arrived.¡± It was just the end of the morning court, for Yan Hong Tian to come over here at such a timing, Qing Feng have a bad feeling about it. FU Ling supported Qing Fing up from the couch when Yan Hong Tian stepped into the room. ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Fu Ling knelt down to greet but Yan Hong Tian only gave a light ¡®en¡¯ reply. Walking to Qing Feng, he said, ¡°Zhen will bring you to a place.¡± The usually could voice had a smiling intention. It would seemed that his mood was good, Qing Feng curiously asked, ¡°To go where?¡± Yan Hong Tian did not answer her and both of them left Qing Feng Hall. He took her up the carriage and the carriage took off. After going for a long time, there were noisy voices outside the carriage. Yan Hong Tian brought her out of the Palace? Qing Feng¡¯s heart started to palpitate. This was Qing Feng¡¯s first time out of the palace and could roughly guess where he would bring her to but dared not keep thinking about it, fearing that she would be disappointed and hurt because of her wrong guess. Qing Feng looked towards Yan Hong Tian and saw that his cold eyes were closed like he was resting but Qing Feng knew that he was not resting but did not want her to ask. During the period of anticipating and fearing disappointment, the carriage finally stopped. Yan Hong Tian had opened his eyes and jumped out of the carriage. When Qing Feng opened the curtains, she saw Yan Hong Tian waiting by the side and before she could react, Yan Hong Tian grabbed her hand and used the other hand to support her waist and lightly brought her down the carriage. His expression was normal but Qing Feng¡¯s face was red. It was because their carriage stopped in front of a residence and there were five to six servants at the door. And one of them even took a stool meant for alighting a carriage. Apparently it was not needed now¡­ Struggling to stand from Yan Hong Tian¡¯s arms, Qing Feng looked up at the main door of the house in front and saw ¡°Prime Minister Residence¡± three words. The servant who was waiting by the door went forward to lead the way. With Qing Feng being pregnant and her desire to see where would her Elder Sister stay at, she walked very slowly. Yan Hong Tian was really in a good mood today as he accompanied her and walked slowly. Two of them were looking around as they walked and when they approached the reception pavilion, they heard Dan Yu Lan¡¯s voice from it, ¡°Is there other valuable guests coming?¡± Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°Zhen is not considered as valuable guest?¡± The three persons in the room heard the voice and immediately stood up to greet, ¡°Paying respects to the Emperor and Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± With a pleasant smile on his face, Yan Hong Tian waved his hands and laughed, ¡°Raise. Today it is Prime Minister Lou¡¯s household banquet. These over-elaborate proprietaries should be avoided.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng looked at Lou Xi Yan, other than looking somewhat worse than usual, he was considered fairly spirited. When her eyes swept the spacious main hall, Qing Feng did not see Zhou Qing at all and naturally asked, ¡°Older Brother-in-law, where is my Eldest Sister?¡± Older Brother-in-law?! Yan Hong Tian lightly raised an eyebrow. The words of Older Brother-in-law was truly warm and affectionate, she seems to have forgotten her own identity. She called Lou Xi Yan as Older Brother-in-law, then what should he call Lou Xi Yan? Lou Xi Yan was also surprised for a moment before he smiled and replied, ¡°Qing Mo and her are in the room.¡± Mo-er was also here! The anxious expression were undisguised on Qing Feng¡¯s face. Lou Xi Yan faced the servants by the side and spoke, ¡°Some one come and show Imperial Concubine Qing the way to Lan Yue Building.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng gave a grateful smile to Lou Xi Yan and immediately followed the servant to the back courtyard. After Qing Feng left, the remaining man in the main hall were much more at ease. A faint wine scent was released indoors and after Yan Hong Tian smelt it, he frowned with dissatisfaction and waved his hands lightly. The disguised Imperial Guards brought seven or eight wine jars in and Yan Hong Tian smiled, ¡°Today is a joyous occasion. Zhen specially brought Chen Nian Xi Feng. Tonight no returning without getting drunk.¡± Chen Nian Xi Feng? Su Ling¡¯s eyes brighten and was wearing an eager look but Lou Xi Yan and Dan Yu Lan had a stiff expression on and look at one another with a bitter laugh. Chen Nian Xi Feng was indeed a rare vintage wine but it was because of its potency that it was so famous. If one does not have the alcohol capacity, one small cup will be able to make one sleep the entire night, not to mention the filled jars of wine. It seemed that it was not possible not to be drunk tonight. Qing Feng followed the servant and walked deeper into the manor. Turning to a small trail, they reached a courtyard. Qing Feng silently sighed. This cannot be called a small courtyard as there was a charming wooden building facing a large pond. Even though it was incomparable to the Palace¡¯s lotus pond, with regards to the landscape of a courtyard, it was stunning enough. Qing Feng was still lamenting when she heard the servant standing ourside the door and calling out softly, ¡°Furen, Imperial Concubine Qing is here.¡± In a short while the doors to the room opened and Qing Feng stood outside the door. When she saw Zhuo Qing, she immediately smiled, ¡°Eldest Sister.¡± Zhuo Qing waved her hands to the servants beside and held Qing Feng¡¯s hands, ¡°Come in quickly.¡± ¡°Mo-er!¡± Seeing Gu Yun in the room, Qing Feng excitedly went up to clasped her hands tightly and for a short period of time she was speechless. Gu Yun was also embarrassed but she did not withdrew her hands and just stiffen there. Qing Feng lightly place her hand on Gu Yun thin face as she asked with a pained heart, ¡°Mo-er, you are thinner. Is Su Ling bullying you?¡± Gu Yun felt really awkward when she was being caress on her cheek and she took a little step back before replying, ¡°No one bullied me.¡± It would be good if she don¡¯t bully others. Qing Feng¡¯s hand stiffen, Youngest Sister treated her that unfamiliarly? She was even unaccustomed to her touch? Slowly placing her hand down, her heart felt painful but Qing Feng still continued to question concernedly, ¡°During these half a year, did you live well?¡± Gu Yun could see the pain in Qing Feng¡¯s eyes but for her the female in front was a stranger that was seen for the first time. She truely was unable to show any deep feelings. Lightly coughed, Gu Yun replied concisely, ¡°I am good.¡± ¡°Mo-er, what¡¯s¡­ What¡¯s with you?¡± Qing Feng was somewhat confused. The female in front of her had a polite yet alienating attitude and her aloof brows revealed a light of determination. This was not her memory of her well-behaved and timid sister? Qing Feng¡¯s mind panicked as she quickly said, ¡°Did you also suffer memory loss because of that damn knock-out drug?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Gu Yun paused a while, this kind of irresponsible excuse, only Qing, this kind of lazy female, could think it out. Staring fiercely at the trouble maker Zhuo Qing, Gu Yun look back at Qing Feng¡¯s worried eyes and forced a laugh, ¡°I am fine. It is just that we have not meet for a long time and thus I got excited and had no idea what to say.¡± Excitement? She did not see any excitement in Youngest Sister¡¯s eyes at all. Mo-er and Eldest Sister¡¯s eye contact and gestures showed familiarity and intimacy. It would seem that Younger Sister was distancing herself from her only. Never mind. Since young, Youngest Sister have been closer to Eldest Sister and since Elder Sister was taking care of her, she was also relieved. Qing Feng expression was bleak as Zhuo Qing supported her to sit down. She smiled and said, ¡°Sit down and talk. One must be care for the first trimester.¡± Looking at her slight protruding stomach, Qing Feng chuckled, ¡°It has been more than four months.¡± Over four months? It was so fast. After being with contact for a few times, in Zhuo Qing¡¯s eyes, she was someone who cherish her loved ones and had a stubborn and strong personality but was an ill-fated female. Thinking about her situation in the Palace, Zhuo Qing worriedly asked, ¡°Did Yan Hong Tian found out about me asking you to steal the Empress Dowager¡¯s seal?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s eyes froze as she smiled indifferently, ¡°I don¡¯t know, perhaps yes. Actually he was using the fact that you were eager to save Lou Xi Yan to achieve his own ends. Each takes what they need. What is the difference between finding out or not? Everything was planned in order to weaken the power of the Yang family and we were used by him.¡± The frustration and disdain from her words made Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun worried. Even though they are not Qing Ling or Qing Mo and could not understand the suffering that the Qing family went through or lived in that huge Palace before, thus unable to understand her suffering and hardship, they did not wish to see any misunderstanding between her and Yan Hong Tian since she still have to carry on living in the Palace. Zhuo Qing softly explained, ¡°That year to support Prince Hao rebellion, the Empress Dowager colluded with the rebels from the Northwest to steal the gold from the treasury. After that Prince Hao was kill during the failed rebellion attempt and the gold was held hostage by the rebels. This time Su Ling went there to retrieve the gold but who knew that because the matter with Princess Chao Yun, she was not dissatisfied with Xi Yan and thus took the opportunity to collude with the rebels and frame Xi Yan. Initially Yan Hong Tian¡¯s plan was most likely to use the rebels to uncover all the different power that was related to the missing gold but I cannot wait for it and so I made a risky move.¡± Qing Feng was rather confused, ¡°Weren¡¯t all these arranged by Yan Hong Tian?¡± ¡°You have misunderstood him. He only beat them at their own game and as for the Yang family and Yang Zhi Lan, he was already considered merciful.¡± Qing Feng quietly listened as waves in her heart raised. The Empress Dowager actually supported Prince Hao to rebel and because of her own enmity, framed the minister of court. What kind of position did she put Yan Hong Tian in? No wonder he said that he did not understand the connection between a mother and child. No wonder he was that sorrowful and disappointed, one was his twin brother, one his birth mother. He was truly betrayed by his beloved. It seemed that she had really misunderstood him. Qing Feng was so immersed in her own thoughts that Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun was not able to disburb her and the room fell into silence. After a long time, Qing Feng suddenly recovered and smiled, ¡°Today is your big day, let¡¯s not talk about such depressing things. Let me style your hair to your previously favourite fairy styled bun.¡± Pressing her shoulders, Zhuo Qing shook her head and smiled, ¡°No need to be so troublesome.¡± This was not a banquet filled with guest so there was no need to be formal, she too did not like that. Holding Zhuo Qing¡¯s hand, Qing Feng insisted, ¡°It was of no trouble at all.¡± Pulling Zhuo Qing to the dressing table to sit, Qing Feng gently tidied her fine black hair, just like when they were home, they often comb each other hair. Most likely they would never be able to go back to those times as just a trip to see them was not easy at all. ¡°Eldest Sister and Mo-er. It is an unchangeable fact that we have to stay in Qiong Yue so you must be happy, all right? Your happiness is my greatest fortune.¡± Qing Feng carefully and attentively style her hair. Each movement was gentle and sincere and Zhou Qing could also feel her treasuring and lingering. Even though she is not her Elder Sister and did not have any common happy memories, the tenderness she felt for her increases little by little. Her words about happiness made Zhou Qing¡¯s heart ache. Turning around, she held Qing Feng¡¯s hand and place it on her own stomach before advising softly, ¡°Feng, you must make yourself happy. Perhaps Yan Hong Tian may be disappoint people but you have a baby. Because of him, you must be happy too, all right?¡± ¡°En.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hands lightly caressed her own protruding abdomen and a soft smile finally appeared on her face. Yes, she still have them and the baby in her belly. ¡°Furen, master invite you, Imperial Concubine Qing and Miss Qing over for dinner.¡± When her hair had been styled, the servant¡¯s voice was heard outside. Qing Feng pulled Zhuo Qing¡¯s and Mo Yun¡¯s hands and smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Three of them just reached the reception hall when a handsome man walked over. He was dressed all in white and did not have any literary airs. Instead there was an flirty air. ¡°Sister-in-law, this little beauty beside you¡­¡± His words were directed at Zhuo Qing but his eyes was staring intently at petite and sweat looking female. Qing Feng frowned, who was this man speaking so frivolously? ¡°Qi Tian Yu, long time no see. You are still the same but I would advise you not to provoke her.¡± Zhuo Qing lost her smile. This person was truly a rouge. As long as it was a female, he will want to have her. Qi Tian Yu puzzledly asked, ¡°Why?¡± Zhuo Qing looked pointedly behind him at the currently the face of Su Ling, whose face was covered with dark clouds. Qi Tian Yu turned around and saw Su Ling¡¯s cold eagle eyes and laughed understandingly. It would seem that the beauty was taken. Qing Feng also saw that terrifying and sinister face and wanted to laugh. She had heard that General Su was not interested in the opposite gender, but now it would seem that the rumours were not believable. Lightly coughed, Qi Tian Yu smiled accommodating, ¡°It would seem that I am late by a step.¡± Lifting his wine cup, Qi Tian Yu faced Lou Xi Yan and Zhuo Qing and toasted, ¡°Did not attend the wedding dinner the last time. This time we must toast to it!¡± Lou Xi Yan raised his glass too and laughed, ¡°Everyone do it together.¡± When everyone toasted, Yan Hong Tian took away the wine cup in front of Qing Feng and placed the tea cup onto her hands before whispering, ¡°You drink this.¡± Finishing, Yan Hong Tian drank the wine from his cup in one gulp and also finished Qing Feng¡¯s wine. This scene did not escape from Zhuo Qing¡¯s and Gu Yun¡¯s eyes and both of them looked at one another. It was a good thing that there was still feelings from Yan Hong Tian towards Qing Feng. A group of people were drinking while talking and as the meal dragged on, the moon was already high up and it was nearly midnight. As a new bridegroom, Lou Xi Yan was being poured lots of alcohol and was so drunk that he could not walk any more and finally it was Mo Bai and Zhuo Qing who supported him before he could stagger back to Lan Yue Building. Outside Lan Yue Building, Qi Tian Yu wanted to play pranks at the bridal chambers but was stopped by a cool face Jing Sa at the courtyard, ¡°Master is already drunk, may Gentleman Qi return.¡± As his ruffian hand rest on the shoulders of Jing Sa, Qi Tian Yu smiled and said, ¡°This will not do. We have yet to haze the newly-weds.¡± Yan Hong Tian initially intended to leave but when he saw Qi Tian Yu inisted on playing pranks in the bridal chambers, they was not in a rush to leave and surrounded Lan Yue Building. Jing Sa remained unmoved and coldly replied, ¡°The night is late, may Gentleman Qi return.¡± Qi Tian Yu rolled his eyes. Why did Xi Yan find a wooden brain person as a steward, who did not understand anything interesting. Forcefully whacking Jing Sa¡¯s shoulders, Qi Tian Yu did not give up and continued to say, ¡°Jing Sa, don¡¯t be so serious. Hazing the newly-weds is part of the celebration! Xi Yan wouldn¡¯t have minded.¡± Jing Sa took a step back, this time he simply ignore him and the tall figure in the courtyard continued to block, determined not to let him enter. Standing by Qi Tian Yu¡¯s side was Lou Xi Wu and because of drinking a few cups, her face was bright red and her steps were shaky but she was still laughing, ¡°Yes, yes. We want to haze the newly-weds! Haze the newly-weds!¡± Seeing her unable to stand stably but still playing and shouting, Jing Sa helplessly went forward to support her and softly scolded, ¡°Don¡¯t make a scene.¡± Qi Tian Yu amusingly watched the rare scene of Jing Sa showing tenderness and could not help but laugh, ¡°Zezeze¡­ (sound of clicking one¡¯s tongue) This is truely favour one and discriminate against the other. To think that the Prime Minister¡¯s residence is filled with peach blossoms in the three months I am not here.¡± (Peach blossoms means love or infatuations in this sentence) This stone finally broke open and he had chosen a wrong time to leave and missed out lots of shows. Hearing such an obvious ridicule, Lou Xi Wu gently broke away from Jing Sa¡¯s hands, ¡°Older brother Qi! What nonsense are you talking?¡± ¡°Nonsense?¡± Qi Tian Yu¡¯s was still wrapped around his chest as he cast sidelong glances at Jing Sa and chuckled lowly, ¡°I thought I would be able to attend a wedding dinner soon. So it was me who saw it wrongly?¡± Even with such an obvious ridicule, Jing Sa was not red in the face or stuttering and maintain his cool. Mo Bai just came out from the courtyard and saw this group of people with obvious intentions and know what they wanted to do. Without saying anything more, Mo Bai and Jing Sa stood side by side. Both of them blocked the not that big courtyard door by standing there. Lou Xi Wu was thin-skinned and after what Qi Tian Yu said, her already bright red face was currently burning up. Angry with him, Lou Xi Yu shouted, ¡°You only know how to poke fun with others. If you have the ability, just think of ideas to pass these two door gods!¡± Qi Tian Yu lightly raised his eyebrows as it was not possible to pass both of them. Talking about martial arts, if there was only Jing Sa, he could at least try but now with Mo Bai, he was definitely not their adversary. Looking back at the group of them waiting to watch a good show and not willing to help at all, Qi Tian Yu lamented, it was still better to depend on oneself. After thinking for a moment, Qi Tian Yu suddenly smiled slyly, ¡°I have an idea!¡± Finishing his words, Qi Tian Yu turned and ran towards the backyard. Everyone looked at one another as they did not know what he wanted to do but seeing how confident he was, they were somewhat curious and started to anticipate it. Out side Lan Yue Building¡¯s courtyard, a group of nothing better to do people could not go in and were not willing to leave, thus they stood in front of Lan Yue Building to see what exactly was Qi Tian Yu¡¯s ¡®idea¡¯ was. In a short time, Qi Tian Yu hugged two tubs over and in his hands there were some finger thin branches while he walked over with all smiles. Everyone was confuse at the sight. What method was this? Placing the wooden tub on the floor, Qi Tian Yu stuff the branches in his hands to confused Su Ling and Yan Hong Tian and proudly smiled, ¡°We can¡¯t enter so they will come out!¡± Gu Yun squinted her eyes at Qi Tian Yu and with a foolish expression said, ¡°Come out? How to come out?¡± A moment in spring¡¯s night was worth a thousand gold. At this kind of timing, it would be odd for Lou Xi Yan to come out. Qing Feng find that this person was quite interesting. Qi Tian Yu laughed and in front of everyone¡¯s eyes, he raised the branch and starting beating the wooden tub as he shouted from the top of his voice, ¡°The fire is burning! Quickly put the fire out!¡± ¡°Someone quickly come! Put out the fire!¡± An unexpected cry pierce into the silent night. Seeing with wide eyes and dropped jaws at Qi Tian Yu who was beating the wooden tub and shouting, Gu Yun supported her forehead as she lamented, ¡°Heavens¡­¡± How did Lou Xi Yan make friends with such an idiotic ruffian friend? Lou Xi Wu was looking perplexed. Is this the idea older brother Qi said? Even though this so called method was nonsensical and idiotic, but for two man who had been drinking wine the entire night, this crazy idea seemed quite attractive. After Su Ling and Yan Hong Tian looked at one another, they actually waved the branches while they beat the tubs and shouted. Both Gu Yun and Qing Feng did not to know whether to laugh or cry. Qing Feng had never seen this Yan Hong Tian before and did not think that he would be so crazy and thus laughed uncontrollably. Hearing the cries and shouts, the servants and guards in the Prime Minister¡¯s residence rushed over and some even carried buckets and tubs filled with water but once they saw clearly the situation, every one could not help but be dumbfounded. Head Steward Qi¡¯s and Bodyguard Mo¡¯s expression turned dark as they saw the few people screaming and shouting in the courtyard but they did not go forward to stop them. The ¡®troublemakers¡¯ were the Emperor, General Su and master¡¯s good friend, Gentleman Qi. What can they do?! Therefore in front of Lan Yue Building, a few man was making a ruckus and a group of servants did not know what to do, creating a buzz Prime Minister¡¯s residence in the middle of the night. They had made a ruckus but Lou Xi Yan still did not make an appearance. A moment in spring¡¯s night was worth a thousand gold. They only had some fun only. Once they played enough, they all dispersed. She was distraught the entire day yesterday, slept on the lounge chair for the entire night, woke up very early this morning and was so excited about seeing her sisters in the afternoon that she did not feel tired. Now that she was nested comfortably in the carriage, Qing Feng felt that she was so tired that she could pass out. She wanted to lay against the carriage window to nap for a while and just as she was leaning over, her shoulders was grabbed as Yan Hong Tian had embraced her. His entire body smelt of alcohol and it was fortunate that he did not carried Qing Feng into his arms and only let her lay on his legs while he lean against the carriage and closed his eyes. Yan Hong Tian drank a lot of win today but scent of it was different from last night. She dared not go close to him last night but now, she was able to lean against him to sleep at ease. Perhaps Qing Feng was too tired, she did not think about anything and just fell deeply asleep. ¡°Gao Jing, slow down.¡± Hearing the purposely lowered voice, Gao Jin gently pulled the reins and the four horses that could run a thousand li (1 li = 500 meters) trotted on the quiet streets. To be precise, they were walking¡­ Qing Feng did not thought that she could sleep this soundly in the carriage and only slightly woke up when Yan Hong Tian carried her out of the carriage. Fu Ling had be waited at the main door and quickly went forward to welcome them when they returned. Seeing Mistress quietly letting the Emperor carry her to the courtyard, Fu Ling did not know where they went today but both of them seems to be closer than before and no longer confrontational. Fu Ling walked in front and pushed the doors to the room open but the Emperor did not carry Mistress in. He instead carried her to the swing under the big tree and Fu Ling broke into a cold sweat. Mistress current body condition was not suitable to be on the swing! Just as she was contemplating to go forward to warn, she saw the Emperor standing by the side of the swing, leaning against the trunk with one hand pushing Qing Feng lightly. The soft force was controlled well and the swing only slightly swinging around. Qing Feng guessed that Yan Hong Tian was drunk else why would he help her to push the swing? Maybe it was because she saw Eldest Sister and Lou Xi Yan finially completed their wedding, so Qing Feng¡¯s mood was exceptionally good. She sat on the swing obediently, the end of the dress was fluttering, her hair was flying and a faint smile bloom on her face. Under the moonlight, both of their figures were somewhat vague. One was sitting, one was standing and both of them was not looking at one another or communicating but they appeared to be in sync. Fu Ling quietly saw it and withdraw, not willing to disturb this rare peaceful moment. ¡°Oh¨C¡± Qing Feng suddenly called out softly. Seeing her body suddenly stiffen as she stared at her stomach differently, Yan Hong Tian supported her shoulders and made the swing stop moving before asking, ¡°What happen?¡± Yesterday there was no movement appeared but it seems that the movements were stronger and numerous. Qing Feng was startled for a moment before she replied, ¡°He kicked me¡­¡± ¡°He knows how to kick?¡± Zhen will feel it.¡± Saying that, his big hands landed on Qing Feng abdomen. Yan Hong Tian only felt warm in his hands, unlike the normal soft and silky feeling. It was a bit tight but he did not feel any abnormal movement. Yan Hong Tian frowned, ¡°There no more?¡± His hands was tightly stuck on her abdomen, like he was seriously feeling it. He was completely different from the past when he was sleeping on the bed. Qing Feng actually blushed and murmured, ¡°He doesn¡¯t kick often¡­¡± ¡°He really knows how to kick?¡± Yan Hong Tian did not apparently believed it, ¡°Does it hurts?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t¡­ Doesn¡¯t hurt.¡± Yan Hong TIan was staring at her stomach and his fingers were also caressing the top. Qing Feng¡¯s face got redder and reached out to grab Yan Hong Tian¡¯s wrist as she wanted to take his hand away from her stomach. Yan Hong Tian did not move and his hands was firmly pressed against Qing Feng¡¯s abdomen. After a long time of not feeling anything, Yan Hong Tian frowned, ¡°Why is he not kicking?¡± Qing Feng flew into a rage out of humiliation, ¡°He doesn¡¯t kick all the time!¡± Yan Hong Tian thought for a while. That was true, if he was kicking all the time then how would Qing Feng live? Obviously he did not know what it means when the child in her womb kicked. Putting his hands away embarrassingly, Yan Hong Tian asked again, ¡°Then, what time does he usually kick?¡± Yan Hong Tian questioned seriously but Qing Feng was between laughter and tears, ¡°How would I know.¡± ¡°Even you don¡¯t know?¡± Yan Hong Tian slightly frowned, ¡°Will summon Huang Jiao tomorrow to ask.¡± ¡°¡­¡± She saw it clearly today that Lou Xi Yan really treated her Elder Sister whole heartedly so Eldest Sister will not suffer with him. Even though Su Ling is not as considerate as Lou Xi Yan, he was a devoted person. If he felt something for Youngest Sister, he would definitely be in it whole heartedly. Youngest Sister would not need to face the jealously between wives and this was a blessing. As for her¡­ Qing Feng looked at the man beside her who was staring at her stomach, she unconsciously smiled. Yan Hong Tian was not someone who can be entrusted with a beloved but was also not how she initially thought out to be. If the future could be spend like this, it would be not bad¡­ Chapter 62 ¡°Emperor, it is time for morning court.¡± At the fixed shichen, the fixed voice and even the same pitch sounded. Qing Feng finally know the reason why regardless of how tired the day was before or how late he slept the night before, Yan Hong Tian could wake up immediately when the first time this voice sounded. If you have woken up everyday at this same time and heard this same voice for over ten years, you will also wake. Now even she would also wake up at this time. ¡°Come in.¡± Feeling that Yan Hong Tian had gotten up, the eunuchs came in to assist him in dressing up. Qing Feng gently opened her eyes, ensure if it was because she was too tired the night before or because she caught a cold, her head started to throbbing. Qing Feng unconsciously coughed lightly as she close her eyes and pressed her temples. ¡°What is wrong?¡± The drapery moved and the deep voice was heard. Qing Feng paused and she open her eyes to see Yan Hong Tian sitting by the bedside, clad with bright yellow robes, with the purple gold crown and an white jade hanging from his waist. The normally dark black eyes were different but he still portrayed the majesty of a monarch. Qing Feng¡¯s breath hitch up unknowingly and she quickly shut her eyes and only replied after a while, ¡°Having some headache.¡± It must be she had caught a chill the night before, ¡°Will summon Huang Jiao in a while to take a look at you.¡± Yan Hong Tian raised his hand and touched Qing Feng¡¯s smooth forehead and felt that there was no rise in temperature before he loosen his frowning brows a little. Grabbing her hands and feeling his smooth breathing, Qing Feng then opened her eyes and replied, ¡°I heard that he was studying some medicine painstakingly and next month he will head to Feng Ming Mountain to pick herbs. Thus should not bother him with this small cold. Will later summon the other physicians over to take a look.¡± ¡°That is also good. Go and sleep a while.¡± Pulling the thin quilts to cover her body and leaving that sentence, Yan Hong Tian lift the curtain to stride away. Qing Feng lied on the bed but she was unable to fall asleep after flipping over and over again. Just now he did not say anything much but why did her heartbeat thump so fast? Since when did her heartbeat increase because of Yan Hong Tian? Is this all right? After laying on the bed for half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours), she was unable to sleep and did not want to think about Yan Hong Tian. Qing Feng got up and called towards the door, ¡°Ru Yi.¡± ¡°Servant is here.¡± Ru Yi carried a basin of hot water into the chambers. Qing Feng took the hot towel from Ru Yi and said, ¡°Go to the Medical Courtyard and summon Imperial Physician Lin Feng over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi slightly looked up at Qing Feng¡¯s expression and found that there was nothing wrong. However she dare not delay and quickly exited the room. Fu Ling just entered and heard that Qing Feng wanted to summon an Imperial Physician. She quickly went to Qing Feng¡¯s side and urgently questioned, ¡°Mistress, where do you feel unwell?¡± Qing Feng smiled as she patted her hand and replied, ¡°Just a little cold.¡± Fu Ling expressed disbelief, this Mistress greatest dislike was to see a physician and normally any small issues would just tolerated it. She did not even allow her to write a prescription and for her to actually summon an Imperial Physician, it would definitely not be a small illness. Qing Feng was helpless and could only automatically place her hand in front of Fu Ling so that she can take her pulse. After verifying that it was indeed a small cold, her hanging heart could finally settle down. Mistress was currently pregnant and there must not be the slightness carelessness. Just as Fu Ling finished freshening up Qing Feng, Ru Yi¡¯s voice was heard, ¡°Your Ladyship, Imperial Physician Lin is here.¡± Qing Feng did not move and just sat in front of the bronze mirror and nodded. Fu Ling spoke out, ¡°Let him come in.¡± Ru Yi led Lin Feng into the inner chambers. After walking pass the screen, Lin Feng saw Qing Feng¡¯s back view and knelt down immediately, ¡°This official Lin Feng greets your Ladyship Imperial Concubine Qing. May your Ladyship have thousand of fortune and peace.¡± Qing Feng did not even turn around and took a jade hairpin to place it near her hair for comparison and said, ¡°Ru Yi you can withdraw. Imperial Physician Lin is diagnosing Bengong, no one is allowed to disturb.¡± At this moment, her Ladyship doesn¡¯t look sickly at all? Ru Yi secretly wondered but she knew that she should not know and the best was that she did not know about Mistress¡¯s stuff. Quickly bowing and exiting, she did not forget to shut the room doors. Hearing the sound of the shutting doors, Lin Feng¡¯s heart suddenly shook and he dare not look at Qing Feng. His eyes was fixed tightly on the floor. Qing Feng slowly put her hair up in a bun and as she was looking into the bronze mirror, she was spoke randomly, ¡°Heard that Imperial Physician Lin previously took Chen Zhen¡¯s pulse and diagnose her and should understand the type of medication pregnant woman should use. Bengong have a small cold and specially invite Imperial Physician Lin to take a look at Bengong.¡± Pregnant woman¡­ These two words made Lin Feng felt cold from his head to his feet and could not say a single word. Qing Feng finally turned around and looked at the still kneeling and sweating Lin Feng. Pretending to be puzzled, she smiled, ¡°Is Imperial Physician Lin warm?¡± ¡°This official is¡­ Not warm. Not warm.¡± Is was not warm here. He was now in cold sweat. With her hands lightly resting on the cushion that Fu Ling laid, Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Then why you have not take Bengong¡¯s pulse?¡± ¡°Yes yes yes.¡± Lin Feng finally recover his thoughts and got up to walk over to Qing Feng¡¯s side. Taking her pulse, he replied in a relaxed tone, ¡°Your Ladyship¡¯s health is very well and the child is also well. This official will write a prescription. May your Ladyship take it for the next two day and the cold symptoms will subside.¡± Qing Feng took her hand back slowly and smiled, ¡°Bengong¡¯s health is indeed better than Imperial Concubine Hui. Imperial Physician Lin could even nurse her health back, so much less of Bengong?¡± Lin Feng¡¯s face stiffen again and hesitatingly replied, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing is too flattering¡­ Too flattering¡­¡± A flash of impatience crossed Qing Feng¡¯s eyes as she was in no mood to deal with him and asked coldly, ¡°How many months is that child in?¡± This official¡­ This official¡­¡± Since entering Qing Feng Hall, Lin Feng had already felt something amiss. Imperial Concubine Qing had always been personally attended by Senior Imperial Physician Huang and even though it was not a serious sickness and wanted a change in doctors, there were so many other Imperial Physicians with better skills than him. However, Imperial Concubine Qing purposely looked for him and she kept mentioning about Imperial Concubine Hui. He knew, Imperial Concubine Qing summoned him because of Imperial Concubine Hui. He initially wanted to shirking responsibilities and pretending that he did not know but he did not think that QIng Feng suddenly asked that. Fearing that Qing Feng was picking on his words, Lin Feng could not say much words after blabbering a while. ¡°Wherever Chen Zhen stomach is placed at, the child would still need to be borne. Previously it was always you who was taking her pulse and you think that if you don¡¯t say anything now you will be safe? This offence is able to destroy your entire clan.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s tone was brisk but was still unhurried and the last four words were almost as light as the breeze. Lin Feng, however, went down on his kneels with a ¡®plop¡¯ sound and urgently said, ¡°Your Ladyship, please have mercy! Your Ladyship, please have mercy! Imperial Concubine Hui is pregnant for¡­ For almost nine months already.¡± Qing Feng was surprised, ¡°Give birth next month?¡± The last time she saw Chen Zhen, her belly was not large and she did not expect that she had reached full-term. (Chinese saying is that pregnancy last for 10 Lunar months) ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do you know which day?¡± Lin Feng did not dare to hid, ¡°This official had not been taking Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s pulse for quite some time and would not be able to accurately say which day but it should be around the fifth day of next month.¡± The fifth of next month, it was less than twenty days. The first to the third of the month was the period of the celebration and the fifth was just after the ceremony thus everyone would be relaxed and the guards in the Palace would also be a little lax, making things easier. But it was not a small matter for a woman to give birth and even the slightest mistake would result in two deaths. She initially thought that there was still time to prepare but it seems that it was imminent. Not wanted to deal with more nonsense with Lin Feng, Qing Feng coldly said, ¡°If this matter leaks out, you should be very clear whose death is first.¡± A ¡°dong¡± sound was heard as Lin Feng knocked his head on the ground and quickly replied, ¡°This official will not dare to divulge anything at all!¡± He thought that he would be definitely be dead today. He did not think that her Ladyship Qing Feng also did not want this matter to be spread. If so, then with Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s protection, it might be possible for this matter to be hidden. Like that he would still live and even if the matter was brought to light, he only did what he was told. Qing Feng knew that Lin Feng do not have the guts to leak it out but she said it so that he could understand her position. This was good. From now on, Lin Feng would not dare to betray her. ¡°Withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Feng wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and quickly got up before he bowed and exited. This Imperial Concubine Qing was much harder to serve than Imperial Concubine Hui. Lin Feng went out but Qing Feng was lost in her thoughts and Fu Ling did not disturb her. After a long time, Qing Feng then asked, ¡°Where is Wu-er now?¡± ¡°She was initially in the Odd Jobs Department but now she is with Beauty Yu¡¯s and is considered her close palace maid.¡± ¡°How did she end up there?¡± Generally when a concubine was banished to the Cold Palace, the close palace maids will be sent to do laundry or some place which was the most tiresome and worst condition. The mamas will also not put them to good use and none of any concubines will dare to use them. They were like their mistresses who will not be able to see the light of day. How did Wu-er end up with Beauty Yu? ¡°Beauty Yu is Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s distant cousin and was protected by here ever since she entered the Palace. After Imperial Concubine Hui was banished to the Cold Palace, Beauty Yu find all ways to get Wu-er by her side.¡± This Beauty Yu¡¯s looks was average and she had little courage. She did not think that she would had done such things. Qing Feng frowned, ¡°Beauty Yu and Chen Zhen are usually very close?¡± Even if it was a distant relative, she also did not need to offend the Empress for Chen Zhen¡¯s close palace maid? Fu Ling thought for a bit and shook her head before replying, ¡°No. The people in the Palace knows that Imperial Concubine Hui love peace and enjoys embroidery and often would not go out of the room for days.¡± That was also true. Chen Zhen seemed elegant and generous but in reality she is very aloof and naturally will not be close to anyone. Never mind. Just a low rank Beauty. If she were to do anything, she would still be powerless. ¡°It is almost time for Chen Zhen to give birth, first you¡­¡± Qing Feng was whispering to Fu Ling when Ru Yi soft voice sounded by the door, ¡°Your Ladyship, there is someone from Lan Yi Palace that request your audience.¡± Empress¡¯s person? Both of them shared a look and Qing Feng gave her an expression. Fu Ling walked to open the doors and let the palace maid in. The female was young and lovely and it it seems that her eyes were roaming the surroundings but it was not done presumptuously. Seeing Imperial Concubine Qing standing behind the screen, the female still bowed and greeted softly, ¡°This servant, Yi Yue, greets Imperial Concubine Qing. Her Ladyship, the Empress invited over.¡± The Empress have been dormant for so long and finally had began to take action. This was also good. If she kept remaining quiet, Qing Feng would have felt worried. A slight smile appeared on Qing Feng¡¯s lips as she walked out from the screen and replied, ¡°Good. Bengong have not seen the Empress for a long time and was thinking of paying respect.¡± Chapter 63 After reaching Yi Yan Palace, Qing Feng then found out that Xin Yue Ning did not only called her over. In the spacious main call, there were more than thrity tables, with the host seat in the middle and the rest of the tables lined up in two rows on each side. Behind each table, there sat a female who were all beautify and elegant bearings. There was a palace maid standing behind the female and they were too young and pretty. Glancing across the hall, the entire scene was dazzling. Unfortunately Qing Feng was not a man and she felt dazzled. Thinking that all these were Yan Hong Tian¡¯s women, her heart was quite out of sorts. Qing Feng entered the main hall and the initially harmonious atmosphere atmosphere was destroyed. The people who were chattering did not dare to continue talking and every single pair of eyes was staring at her. Some with jealousy, some with admiration and there were some with suspicion. Even with all eyes on her, Qing Feng continued calmly to the host seat and slightly bowed to greet, ¡°Qing Feng greets the Empress. May your Ladyship have thousand of fortune and peace.¡± When her vision landed on that obviously protruding belly, Xin Yue Ning¡¯s heart wanted to kick that thing twice but her lips still politely said, ¡°Younger sister would dispense on ceremonies. Your body is precious, quickly come over and sit beside older sister.¡± In the entire main hall, there was only an empty table beside the Empress. Qing Feng walked to the right side of the table and sat down, unsure of the reason the Empress called everyone over for but she decided to remain silent. Xin Yue Ning did not want to continue the pleasantries with her and called out, ¡°Shui Xin.¡± Shui Xin brought a plainly dressed female into the main hall. The female was carrying a specially made jade and jasper seven-stringed Qin. The female had a elegant bearing and was well mannered as she walked to the front of the hosting seat and greeted the Empress before sitting at the left side of the table. The Qin was placed across the table and her slender finger were floating above the strings. The tune started to flow from the swift fingertips. The tune started out smoothly but chilly which made anyone hearing it feel refreshing and revel in the melody of the tune. But the female¡¯s hand suddenly reversed and it sounded like the galloping of the hoses and with bronze drums and gongs sounding. The sound fluctuated, sometimes sounding implicitly dangerous, sometimes as though one was winning. The seven strings under the female¡¯s hands was able to make so much changes. When the music finally died and everyone thought that it has ended and wanted to praise, when suddenly the Qin cried out in a desolate tone which shredded the listener¡¯s heart and made one feel inexplicable pain. Qing Feng carefully listened until it sounded like the string was breaking ended. Qing Feng gently applauded and smile, ¡°What a good piece. The song is good and the Qin skills are also good.¡± This piece was very difficult to perform and she only heard Eldest Sister performing it once. For this female to perform it like this, her Qin skills were outstanding and adept. But it was unfortunate that the piece was about the story of hunting. The hunters¡¯ ambition was to win and control the preys from the back of his hands until the prey have nowhere to escape and end up being slaughtered. As a precious daughter like Elder Sister and this lady, they failed to vividly express it out in their performance. Yu Han Dan was surprised for a moment and raise her head to look at the person. The two obvious scars was unable to cover her stunning looks and she was able to tell that the female identify was Qing Feng with just one look. Yu Han Dan was surprise that she could actually identify it from listening? This piece was chosen as it had an aggressive and thriving atmosphere and would be suitable to be performed in the ceremony. This piece is actually a leftover piece that was from a few hundred years ago and there were not many people who know about it. In order to perform it during the celebration, she also had to deliberately rearrange it. Shd did not think that Qing Feng actually could effortless hear it out. Especially applauding during the last part, it would seem that she knows the essence of the song well. She had long heard that the Qing family sisters were stunning world beauties and were also highly learned. From today¡¯s meeting, it seems that they truly deserved their reputation! Yu Han Dan got up and elegantly bowed towards Qing Feng before replying with a smile, ¡°Thanking Imperial Concubine Qing for the praise.¡± Qing Feng also smiled lightly and nodded, ¡°This Qin of your must be expertly customised.¡± Else for that last part, the Qin would definitely be broken. Yu Han Dan showed a surprise reaction but finally smile regretfully, ¡°Yes, it seems to be difficult to play.¡± As both of them were appreciating the mutually admiration, no one else in the main hall was chatting. Xin Yue Ning was unable to take this level of neglect and softly coughed before clearly speaking out, ¡°This person is Yu Han Dan, the precious daughter of the Assistant Minister from Ministry of Rites. Before the East Empress Dowager headed to another court to recuperate, she had decided to let Han Dan perform in the ceremony. What does everyone think?¡± Everyone finally recovered and they watched the Empress expression as they cautiously praised. ¡°His Highness the Prince has arrived.¡± The eunuch¡¯s shrill voice just ended when a seven or eight years-old boy rushed in. That child was wearing a white jade golden crown, a small purple lined overall and there was a gold belt round his waist as a green imperial pendant hanged from it. With a defiant look, he walked to the head seat and greeted, ¡°Er-chen greets Imperial Mother.¡± ¡°Rise.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face lit up with a smile as she got up to welcome. With full of pampering and gentleness, she asked, ¡°Why did Jing-er come here?¡± That child cast a sidelong glance at Yu Han Dan and her jade and jasper Qin and said in disdain, ¡°The various countries¡¯ envoys come over to pay their respect to the court and to present just a pitiful and childish Qin song and dance, how would it portray the awe-inspiring Qiong Yue. Er-chen just learn a set of swordplay, why not let Er-chen perform it during the celebration and let the rest experience the glory of Qiong Yue.¡± What an arrogant tone! In the golden era of peace, it was not needed or necessary to brandish swords. Playing the Qin was a way to highlight a country¡¯s magnanimous and in the book , there were many mentions of different majestic moments to wow the crowds. If he truly step up to perform, how would seven or eight child¡¯s sword play be able to illustrate the glory of Qiong Yue? Qing Feng scoffed but Xin Yue Ning felt proud and smiled happily, ¡°My child is naturally able to win glory for Qiong Yue. It is just that you are a dignified Price of Qiong Yue. How can you step forward to perform for the envoys of small nations!¡± Yan Jing thought about it and agreed. He would be the future monarch of the entire nation and it would not be appropriate to perform to these envoys. But he was uncomfortable if he was unable to show off the swordplay that he had just learnt. After thinking a while, Yan Jing laughed, ¡°How about letting Er-chen perform for Imperial Mother?¡± Xin Yue Ning smiled approvingly, ¡°Good.¡± Yan Jing walked to the middle of the main hall and an eunuch handed over a two che (1 che = 1 yardstick) sword. The edge of the sword was not yet open (I think it means it was not the type that could kill) and the body of the sword was as white as snow. The patterns on the steel blade reflected colourful rays on to mosaics and the fanciful swordplay was well done. It would seem that this sword was specially created for him. Seeing that triumphant look on the child, Qing Feng was vaguely distracted. Is this the method of how the Imperial Family raise their children? When Yan Hong Tian was young, was he too like this? Not possible, thinking of that aggressive and man who only needed a look to stop someone from breathing, Qing Feng immediately rejected the speculation. If this child was raised like this, in the future he would only become an ignorant and spoilt fatuous monarch. Why did Yan Hong Tian not discipline? Isn¡¯t this his son? ¡°Mistress, be careful!¡± Qing Feng was deep in her thoughts when she suddenly felt a gust of wind hit hear and only heard Fu Ling¡¯s warning by her ear when someone pull her shoulders back harshly. Qing Feng slid backwards and sat on the floor awkwardly. Recovering herself, she saw that sword pointing straight at her and it was less than a che (1 che = 1 yardstick). Due to the sudden turn of events, the other concubines were so scared that they gasped. Qing Feng was silently angry. He actually use the sword and point it to her! I even dared to shout at your father, what more a rude and spoilt child who use power to intimidate others! Under the cold stare from Qing Feng, Yan Jing withdraw his short sword timidly but he immediately felt that he had lost his face when he withdrew his sword just because he was stared by a female. Thus he raise his head and sneered, ¡°I thought which absolute beauty have entrance Imperial Father. It is just an ugly person.¡± ¡°Jing-er must not be rude.¡± Xin Yue Ning walked over in an exasperatingly slow speed to Yan Jing¡¯s side and look at Qing Feng who was still on the flow. With a expression without any trace of guilt, she said, ¡°Is younger sister all right? Jing-er truly naughty and mischievous. You mustn¡¯t take it to heart.¡± Qing Feng suddenly lowered her head and softly groan as she clutch her stomach with a pained look. ¡°Mistress?¡± Fu Ling hurriedly went forward to support but Qing Feng leaned against her shoulder. Xin Yue Ning brows slightly tighten as she feigned her concern and asked, ¡°What is wrong with younger sister?¡± Humph, it would be best that she had lost the child! Seeing that Qing Feng did not get up for a long time, Shui Xin¡¯s heart felt a sense of uneasiness and she quickly step forward to support. This child of Qing Feng cannot remain alive but it but not be removed in such a way today. The Empress would only bring trouble upon the Prince and herself. Qing Feng clutched Fu Ling¡¯s hand and got up before pushing Shui Xin aside. Qing Feng stared at Xin Yue Ning before telling Fu Ling, ¡°Return back to the palace!¡± Qing Feng¡¯s glare did not make Xin Yue Ning angry but made her mood was lifted up. Seeing Qing Feng walking out swaying, Xin Yue Ning did not allow anyone to help out. It seems that Qing Feng was suffering as she was leaning herself fully onto Fu Ling. Fu Ling was unable to fully support her and walked to a table front. Qing Feng tripped and almost fell down. Beauty Yu who was sitting behind the table quickly got up to support but unsure if Qing Feng was confused due to anger or pain, raised her hand and slapped Beauty Yu. Beauty Yu feel onto the ground on her knees and Qing Feng pointed that the currently kneeling Beauty Yu and hollered, ¡°You all want to kill Bengong right?¡± Wu-er had been with Chen Zhen¡¯s side for so long and she was not a stupid person. Qing Feng would not slap anyone for no rhyme or reason and moreover it¡¯s Beauty Yu. After thinking for a moment, Wu-er stepped forward to help up the trembling Beauty Yu and complained softly with a look of unconvinced, ¡°It was Imperial Concubine Qing herself that knock over and now blame it on my mistress.¡± This complain was not loud enough to be heard everywhere but it could be heard within earshot. Qing Feng¡¯s face sank as she angrily scolded, ¡°You¡­ Impudent!¡± The blue clad female standing behind Beauty Yu, who should also be the rank of a Beauty, naturally wanted to add insult to her injury. Previously Imperial Concubine Hui protected Beauty Yu and she had to suffer quite a bit. Seeing Qing Feng¡¯s pale greenish face, the blue clad female looked at Wu-er and said, ¡°So it is Wu-er who was always by Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s side. No wonder. You really think you are still serving Imperial Concubine Hui?¡± ¡°Someone come!¡± Qing Feng pointed to Wu-er, unsure if it was because of the pain or anger, the voice was trembling, ¡°Throw her to the Cold Palace, let the mistress and servant be reunited!¡± The guards at Yi Lan Palace looked at the Empress and it was only when they see the Empress smiled and nodded then they immediately dragged Wu-er out of Yi Lan Palace. Xin Yue Ning went to Qing Feng¡¯s side and when she saw her ashen face, her heart was jumping for joy but her lips continue the hypocritical words, ¡°It¡¯s only just a worthless servant, there is no need for younger sister to be angry. Your health is important.¡± Humph. At that time she wanted to join hands with Chen Zhen to go against her. Now she wants to see who will deal with who! Qing Feng did not even look at Xin Yue Ning and left Yi Lan Palace with Fu Ling¡¯s support. When she was walking on the Palace trail, Qing Feng¡¯s expression resume back to normal but she still continued to let Fu Ling support her. Qing Feng softly asked, ¡°As of this moment, the Emperor truly only have one son?¡± Fu Ling gently nodded her head, ¡°Yes.¡± No wonder that child was this arrogant. Xin Yue Ning had nothing to fear. Even if he were to cause her to miscarry today, Yan Hong Tian could not do anything to that child as Yan Jing was Yan Hong Tian¡¯s only son. First he would be the future Crown Prince and the monarch of the entire nation. If Yan Hong Tian meet up with anything, he would be the Emperor. Yan Hong Tian was such a shrewd and far-sighted person, how did he allow this situation to occur? If that child takes the throne seat, don¡¯t even talk about her not having a way out, even officials like Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling would eventually be wiped out by the Xin clan. The joyful mood that she enjoyed the past two days died down and she clenched Fu Ling¡¯s hands. Qing Feng whispered, ¡°It is almost time for Chen Zhen to give birth. Go and find a good midwife and wait for Wu-er¡¯s news. Both mother and child must be safe and sound.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling expression was especially serious, if she did not manage to pull Mistress away in time, that sword would have really hurt Mistress. What will the Emperor do then? Chapter 64 The curtain of the night has fallen and Fu Ling was still helplessly watching attentively at the painter who was concentrating in the study room. Ever since returning from Yi Yan Palace, Mistress started to paint. Initially she thought that it was a moment of interest but she did not think that this would last for more than three shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours). She did not even take her dinner and just casually drank two mouthful of soup. Sweeping an eye on the drawing paper, it seems that the painting would soon be completed. Fu Ling was just about to instruct Ru Yi to prepare some food when she saw a tall figure striding into Qing Feng Hall. The people in the courtyard quickly knelt down to greet, ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± This was the second time the Emperor came without letting the eunuch announce his arrival. Fu Ling recovered herself and came forward to greet but Yan Hong Tian had already entered the room and waved his hands at her before saying softly, ¡°Withdraw.¡± Fu Ling looked into the study room at Mistress who seems to be unaware of it and then look at the Emperor¡¯s expression before peacefully withdrawing. The study room was brightly lit with candles, thus it was not difficult to see an elegant figure standing by the table near the curtains. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sharp brows slightly knitted as he walked in. On the large study table, there were five to six different sized brushes lined up, two black jade pen wash (brush wash?) and a che (1 che = 1 yardstick)dark blue in-stone placed in the centre. The paper covered more than half the table and Qing Feng was standing behind the table and holding a wolf hair brush, with efforless strokes and intense concentration. He only saw Qing Feng¡¯s paintings but did not see her painting. The battle energy was not small and in when she place the brush and spread the ink on the paper, it was like the she dominated everything under her brush. As Yan Hong Tian watched on he became entranced and an interesting look crossed his eyes. Perhaps in order to facilitate her painting, she was only wearing a narrow sleeved long dress. Under the light and thin clothes, it made her abdomen conspicuous which made Yan Hong Tian frown again, ¡°You are not feeling well and is still painting?¡± The voice was soft and deep but there was an evident displeasure. Qing Feng was painting smoothly today and her mood was also quite good. Without even looking up, she smiled, ¡°I was not unwell. It was just that the Empress was particularly interested with me recently and the Empress Dowager would be back after these two days. In order not to deal with them, I planned to feign unwell.¡± Yan Hong Tian did not think that she would have said that and laughed, ¡°You are indeed frank.¡± Dipping the brush with ink and quickly washing the brush with water, Qing Feng was usually very casual with her painting and always used clear water with dripping ink. During her drawing she still looked at Yan Hong Tian with some innocence and some craftiness before replying, ¡°Isn¡¯t lying to you means committing the offence of lying to a monarch?¡± It was rare that Qing Feng would be so relaxed and poke fun at him so Yan Hong Tian also did not bother about it. Yan Hong Tian held her and asked by her ears softly, ¡°Did Jing-er hurt you?¡± He indeed knew about it! Then why did he not discipline? Qing Feng kept quiet and changed to a smaller brush before she dipped it into the ink and scoffed, ¡°With his standards?¡± Hearing that that guy actually used a sword to point at her, it was no wonder Qing Feng was angry. It seems that all her pricks were standing up and Yan Hong Tian laughed out loud, ¡°Zhen almost forgot that you have claws.¡± Ever since Qing Ling fell into the water, her claws seems to be moderated by a lot. To such obvious mocking, Qing Feng just shrugged and pretended not to hear anything. Seeing her so focused on painting, Yan Hong Tian was curious to what she was painting. He lowered his head and it was a painting of¡­ A hunt? At the top of the large paper, there was a large patch of darkness and a crescent moon was shining in the paper. There were seven or eight wild wolves that were surrounded by arrows and half of the body of the arrows were buried into the ground. This reflects the hunter¡¯s strength in the bow. The pack of wolves were trapped in the circle of arrows and a few female wolves were agitated enough to grind the sand below their feet and a male wolf stepped out. This should be the leader of the pack of wolves and compared to the rest of the wild wolves which were restless, he was cool and his moves were calm. It¡¯s four limbs were well-built and filled with energy. That pair of wolf eyes was staring in front as if it could see directly into the heart of the audience and that pair of dark cold eyes was flashing his craftiness and calculation. The pair of eyes were just staring at it and Yan Hong Tian had an urge to kill. The hand that was still holding Qing Feng unconsciously tightened, ¡°How did you suddenly thought of drawing this?¡± Qing Feng could feel the killing impulse from the man behind and she felt pleased. Her heart and blood was boiling as she drew it and if the person who sees it was unaffected, then it would have meant that she has failed in painting. Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Today I heard an interesting piece of music and suddenly wanted to draw a painting of a hunting ground.¡± After entering the Palace, she had no interest in painting but after listening to the , a picture immediately form in her mind and once she return back to the the house, she cannot wait to paint the picture in her heart out. Qing Feng tilted her head towards Yan Hong Tian who was standing behind and smiled, ¡°Is it not strange why there are only games and no hunters?¡± Meeting Qing Feng¡¯s sprinted pair of eyes, Yan Hong Tian immediately smiled, ¡°The hunters should be better in concealment then the preys. Zhen is curious what kind of hunter this is.¡± ¡°As the proverb says, seeing the servant knowing the master. Seeing these kind of preys, could it be that you are unable to see what kind of hunter this is?¡± If Yan Hong Tian cannot see it, then it means that she was not able to draw out the tension. In a perfect work of art, it would not only reflect what was drawn. Qing Feng sighed to herself, she had always felt that Elder Sister and Yu Han Dan was unable to bring out the true essence of and hope that her painting could render a thing or two out from it. But now it seemed that there was still something lacking. There was a very tight and dense circle made from arrows on the ground. From that, it could be seen that it was not a difficult for the hunter to kill the game but only surround them and provocatively playing with them. Yan Hong Tian could faintly felt the minds of the hunter but it was still not enough. Glancing at that lead wolf, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes squinted and a cold gaze washed over it. Picking up the smallest brush and dipping a little cinnabar, Qing Feng eyes suddenly brighten and was a little eager to reach out to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand which was holding the brush. Seeing the female in his arms getting excited, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips raised as he place the brush in Qing Feng¡¯s hands. He saw her lightly and quickly dotted the eyes of the lead wolf. Even though it was only a little, the originally dark black eyes were now had a gleam of red, like it had the eys of despair and hate interwine with extreme fear. Only the prey would have such eyes before they fight till death. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes darken and his heart unexpectedly surged with his bloodthirsty impulses. The breathing by her ears seems to be heavier than usual which made Qing Feng satisfied. Withdrawing the wolf hair brush, Qing Feng dipped some ink and brushed on the paper freely and the night scene immediately became overcast. Seeing the female unrestrained in painting in his arms, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s heart had a doubt. Qing Ling was said to have amnesia but was inept in performing autopsy and it was said that that Qing Mo was a investigation expert with meticulous thoughts. Even though it was like what it was said of their speciality in arts, the Qing Feng beside him like this kind of cool and chic style but to be presented as their reputation, these three sisters were truly a marvel. Did they encounter some unknown adventure? Yan Hong Tian asked in a seemingly random way, ¡°All you three sisters are indeed very special. Do you often go out to play?¡± Qing Feng did not know what did Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing who possessed the body of her sisters did what outside the Palace and took it that Yan Hong Tian was curious and causally replied, ¡°We are after all females and cannot go out frequently. But my parents were very tolerant with us so we sister often have opportunities to go out. Eldest Sister loves Qin, Youngest Sister love chess and even if they love landscapes, they prefer to go to spiritual influenced places to feel a peace of mind.¡± ¡°Then, how about you?¡± Yan Hong Tian conceded that he was curious about her. ¡°Me?¡± Qing Feng smiled and generously replied, ¡°I prefer majestic views but unfortunately there isn¡¯t much opportunity to experience it.¡± Yan Hong Tian quietly listen to her speak and that deep pair of eyes seems to be thinking of something. His hands naturally rest of Qing Feng¡¯s underbelly. Ever since she said that the child would kick, he seems to be particularly fancy this position. It was late autumn and it was cooling at night, even though she was wearing a thin layer, she was not shivering. That unnaturally warm temperature made him frown again, ¡°So warm, are you really all right?¡± Her heart warmed but Qing Feng pretended to smile easily, ¡°Rest assure. I am not that weak else I would have long be tortured to death by you.¡± When she just entered the Palace, that situation was considered as dire. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyebrow slightly raised. Can this be considered her complaining? With a strong and generous embrace from the back and with his hands caressing on her belly constantly, even without touching, it had already made Qing Feng unable to concentrate. Taking a deep breath and placing the brush down, Qing Feng sighed, ¡°If you are like this, how do I paint?¡± Qing Feng thought that Yan Hong Tian would laugh overbearingly but he held on her shoulders and turned her around to look into her eyes. Because of she needs to paint, the entire room was specially lit brightly and the weariness around Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes can be seen very obviously. Both of them looked at one another eyes for a long time before Yan Hong Tian seriously said, ¡°In the future, stay away from Jing-er.¡± Qing Feng was slightly startled and felt a little angry, doubt, curiosity and speculation in her heart before saying, ¡°All right.¡± Seeming to be a little tired, Yan Hong Tian took two steps back to sit on the large mahogany chairs but his hands was still holding Qing Feng and he carried her up to place her on his lap. Qing Feng¡¯s faced turn a little red and awkward. She wanted to struggle out of his hands but was held on even tighter. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s chin was also lightly place on her shoulders and his eyes were half-closed. Seeing the tiredness between his brows, Qing Feng no longer move and let him hug her like that for a while before softly asking, ¡°The matters on the celebration gave you headaches?¡± Yan Hong Tian casually made an ¡®en¡¯ sound, originally the celebration would expend a lot of energy and effort but there were much more troubles this year that the previous. First there was a serial murder who dug out hearts, then there was a silver assailant who specifically pick who to loot. All the envoys have reached the consulate and the capital¡¯s security was decreasing. If these matters were spread out, Qiong Yue will be thoroughly discredited. Seeing that he did not want to talk more, Qing Feng did not ask. She got up slowly and pull his hands towards the chambers, ¡°If it is too tiring, then rest earlier.¡± He came over today was due to hearing Jing-er draw a sword to her and his heart was a little worried for her. After speaking to her for a while, he was still tired but his mood was significantly better. Yan Hong Tian himself was wondering, since when did he start to feel refresh when he talk or hug her to nap. Perhaps it was because she was not tangled with different families¡¯ or clans¡¯ interest or perhaps it was because she seems submissive but was in fact held a dismissive attitude. Walking to the side of the screen, Yan Hong Tian stopped and looked at the comfortable and warm bed. He really wanted to lay down to sleep but unfortunately he cannot. ¡°Zhen still have matters to settle. You should rest early.¡± Withdrawing the hand that Qing Feng was holding, Yan Hong Tian walked to the side of the door and stopped his steps again before saying, ¡°When the Empress and Empress Dowager summon for you, just say that you are unable to get out of bed due to the foetus.¡± Qing Feng smiled lightly, does this considered that she has the ¡°Imperial permission to lie¡±? After sending him until out of the room, Yan Hong Tian lightly rise his hand to indicate that she did not need to send him off further. Qing Feng did not know what else to say and after some thought, she only said a sentence, ¡°You¡­ Don¡¯t sleep too late.¡± Yan Hong Tian paused when he was walking out and he looked back at her but did not say anything before stepping outside the courtyard. Qing Feng walked back to the study but did not have the mood to paint. However she liked to finish things in one time so she still picked up the brush and stood for a long time in front of the study table but she did not know where to put the next stroke of brush and thus finally put it down. Never mind. So be it. Chapter 65 After Qing Feng had the Imperial permission to feign ill, all the summons and greetings were all rejected and she had a few days of relaxing and calm days. The begonias in the courtyards bloomed and these ten over days she was busy arranging her flowers and her time was passed comfortably. After being pregnant, she was more drowsy then usual. If Yan Hong Tian stayed overnight at her palace, she would be disturbed in the morning thus she will lay for a while and wake up during Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 am). These days Yan Hong Tian did not come over so she would only get up during Wushi (modern timing: 11 am ¨C 1 pm). However today, the sky just became bright and Fu Ling was already standing in front of her bed to wake her up. With her eyes closed, Qing Feng muttered, ¡°What shichen is it?¡± Fu Ling replied softly, ¡°It is almost Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am)¡± Chenshi¡­ Chenshi? Qing Feng¡¯s eyes finally crack open strenuously and she ask puzzledly, ¡°Isn¡¯t the celebration starting at Wushi (modern timing: 11 am ¨C 1 pm)?¡± Afraid that she would forget about the time, she asked Fu Ling the night before. Why wake up so early if the celebration was Wushi? Qing Feng look as though she did not have enough sleep. Fu Ling smiled lightly and let the palace maids behind her prepare the things as she explained, ¡°It starts at Wushi (modern timing: 11 am ¨C 1 pm) but you have to start preparing now else it would not be in time.¡± In previous years, Yi Lan Palace started to prepare from Maoshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 am). Taking into consideration that Mistress was pregnant, she would not have woken her up this late. Not in time? Qing Feng wondered but at this moment there inner chambers were filled with seven to eight palace maids and Qing Feng felt embarrassed to continue to sleep so she reluctantly sat up. Fu Ling saw that she finally got up and deftly took the hand towel over from the palace maid, mouthwash, teapot and then help her to groom. After Fu Ling tidied up, Qing Feng was fully awake. After the curtains were separated, Qing Feng could then see clearly what the palace maids were carrying. Golden bouyao (dangling hairpins), emerald pearls, the various accessories and there was also a magnificent clear blue luxurious robe. Thinking of the special day today, Qing Feng understood why did Fu Ling woke her up that early. Without saying anything, she obediently let Ru Yi dressed her and sat in front of the bronze mirror to allow Fu Ling to put on her makeup. Qing Feng guessed that this torment would certainly not end so quickly but she never imagine that after Fu Ling had finish it was more than one shichen later (1 shichen = 2 hours). After checking carefully one more round and confirming that there was not one thing imperfect, Fu Ling then smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s completed.¡± This sound of ¡°it¡¯s completed¡± was a heaven sent for Qing Feng. She had been sitting motionlessly for so long that her waist was frozen stiff and Fu Ling had to help her before Qing Feng was able to slowly stand up to move her waist and neck. She just gotten up when the few people standing behind gasped. Qing Feng looked up and saw an amazed look from those young faces. After dressing up for this long, Qing Feng knew that she was definitely beautiful but when she saw the person in the bronze mirror, Qing Feng was inevitably stunned for a moment. Dressed in a magnificent clear blue robe made her originally lean body look taller and the layers of dresses were fluttering in the autumn wind like the flowers flying. With the thick belt, her protruding abdomen was not obvious anymore and her tall hairstyle had seven or eight hairpins piercing into it. A emerald crystal bouyao was dangling even though she was not moving, making a soft gentle tinkle and both hands were wearing three gold and jade bracelets which made her hands look slender and fair. Fu Ling also drew a blue coloured flower between her brows and drew her brows more elegant. Matching with her makeup, the scars on her face was no longer that offensive. She stared at herself for quite a while before faintly sighed, ¡°Is there a need to be this gorgeous?¡± ¡°There is a need.¡± The celebration was held once in three years and for Qiong Yue, it was the biggest banquet. Every time the Empress would start preparing for it for half a year before and Mistress was currently the only Imperial Concubine, thus must not be discourteous in front of others. Fu Ling has been in the Palace for so many years and also knew that she was not fond of grandiose but still dress her as such. She definitely had her reasons and since she had habitually obeyed Fu Ling¡¯s advice, she did not say anything more and smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Qing Feng only brought Fu Ling and Ru Yi out of Qing Feng Hall. As Lan-er stared at the three figures walking away, she started to purse her lips as a look of resentment fell on her face. Forget about Fu Ling, now a newly came low ranking palace maid was even favoured than her. How can she take it! Lan-er was in the courtyard sulking when Xia Yin walked calmly in front of her and place the cut flowers to her. Lan-er glared at Xia Yin and complained, ¡°Older sister Xia Yin, you are indeed tolerant!¡± These days, she still could occasionally have the opportunity to enter the room to serve but older sister Xia Yin had not been serving in front of her Ladyship for quite some time. She was not even anxious and not afraid of being a low rank palace maid in the end! Xia Yin laughed bitterly, ¡°We as servants need to know our own duty. Whoever the mistresses favour, it would be their fortune. If one did not have that ability, who else can be blamed?¡± Lan-er coldly scoffed, her words boost other¡¯s morale and reduce own¡¯s courage. She stop cutting the flowers and stormed back to the house. At this moment Xia Yin did not have the embracing the wind expression, she was living each day in fear and panic. Qing Feng was guarding against her but did not make things difficult for her or chased her away. She really did not know what Qing Feng was thinking. There was also no action from her mistress. If this continued to go on, she would go crazy. After walking on the palace road, Qing Feng then understood how grand this celebration was. Previously there was only one lantern in a long distance but now there was a bright red lantern every few steps. Except for female officers with grades, the other palace maids all wore a dark red dress and the eunuchs wore dark blue robes. There were also many times the usual amount of palace people and guards walking on the palace road. Fu Ling saw that she did not walk toward Zheng Yang Palace and asked, ¡°Mistress, you did not look for the Emperor?¡± ¡°Why look for him?¡± Qing Feng softly snorted, ¡°This kind of situation the Empress would be the only person beside the Emperor. There would not be any meaning for me to go over.¡± She attended this celebration was first curious about how did the leader of six nations, Qiong Yue, would hold it and second thought that Eldest Sister definitely was required to enter the Palace. To be able to see her once would be the best. She would not care about Yan Hong Tian! Qing Feng did not felt the sour tone in her voice but Fu Ling heard it clearly. She exchange a look with Ru Yi and both of them were smart enough not to say anything more. After all, what Qing Feng said was correct, there were not many concubines that could attend the celebration and other than the Empress that could walk together with the Emperor to the main seats, no one else was qualified to do that. Even the Empress Dowager could only sit beside them. The celebration was held in front of Qian Yang Hall and when Qing Feng went there, the originally vast open space was filled with people, making it bustling. The Eastern gate of the Imperial Palace was facing directly to the Qian Yang Hall and the palace gates were opened. A line of carriages stopped outside the palace gates and fifth ranked officials and below could only stand near the Eastern gates. Qing Feng could only see the dense mass of heads and nothing more. In front of Qian Yang Hall, she finally saw a few familiar people, it would seem that only the third ranked officials and above could then be qualified to sit in front with the envoys. Above the long jade steps of Qian Yang Hall, there was a bright yellow throne placed in the middle and beside it, there was a red bench. There was no one who did not know who would sit on that seat high up there so Qing Feng turned her sight on something else. The celebration has yet to begin, thus the ministers were exchanging greetings with one another and the envoys were flattering and lauding one another, making it bustling. It was fortunate that the officials and womenfolk were seperated and Qing Feng was walking to where they were located. Qing Feng just reach where the womenfolk were resting when everyone who saw her started to get to their kneels to greet, ¡°Greeting your Ladyship, Imperial Concubine Qing. May your Ladyship have thousand of fortune and peace.¡± Qing Feng nodded her head slightly and smiled generously, ¡°All rise. Today is universal celebration. Everyone need not need to stand on ceremony.¡± ¡°Thanking your Ladyship.¡± Qing Feng was able to find her own sister with one look. Ignoring the people who were kneeling, she smiled and went up to Zhuo Qing who was not seriously greeting and help her up. Qing Feng happily called, ¡°Eldest Sister.¡± Zhuo Qing had seen luxurious Qing Feng long before. She was originally a young and beautiful female and after dressing up this meticulously, nothing more beautiful can be imagined. It was fortunate that Zhuo Qing was used to see beautiful people and even though her heart was praising, there was only a faint smile on her face, ¡°Your complexion looks not bad.¡± Qing Feng smiled helplessly, this kind of dressing, it would be a wonder if it did not look good. Seeing that there was no sight of Youngest Sister around, Qing Feng asked, ¡°Why isn¡¯t Younger Sister here?¡± ¡°She¡­¡± Zhuo Qing hesitated for a while before faintly smiling, ¡°It was not convenient for her to come.¡± Qing Feng frowned slightly, Eldest Sister was already married to Lou Xi Yan and she was officially Prime Minister¡¯s Furen and thus able to come to such occasion. But Youngest Sister just followed Su Ling like this, without any name or title and would not be convenient to appear in such a situation. What did Su Ling mean? Will he marry Youngest Sister as his official wife? Qing Feng look towards where the officials were gathered and with one look, she saw Lou Xi Yan wearing a purple robe that excludes nobility. Not far behind him, Su Ling was standing in the middle of the crowd wearing a dark silver robe with a jade hanging from his waist and black plain boots. It revealed a low-key luxury and was very much unlike his usual unruliness¡­ But there was a haggard look on his face. Following Qing Feng¡¯s line of sight, Zhuo Qing had already guessed what Qing Feng was thinking about and lightly patted her hand. Zhuo Qing smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Su Ling would not treat her unfairly.¡± Now she was much more worried about Gu Yun¡¯s mental state, when will enlightenment dawns upon her. Qing Feng did not know what happen between Gu Yun and Su Ling, thus she was not as optimistic as Zhuo Qing and continued to reply worriedly, ¡°Hope that it is as you said.¡± Zhuo Qing did not say more and just smiled. Seeing that she was six month pregnant and still so thin, she was just about to ask her how was she recently when her beautify and elegant female official rushed to her side looking slightly flustered and called out softly, ¡°Mistress¡­¡± Qing Feng was very happy to see her Eldest Sister and did not notice when Fu Ling was away from her but after seeing the anxiety and panic in Fu Ling¡¯s eyes, she knew in her heart that something had happened. Apologetically smiling to Zhuo Qing, Qing Feng and Fu Ling took a few steps away and before asking, ¡°What happened?¡± Fu Ling stepped forward and whispered closely into Qing Feng¡¯s ear, ¡°Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s abdomen started to hurt since morning. It is estimated that she would give birth soon.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Give birth now?! Chapter 66 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 66 Chapter 66: The Celebration (Part 2) ¡°What?!¡± Give birth now?! Qing Feng was frantic and this low shout attracted a few pair of surprised eyes. Qing Feng quickly controlled her state of mind and pull Fu Ling to the side for a few more steps. With a suppressed whisper, she anxiously said, ¡°Quickly bring the midwife over to deliver her baby.¡± Fu Ling had a distressed expression but she still nodded and replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Just as she was about to leave, Fu Ling felt a sudden pain in her wrist. ¡°Be careful.¡± The suppressed voice and the pain on her wrist indicate that Qing Feng was panicking and Fu Ling nodded her head with force, ¡°Rest assure Mistress.¡± Today was the celebration where the various envoys have audiences with the Emperor thus there were doubled the number of guards. Even around the Cold Palace where is normally inaccessible, there would also be Imperial Guards patrolling at this timing. Qing Feng was cursing in her heart. Chen Zhen, why did you not give birth earlier or later and purposely pick this time to give birth! ¡°Is there anything happening?¡± A soft voice was questioning from her back. Qing Feng was taken aback and she turned around. Her Eldest Sister was looking at her worriedly so Qing Feng quickly replied, ¡°Nothing.¡± Her lips said nothing but her face was still wearing a shock expression. Zhuo Qing softly sighed and said, ¡°If there is anything, don¡¯t keep it in your heart. Say it out and we will do our best to help you.¡± After all, Qing Feng was young and had a stubborn character who would not think about the consequences behind her action. Seeing that the scars on her face were deeper than Mo Yun¡¯s and hers, Zhuo Qing always had an alarmed feeling. She reckoned that because the last time she helped to steal the Empress Dowager¡¯s personal seal, she was in a perilous position. Since she has possessed her Eldest Sister¡¯s body and enjoy her feelings towards her Eldest Sister, Zhuo Qing had already long decided to take Qing Feng as a younger sister to care for. The clear cool voice was not considered gentle but it was much more confident and certain than the past. Eldest Sister was really unlike the past. With a wave of warm in her heart, the panic subsided and Qing Feng nodded her head before replying, ¡°I know. It is really nothing.¡± It was evident that she was reluctant to say and thinking of the things that happened in the Inner Palace, it seemed that she would not be able to help much. Zhuo Qing did not asked any more and both of them casually chatted a few more sentences. Qing Feng¡¯s mind was absence so Zhuo Qing also stop talking. At one tenth after noon, an official from the Ministry of Rites walked towards the stone steps and stood on top of the stone steps without saying a word. The originally space that was bustling with noise quickly quieten down. The people around her was also immersed in their own thoughts. Zhuo Qing gently nudged Qing Feng¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°It appears that the celebration is starting, you should go over.¡± ¡°En?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s mind recovered and she looked up. She say rows of hundreds walking out from the back of Qing Yang Hall. Seeing that procession, the person coming should presumably be Yan Hong Tian. Qing Feng looked apologetic to Zhuo Qing. It was hard to get a chance to get close to her Eldest Sister but she herself was¡­ Qing Feng face was filled with sadness and Zhuo Qing only gave cool smile, even if she couldn¡¯t bear it, Qing Feng could only walk towards Qian Yang Hall. The empty seat at the bottom of the white jaded stone steps was then her position. ¡°The Emperor has arrived!¡± Qing Feng just stood up when unlike the usual, a deep shrill male voice sounded and it was passed over from afar. Except for the Imperial Guards who were standing still and mightily, the rest of the people were bowing down with their knees bent. Qing Feng was pregnant and it was not convenient for her to greet thus she could only half kneel. At the moment when Yan Hong Tian appeared, she could see him with one glance. Yan Hong Tian today was wearing an ink-black official robe and on the sleeves, golden threads were use to embroidered two flying golden dragons. There was a red jaded belt on his waist and t he purple golden crown was shining dazzlingly in the sun. The usually cold eyes look even deeper at this moment and slight smile on his lips did not make him look friendlier. It was a smile but not a smile that reflects the majestic air of a monarch. Xin Yue Ning and the long time not seen Lou Su Xun walked on the right and left of Yan Hong Tian. Both of them was adorned with beautiful robes and excludes luxury. Xin Yue Ning dark red robes was spread out on the floor and there was a hundred year Phoenix that was embroidered on it, matching Yan Hong Tian¡¯s golden dragons. ¡°Long live the Emperor Wu.¡± ¡°Long live the Qiong Supreme Emperor.¡± (My thoughts: I believe Yan Hong Tian¡¯s subjects greet him as Emperor Wu, his official title?, and the envoys from other nations greets him as Qiong Supreme Emperor) From the moment Yan Hong Tian stepped on the white jaded stone steps, thousands of people was greeting at the top of the voices. The voices resonated onto the skies and Qing Feng¡¯s ears trembled and her heart also tremble with it. Qing Feng looked up slightly and saw the him on the Qian Yang Hall, standing up tall and his gaze was calm and cool as he viewed bowing people. At this moment, Qing Feng only then felt what was the monarch of the six nations, what was called the dignity of the supreme royalty. Yan Hong Tian only stood there quietly, like in the entire world he was the only one standing, receiving worship from all around. Yan Hong Tian seated down and the voices stopped. ¡°Rise.¡± After a long silence, the deep male voice rang out and Qing Feng seemed to hear herself, like everyone else, taking a deep breath. ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± ¡°Thanking the Qiong Supreme Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian slightly raised his hand and the long horns that were on the palace gates facing the city sounded. The resonant sound of the horns lifted the spirits of those who heard it. In a short while, the horns stopped and a group of strong men, in a group of three carried a large drum and ran ino the large space in the middle of Qian Yang Hall. It was only at this time that everyone noticed that there was a Zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) tall stage that was built in the middle of the empty space. The brawny men started to beat the drums and at this time a female wearing red slowly walked from outside the palace gates. She was carrying a green jade jasper Qin. She walked really slowly so everyone¡¯s gaze landed on her. Her slender figure walked on till she was in the beside the brawny men, the strong contrasting the weak, revealed a gripping type of beauty. The female walked to the front of the stage and placed the Qin on her lap and her hand gestures showed a touch of chic and aloofness. The empty hands lifted and the drums stopped. A string of light notes sounded and a melodious tune was form. Like the female on the stage, there was a few bits of freeness in the gentleness. The sound of the Qin was soft and when the drums was beaten, it broke the Qin¡¯s music. From listening to the piece, it was somewhat different from the performance previously and there was a harmony between the drums and the Qin. had a grand momentum which fits the celebration atmosphere and showed Qiong Yue¡¯s strength as the lead nation. Yu Han Dan¡¯s piece will be widely talked about for the next three years. The performing was marvellous but unfortunately Qing Feng¡¯s entire heart was on the matter of Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s child and did not have the mood to enjoy or appreciate. The performances during the previous year¡¯s celebrations were determined by both the Empress Dowagers and Ministry of Rites and there was nothing really special about it. This year¡¯s performance, however, seemed to interest the Emperor. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes were rarely like everyone¡¯s, fixed on the red cladded female. Because listening to this piece of music, he would inexplicably think of the hunting painting that Qing Feng drew. The music and painting complemented one another but there were some differences. The music had a vigorous atmosphere, like a team of hunters were obviously chasing the prey that were as good as in their bag. Whereas Qing Feng painting of the hunt was much more interesting as it reflects the showdown between the brave and fierce warlike hunter and the cunning and savage prey. His lips hooked up to a smile and Yan Hong Tian look towards Qing Feng who was below the stone steps but he saw her staring at the tea in her hands, thinking of don¡¯t know what. ¡°Mistress¡­¡± Qing Feng had been waiting for more than half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) and Fu Ling finally returned. Not daring to make big movements, she was sitting still as before but her hands was holding the teacup tighter as she softly asked, ¡°How is it?¡± The sounds of bells and drums were very loud that it would not be clearly heard if one were to speak normally. But Fu Ling still cautiously lowered her voice and spoke very near Qing Feng¡¯s ear, ¡°The midwife is still helping her to give birth but she is not delivering. I fear that it would be a difficult birth¡­¡± Difficult birth¡­ Her heart which was hanging from the beginning sank and the cup that Qing Feng held in her hands fell onto the table with a ¡°Pa¡±, spilling the tea onto the table. The noise was not considered loud but it still attracted the attention of many gazes and one of which was from a male sitting high up. Qing Feng dare not look at him. With an inspiration, she clutch her stomach and put on a pained expression. Fu Ling said surprisingly, ¡°Mistress?¡± It shouldn¡¯t be that the shock interrupted the foetus energy right? Just as Fu Ling was anxiously trying to take her pulse, Qing Feng grabbed her hand and slightly tighten. She still had a pained expression but her voice was calm when she replied, ¡°I am fine.¡± Yan Hong Tian had already recovered his line of sight and his dark eyes was back on the red figure who was performing on stage but he was not enjoying like he did previously. He softly called, ¡°Gao Jing.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Not needing Yan Hong Tian to say more, Gao Qing quickly walked over to Qing Feng¡¯s side and softly asked, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing, what happened? Qing Feng¡¯s hand was clutching her stomach and her brows were slightly knitted as she smile reluctantly, ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just¡­ My stomach suddenly ache a little.¡± ¡°Someone come and summon Imperial Physician Wang.¡± Qing Feng did not expect Gao Jing would summon for Imperial Physician Wang and urgently said, ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Other than Huang Jiao, Imperial Physician Wang was Yan Hong Tian dedicated personal Imperial Physician and naturally there was no need to talk about his medical skills. But if he were to come, won¡¯t her circumstances be revealed? Sensing that the tone was very anxious, Gao Jing started to get suspicious but Qing Feng pressed her waist and explain with a smile, ¡°It is not a big deal, it would be fine with just summoning for Imperial Physician Lin. These days he was the one who was diagnosing and treating Bengong and understand more about Bengong¡¯s health.¡± Gao Jin stared at her for a moment before telling the eunuch behind, ¡°Summon Imperial Physician Lin over to treat her Ladyship.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The eunuch hurried away but Gao Jing did not returned to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s side and stood about one zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) behind of Qing Feng. It would seem that if he did not heard the physician explanation, he would not leave at all. Confirming that Gao Jin was not able to hear her speak, Qing Feng continue to whisper, ¡°How is she exactly now?¡± Pretending to pat Qing Feng¡¯s back for her to ease her breathing, Fu Ling replied seriously, ¡°It is not very good. There is no hot water in the Cold Palace and even though Wu-er brought some last night, it was no longer hot now. It is already in the late autumn but they were only covered with a thin quilt and their diet are sparse. Imperial Concubine Qing was already sick for half a month and the midwife said that she orginally do not have enough energy to give birth and now the position of the foetus is wrong, which made it even more difficult. Before this servant came over, Imperial Concubine Hui¡­ Kept losing blood. If this continues on, the child definitely cannot be saved and even she will also die.¡± The heavy drums rang with the sounds of the Qin but Qing Feng only felt that every note was hitting her heart. If she did not bother about it now, it would be a corpse with two lives. If she get involved, how would she manage? If she were to now tell the Emperor, Chen Zhen was currently in a difficult birth and the child was yours? Needless to say the Empress would definitely meddle and just the fact that a concubine in the Cold Palace was giving birth during the celebration and no one in the entire Palace knew about it, where would Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face be left? What would remain of Qiong Yue¡¯s face? She cannot say, at least it should not be said now. Qing Feng¡¯s hands habitually caressed her abdomen as her gaze drifter to the man on the highest seat. The more she thought, the further and deeper it became. She may not necessarily be able to give birth to a son and it was indeed very dangerous and strange for Yan Hong Tian to have only one son for the past ten years on the throne. Chen Zhen¡¯s child must definitely be born! There were innumerable twists and turns in her heart and after she have thought for a long time, Qing Feng finally spoke, ¡°Then¡­ Let¡¯s take a risk!¡± Chapter 67 ¡°Then¡­ Let¡¯s take a risk!¡± How to take a risk in such danger? Qing Feng¡¯s expression became cool and Fu Ling¡¯s heart was filled with unease. Mistress has a fierce temper and was also quick to fare. The last time stealing the Empress Dowager¡¯s seal was such an dangerous thing she also did not say take a risk. This time¡­ What does she want to do? When Fu Ling was still worrying, Qing Feng had already tilted her head and spoke softly in her ear. Qing Feng¡¯s voice was soft and she did not speak fast but Fu Ling¡¯s started to break out a cold sweat as she listened. The soft and gentle words were like a soft-edged hammer, knocking into her fragile heart. Fu Ling was fortunate that her head was lowered as she thought that her face must be whiter than hers. When Qing Feng finally finished, Fu Ling only felt that her voice was like her heart, trembling terribly. ¡°Mistress, this risk absolutely cannot be taken¡­¡± ¡°Quickly go.¡± Qing Feng did not let Fu Ling finished her words. She naturally know what was Fu Ling worried about but if she did not care about the matter with Chen Zhen now, then even though she and her child die in the end, the matter would not reach to her. But if she were to intervene, if there were any slips, her offences would be heavier than that of Witchcraft. Just the offence of doing harm to the Imperial Line would be enough to kill her a few times. But¡­ This was a matter of two lives? Even if it was an unborn child, for Chen Zhen, for herself and also for¡­ Yan Hong Tian, this risk was worth taking! Fu Ling did not move for a long time until Qing Feng softly sighed and firmly said, ¡°Go.¡± Facing the calm and certain eyes, Fu Ling could only compromise. Qing Feng¡¯s decisiveness and determination was the qualities she appreciated and admired. Now she only felt powerless and helplessness. Fu Ling got up and headed towards Qian Yang Palace. ¡°Where is Miss Fu Ling going?¡± Fu Ling only took a few steps when a hand stopped her path. Fu Ling raised her head and gave an apologetic smile to Gao Jing before replying, ¡°Mistress is not feeling well and was afraid that she would not be able to walk back. This servant is going to prepare the sedan.¡± Fu Ling knew that Gao Jing was looking at her and she did not dare to meet his eyes, fearing that he would see any clues with her slight movements. After a long time, Fu Ling¡¯s back was already wet before Gao Jing finally put down his hands. Fu Ling was secretly relieved and gave a slight bow before rushing off. At this time, Lin Feng was brought over by the eunuch. He was just a fifth ranking Imperial Physician and his forehead was filled with sweat as he ran up from the crowd. After being brought to Qing Feng, Lin Feng quickly knelt down and greeted, ¡°Your Ladyship Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± He was not sure if it was an illusion or not but Lin Feng felt that the there was a pair of eyes from the main seat that was staring right at him. That made his already restless heart shiver and chills ran up his spine. Qing Feng was actually rather indifferent and did not allow him to get up but just placed her hand gently on the table in front. Lin Feng quickly took her pulse. Her pulse was quite calm but it was slightly faster than usual and there was nothing wrong with it. But to call him to take her pulse during the celebration, there must not be no reason to do so, so what do he have to say? Lin Feng¡¯s heart was in a knot as his brows were knitted and his hands did not leave from her wrist. Lightly coughing, Qing Feng took out a handkerchief and covered her nose and mouth before softly saying, ¡°Lin Feng, listen well. Imperial Concubine Hui is going to give birth and now is experience a difficult birth. You had better rush back to the Medical Court and bring the best medicine and tools to Qing Feng Hall.¡± Imperial Concubine Hui¡­ Difficult birth¡­ Because he was still kneeling down, Qing Feng¡¯s muffled words could fall into his ears. Lin Feng¡¯s entire self numbed and he could not say a single word. The colour of Lin Feng¡¯s face was like ashes and Qing Feng was already impatient. She took her hand back and coldly said, ¡°Whether you can live or not would depends on today. Don¡¯t need Bengong to tell you what you should do.¡± If Imperial Concubine Hui died in the Cold Palace because of the difficult birth, Qing Feng will be able to wipe her slate clean. But he was Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s physician, no matter what happen he would not be able to be scot-free! Not daring to hesitate for one bit, Lin Feng urgently replied, ¡°Yes. This official will go and prepare now!¡± Lin Feng just got up and Gao Jing don¡¯t know when was already standing not far behind, ¡°Imperial Physician Lin, how is Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s health?¡± Forcing himself to settle his heart, Lin Feng replied with worry, ¡°Her Ladyship is frail and should rest. The celebration today is too crowded and it is afraid that she had been frightened and the foetus energy was interrupted. It would be better to send her Ladyship back to rest. This official will head back to the Medical Court to gather the tools and head to Qing Feng Hall to treat her Ladyship.¡± Seeing his actions, it seemed that it was not as simple as the fetus energy was interrupted. Gao Jing did not make things difficult for him and let him leave. Cup was smashed and Imperial Physician was summoned, before the celebration¡¯s performance was finished, Qing Feng had already attracted too many attention. Slightly looking up to the person sitting at the top, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face was still call and his dark eyes was looking straight ahead as though he did not care for what had happened to her. Qing Feng¡¯s heart was somewhat clogged but she refused to acknowledge the disappointment. Qing Feng was unable to catch Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eye but saw Xin Yue Ning¡¯s look of pride and envy. Qing Feng did not want to be bothered about her and spoke, ¡°Ru Yi, support Bengong back.¡± When Fu Ling was by the side, Ru Yi would not be able to stand beside Qing Feng and would always follow behind Qing Feng by a few steps. She had carefully seen some curious things but did not know what exactly it is. Now that she heard Qing Feng calling for her, she did not dare to neglect it and quickly step forward. Ru Yi had some difficulty in supporting Qing Feng up. In order to look like she was unwell and had to leave the during the midway of the performance, Qing Feng¡¯s hand was clutching her stomach and her pace towards Qian Yang Palace was very slow. Zhuo Qing was sitting with the womenfolk not far from Qing Feng¡¯s position. When she stood up, Zhuo Qing had already known it. Seeing her soft footsteps like she was feeling unwell, Zhuo Qing immediately looked at Yan Hong Tian and only see that Steward Gao Jing saying something to his ears and Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression gradually turned dark. But he did not make any movements and only instructed a few sentences before continuing to stare at Yu Han Dan on the stage without any expression. Gao Jing retreated and started to chase after Qing Feng. Zhuo Qing smile lightly, she thought that Yan Hong Tian treated Qing Feng with some affections and Qing Feng would be hating and loving him. Unfortunately one was cold and one was stubborn, it would be destined that it would not be easy for them to be happy. Qing Feng just withdrew from the celebration midway like that. The Emperor actually let her be and even the Empress Dowager also allowed it. Xin Yue Ning in a moment of annoyance, cynically said, ¡°It¡¯s too much. If so, she should have stayed in Qing Feng Hall to rest, why the need to come over to spread the bad luck around.¡± As for Qing Feng suddenly withdrawing from the celebration, Lou Shu Xin was not happy about it but at this moment she was carrying the Royal Line and even if she was more wilful, she could still tolerate it since she was not happy with Yan Hong Tian¡¯s heir. With regards to the Empress¡¯s dissatisfaction, she would take it as though she did not heard it. Shui Xin quietly stood behind Xin Yue Ning and looked towards the direction that Qing Feng left thoughtfully. Finally escaping with great difficulty from the celebration site, Qing Feng did not have any time to relax as Gao Jing chased up, ¡°Your Ladyship Imperial Concubine Qing, there are sedans in Qian Yang Palace. Please wait up¡­¡± Qing Feng shook her head and pretended to look worried, ¡°Its not needed. The sedan in Qian Yang Palace is for the Emperor to personally use. There are also significant number of people going in and out of the Palace for today¡¯s celebration. It would not look good if anyone were to see it. Fu Ling had already left to prepare so Steward Gao do not need to worry about the arrangements.¡± ¡°This is the Emperor¡¯s intention. May your Ladyship not worry.¡± It¡¯s¡­ His intention? Qing Feng slightly cease her anger. Just now she was a tad angry because of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s ignore but now it was a little faded. However Gao Jing¡¯s words made Qing Feng unsure how to carry on and fortunately at the same time, Fu Ling managed to rushed over with a eight-manned sedan behind her. The sedan was very big, like a horse carriage that was big enough to let Qing Feng lie in it. Qing Feng secretly relieved at the sight of it but her heart was also at her throat. Fu Ling did not reach Qing Feng when Qing Feng told Gao Jing, ¡°Fu Ling is here already so Steward Gao need not be troubled. The Emperor should have also other orders, do go ahead with them.¡± Gao Jing did not say anything else and went back to report. Ru Yi strangely discovered that after Steward Gao left, Fu Ling who walked over from a distance increased her walking pace until she was practically running over to her Ladyship¡¯s side. The stranger thing was the sedan just stopped and Qing Feng immediately open the curtain and stepped in to sit down. Fu Ling was also instructed the bearers impatiently, ¡°Quickly go.¡± The bearers of the eight-manned sedan had strong leg muscles and Ru Yi had to jog to catch up with it. There was only left with a turn before they reach Qing Feng Hall. Ru Yi was panting but her legs did not slow down one bit as she headed forward but she saw Fu Ling in front suddenly stop. Ru Yi looked up and saw a team of twenty senate guards heading towards them and blocking the path of the sedan. ¡°Who is in the sedan?¡± The lead guard looked seemingly calm as a long sword hung at his waist as he eluded a valiant air. He spoke with an resounding voice and it would appear that his grade was not low. With one look Fu Ling saw Ming Ze standing behind the lead guard. Initially she was secretly delighted as even though he was indifferent, he always seem to be biased towards them but this lead guard was much more formidable. Her worries filtered from her heart and Fu Ling calmly stepped forward to reply, ¡°Her Ladyship, Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing?¡± That lead guard did not give way and started to speak disrespectfully, ¡°Didn¡¯t your Ladyship know that because of today¡¯s celebration, sedans are not allowed to be used in the Palace?¡± Fu Ling¡¯s brows furrowed, she did not know about it but at this moment it was not something that can be passable with just a ¡®didn¡¯t know¡¯. Fu Ling was silent for a long time when Ru Yi who was standing behind softly said, ¡°Her Ladyship¡¯s foetus energy was interrupted during the celebration and it was the Emperor who ordered the sedan to send her Ladyship back.¡± She heard Steward Gao just saying it to her Ladyship to let her to use the Emperor¡¯s sedan to go back. It would not be considered as passing a fake Imperial decree if she said like that. ¡°Is there a physical edict?¡± Guo Yi actually asked for it and just as Fu Ling was thinking about how to deal with it, Ru Yi did not care about seniority and rushed to say, ¡°No, it was Gao Daren who passed the Imperial decree orally. If this Daren have any questions, do question Gao Daren. Her Ladyship has a noble and treasured body and if diagnosis and treatment is delayed, I am afraid that Daren would not be able to bear it.¡± This words sounded aggressive but since it was said by Ru Yi, such a little girl, it did not make the lead guard embarrassed. The face of the lead guard turned dark. He was unable to make things difficult since she was after all, a concubine carrying the Imperial line. As he was thinking whether to release them, the people at both sides were standing stiffly on the Palace road. ¡°Oh¡­¡± A low cry was heard from the sedan and it was not heavy but more like a cry after tolerating for a long time. The performance had ended thus the sound of drums have weaken and since everyone around had high level of martial arts skills, this light cry could be heard by everyone. ¡°Who is outside?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s somewhat weak voice sounded from the sedan. ¡°Third rank Senate Guard, Guo Yi.¡± ¡°Bengong is not feeling well and will be heading back to the palace to rest. You all should get out of the way. If there is anything improper about it, Bengong will be responsible for it.¡± Qing Feng had already spoken so Guo Yi stepped back and the group of guards immediately pulled aside and made way for her. They got out of the way and the sedan immediately headed to the direction of Qing Feng Hall in the fastest speed. When he heard the her voice, Ming Ze felt that something was wrong. When the sedan passed him, he was able to smell a faint scent of blood. Ming Ze looked over without anyone noticing. At the position where the sedan stopped, he saw a dark red droplet lay there. Ming Ze¡¯s heart tighten. Is that¡­ Blood traces? Why was she trying to hide? Was it true that only the foetus energy was interrupted? Or was it¡­ Ming Ze had no leads at that moment but the guards had to continue to patrol. Walking to the drop of blood, Ming Ze purposely stepped onto it and used force so that the dirt and the blood drop would mix and there was only left with a small fingernail size of dirt stain on the ground. When the senate guards walked a number of Zhang (1 Zhang = 10 feet) away, an elegant figure that was behind the tree by the side of the Palace road walked over and stopped at the spot of the small inconspicuous dirt stain. Bending down to touch it and raising her hand to smell it, there was a faint smell of blood mixed it in. Shui Xin slowly got up and stared at the back of the disappearing sedan and the ends of her lips hooked up. What exactly was the secret in the sedan? She looked forward to know. Chapter 68 The neat footsteps were gradually soften but Qing Feng¡¯s heart was still not under control and was beating severely. When Chen Zhen just moan, she was already scared out of her wits. Qing Feng dare not look at the figure at the back of the sedan. She was wearing a palace maid attire that was already drench with sweat and the dark red dress was stained to a dark red colour by her bleeding. The joints of the long fingers that were cluttering the cushions were white and her eyes were staring wide open at the top of the sedan. Fu Ling was afraid that she would cry out on the way and made her bit down a white cloth which Qing Feng felt that during the journey, she almost could not breath properly. The scent of blood made Qing Feng nausea and she used her collar to over her nose so as to reduce the scent. It was a good thing that they were reaching Qing Feng Hall and she heard Fu Ling running into the courtyard and spoke to the bearers, ¡°Carry it to the steps.¡± The sedan was just placed on the ground when Fu Ling immediately said, ¡°All of you can withdraw.¡± The eight men looked at one another and even though their faces showed bewilderment, they did not stay any longer and left the courtyard. Such a big sedan was carried to the front of the room door and that made the palace workers who were originally at the courtyard, came running over. Lan-er look curiously at the sedan and asked, ¡°Older sister Fu Ling, what is with her Ladyship?¡± ¡°Mistress is feeling a little uncomfortable with today¡¯s celebration as it was too noisy. Mistress said that you all have been working hard these few days and since there a celebration today, you all can go and watch the festive.¡± Fu Ling went forward and did not let her walk up the steps. Mistress was not feeling well and they as servants headed out to watch the buzz? Lan-er found it funny, ¡°This¡­ Is not right.¡± ¡°There is nothing that is not right. Mistress needs peace and quiet, all of you can leave.¡± Chen Zhen was having a difficult birth and it was almost half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) since then. Not sure how was she doing now. These people still stood there not moving and it made Fu Ling anxious as she coldly scolded, ¡°Still don¡¯t go!¡± Seeing that the always gentle Fu Ling suddenly turned hostile, the timid palace maids were frighten till their neck shrank. Lan-er was not scolded like this my anyone and she was so annoyed that she hrumphed before she ran out. Feeling Fu Ling¡¯s cold stare pointing at her, Xia Yin also immediately left the courtyard. The other palace maids and eunuchs looked at one another but dare not not leave. Not to mentioned that her Ladyship was in the sedan, and even if her Ladyship is not in a sedan, they dare not disobey the words from a fifth ranking female official. When the palace attendants all left, Fu Ling looked at the blank Ru Yi and urgently instructed, ¡°Go and lock the main doors and side doors.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Recovering her mind, Ru Yi quickly rushed to close the doors. There was no movement in the sedan the entire time thus Fu Ling gently open the curtains and whispered, ¡°Mistress?¡± When the sedan was placed down, Qing Feng turned around to check on Chen Zhen¡¯s situation and found that she, who was previous breathing difficultly, was no longer moving and just lay there quietly with her eyes wide open, without any energy. Qing Feng was so scared that she quickly took the white cloth that she was biting from her mouth but she still kept her mouth slightly open but no longer breathing violently. Qing Feng¡¯s heart was like in her throat and she was so nervous that she had forgotten to breath. Her trembling fingers slowly reached out to Chen Zhen¡¯s nose and when she felt the weak breathing, she then gave a heavy sigh of relief. At this time, Fu Ling voice flowed into the carriage and Qing Feng called out, ¡°Come over and help her up the bed.¡± When Fu Ling climbed into the sedan, she was also frighten at Chen Zhen¡¯s condition. After confirming that she was still alive, both of them used all their strength to move the semi-conscious Chen Zhen out of the sedan. Qing Feng was pregnant and Fu Ling was also a frail weak female and thus after struggling for a while, they were already tired when they could then managed to get Chen Zhen to the front of the carriage. ¡°Ru Yi!¡± Ru Yi just closed the doors when she heard Qing Feng¡¯s shouts and hastily ran over. Seeing the scene in front of the sedan, Ru Yi froze on the spot. She had guessed that there was something strange in the sedan but did not think that there was another person inside, moreover a pregnant women. And this person was Imperial Concubine Hui who was banished to the Cold Palace! How did Imperial Concubine Hui got pregnant? Was it the Emperor¡¯s child? Why was she now here and what was the relationship between her and Qing Feng that made Qing Feng take such a big and dangerous risk? Her mind was in a mess and after seeing the blood stained skirt, Ru Yi suck down a breath of cold air. ¡°Quickly come and help.¡± Qing Feng cry woke Ru Yi¡¯s panic and she dare not think anything more and quickly stepped forward to hold the crumbling Chen Zhen. Three of them finally manage to move her. Perhaps it was the tossing and turning of the child inside, the seemingly fainted Chen Zhen woke up again and stared to cry out in pain as her hands waved about and her breathing were short and rapid. It was difficult for Chen Zhen to finally have some energy so Qing Feng urgently called, ¡°Where is the midwife?!¡± ¡°I have gotten her and Wu-er to wait by the side door.¡± Fu Ling answered as she ran out of the courtyard. Clutching Chen Zhen¡¯s hands so that she would not hurt herself and settling down herself a little, Qing Feng instructed the already frightened Ru Yi by her side, ¡°Ru Yi, blot all the doors and windows shut and prepare hot water.¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± Ru Yi rushed to shut the windows and the door when the person on the bed suddenly cried out, ¡°Ah!¡± Qing Feng did not know what do to when she heard the cries of pain and difficult twist and could only hastily say, ¡°Chen Zhen, you must hold on! Didn¡¯t you say that you want something from yours and his blood? If you do not hold on then you and your child would be finished!¡± Chen Zhen suddely grabbed her wrists with a large force, ¡°I want this child. Save me¡­ Save me¡­¡± The intermittent sound was like a knife, poking her from time to time. Knowing that she could hear her words, Qing Feng immediately replied, ¡°I know, I know. Imperial physician is reaching and you and your child would be just fine. You must hold on!¡± Her wrist hurt badly but Qing Feng¡¯s heart was not as panicky as it was in the sedan. At least Chen Zhen had the energy to grab her. ¡°Mistress, the midwife is here. Imperial Physician Lin is also here.¡± The doors to the room was opened and Fu Ling rushed in bringing a few people in. The first one who ran to the edge of the bed was Wu-er. ¡°Mistress? How are you, don¡¯t scare Wu-er!¡± Wu-er was so scared that her legs went weak. Whoever who saw Chen Zhen current condition would also be scared. ¡°Both of you stand there looking stunned for what. Quickly do what that is needed to be done! She¡­ Cannot make it already.¡± Chen Zhen¡¯s hands were outrageously cold and even though Qing Feng did not have any medical skills, she could feel that her life was slowly slipping away. Lin Feng hurriedly opened up his mahogany medicine box and took out a century-old ginseng slice before handling it to Qing Feng and said, ¡°Put it below her tongue.¡± Qing Feng held the ginseng slice and look at the Chen Zhen who was going into another trance. What if the ginseng slice accidentally stuck on the stuck in her throat? Staring at Lin Feng, Qing Feng anxiously said, ¡°She is now in so much pain that she is using her mouth to breath, how to bite it down?!¡± Lin Feng pull out a red coloured bottle from his medicine box and placed it into Fu Ling hands, ¡°Spread it below her tongue.¡± Finishing his words, he went back to the medicine box to search for something else. Fu Ling unplug the bottle and smelt it before informing Qing Feng, ¡°It is Ginseng powder.¡± How she cannot be bothered too much about it, Qing Feng held on Chen Zhen¡¯s chin and Fu Ling carefully sprinkled a little powder under her tongue. ¡°Hot water, hot water is here!¡± Ru Yi entered while carring a large basin of hot water and the midwife took it over before instructing, ¡°Some clean soft towels are required.¡± ¡°Oh oh.¡± Ru Yi ran out again. Lin Feng finally found a long cloth and when he opened it, there were needles of varying thickness and length. Reaching Chen Zhen¡¯s side, Lin Feng spoke to the midwife, ¡°I will perform acupuncture to induce labour, you will do the delivery.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± A difficult delivery was actually something that nine would die and only one survive. But now that there was a Imperial Physician presence, the midwife¡¯s heart was settled a little and she immediately start to prepare for the delivery. As he pull out an acupuncture needle, Lin Feng instructed, ¡°Someone must hold her shoulders down and not let her move around.¡± ¡°All right.¡± Qing Feng did not think about anything and pressed her hands on Chen Zhen¡¯s shoulders. Wu-er stepped forward and said, ¡°Your Ladyship, let this servant do it.¡± Her mistress had grabbed Qing Feng¡¯s wrist until there were a few deep bruises and Qing Feng¡¯s forehead were filled with sweat as she sat at the edge of the bed with her protruding belly. Wu-er felt thankful to Qing Feng but she did not understand what she did what she did. Remembering that she was still pregnant, Qing Feng nodded her head and stood up to let Wu-er sit at the top position of the bedside. Lin Feng started the acupuncture and not sure which point did he poke, the already weak Chen Zhen on the bed suddenly shouted that Wu-er could almost not control. The midwife got more anxious as she encourage as she shouted, ¡°Use strength, use more strength! It is almost finished!¡± The fairly spacious chambers became stuffy because the doors and windows were closed. With the mid-wife calling out and Chen Zhen¡¯s cry of pushing, Qing Feng felt that her belly was hurting. Fu Long discovered Qing Feng¡¯s abnormal situation and quickly said, ¡°Mistress, you should go out and wait. There is too many people here.¡± Qing Feng dare not continue to stay and let Fu Ling support her out to the soft cushions outside to sit down. After catching her breath, Qing Feng then asked, ¡°Was the journey here smooth?¡± ¡°Mistress do rest assure, when we came we did not encounter any guards and this servant let the bearers carry the sedan to the road outside the cold place and did not go in at all. The Imperial Concubine Hui only entered the sedan when the bearers were sent away. As there were eight people carrying the sedan, even though there was an additional person in it, there would not be any differences. Even if they find it weird along the way, they would not know what exactly is going on.¡± As she reply Qing Feng, Fu Ling took her pulse and even though it was a little messy, fortunately there was nothing serious. From afar, the drums sounded again, and each time it sounded, there were more energy to it. The celebration would not end that quickly and there was also a dinner banquet later at night. There would be a ton of things that will keep Yan Hong Tian and Xin Yue Ning occupied. With that, this was much more safer than the Cold Palace. As long as the child was delivered safely, everything that comes after would be much easier. ¡°Ahhh¡ª¡± Another cry of pain came out from the chamber that made Qing Feng gripped to hear it, ¡°Quickly go in to help.¡± Fu Ling was a female medical attended and had some medical skills. She should be more helpful than Wu-er and Ru Yi. ¡°But¡­¡± Qing Feng slightly smiled and said somewhat reluctantly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am fine. Just a little¡­ Scared. I wished that both of them would survive. Quickly go ahead.¡± ¡°En.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head gently and entered the chambers. ¡°Use more force, it will be out soon!¡± ¡°Mistress, you must hold on¡­¡± ¡°More force¡­¡± Qing Feng half laid on the soft cushions as she watch the chaos behind the screens. So it seems that giving birth to a child is such a scary thing. Her hands were on her aching belly as she felt her arms and legs getting cold. Qing Feng did not know how long this torment went on and only saw Ru Yi coming out to refill a few rounds of hot water. Finally there was a call of relief, ¡°She has delivered, she has delivered!¡± Delivered? Qing Feng got up on her feet and rushed into the inner chambers and only saw the mid-wife carrying a small baby and the baby still have blood stains all over it and it¡¯s skin was purple in colour and the facial features were all knitted together, looking nothing like Yan Hong Tian or Chen Zhen at all. This child and the fair white baby that Qing Feng had imagine were nothing alike! He did not move at all and did not make a sound. Qing Feng asked in a trembling voice, ¡°He¡­ Why is he not crying?¡± He was¡­ Not dead right? The mid-wife place the baby¡¯s head slightly downward as she carried and smack the butt hardly twice. The baby finally cried and Qing Feng was secretly relieved. Its just that the baby¡¯s cries were not too loud and it did not cry for long. Fu Ling used the warm water to wash the traces of blood from the baby and picked up a piece of white linen to wrap him up. Qing Feng curiously said, ¡°Show it to me.¡± Fu Ling brought the baby to Qing Feng and Qing Feng reach out and carried the baby. Qing Feng was amazed at the incredible soft little thing. It seems that there was no bones and the skin was no longer purple but not white, instead it was pinkish in colour. Qing Feng reached out and poked the baby¡¯s cheek and the little baby even pouted its lips. Qing Feng chuckled and asked, ¡°Is it a boy or a girl?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a prince.¡± This was great! Qing Feng¡¯s heart jump for joy but the next moment, the banging of the doors outside shock her so much that she almost could not carry the child. ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± Other than the almost unconscious Chen Zhen and the innocent baby in her arms, everyone¡¯s face turned white. Chapter 69 ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± Other than the almost unconscious Chen Zhen and the innocent baby in her arms, everyone¡¯s face turned white and their eyes landed on Qing Feng. ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± The person outside the door seemed patient and listening to the proper knocks, Qing Feng guessed that it was most likely Gao Jin outside the door. Taking a deep breath, Qing Feng tighten the arms around the soft baby. If it was Gao Jin then it would not be too difficult to deal with. As long as he doesn¡¯t enter, even if he was very observant, he would definitely unable to see anything. ¡°Qing Feng¡­ Qing Feng¡­ Qing¡­¡± Qing Feng was about to tell Fu Long to answer the door when the just given birth Chen Zhen who was in a semi-conscious state suddenly cried out. Even though her voice was not loud, it was incessantly calling out. Qing Feng quickly walked to the bed and replied, ¡°I am here.¡± ¡°The child¡­ The child¡­¡± Unsure if Chen Zhen was truly awake or not, or her heart was still holding on to her child and call out subconsciously. Qing Feng raised the child that she was carrying to let Chen Zhen see the baby¡¯s face and softly reply, ¡°The baby is all right, it is a boy.¡± The weak eyes squinted and squinted and it could focus on the child¡¯s face. Chen Zhen reached her hands out to touch the baby¡¯s face but her hands reach out a little and it did not have the energy to maintain her position. Qing Feng saw that a little movement like that would be that difficult for her and wanted to place the child by her bedside when she suddenly saw a slight smile in Chen Zhen¡¯s lips. That smile of contentment made Qing Feng inexplicably frighten. Sure enough, in the next moment, Chen Zhen slowly closed her eyes like she was truly exhausted. Qing Feng urgently questioned, ¡°Chen Zhen? Chen Zhen, what is wrong with you?¡± ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± The person outside the door consistently knocked on the door and the person on the bed fainted. Qing Feng¡¯s heard was in disarray but she did not show it out. ¡°Lin Feng, quickly see what is wrong with her?¡± Carrying the child away from the bed to let Lin Feng better diagnose, Qing Feng instructed Fu Ling who was beside her, ¡°Fu Ling, go and see who is it. If it is Gao Jing, say that I am all right and that I am tired and want to rest.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head as she thought of how to deal with it. Qing Feng suddenly said, ¡°No matter who is it, they must be block outside the door and do not let anyone enter.¡± Hearing the impatience in Qing Feng voice, Fu Ling whispered, ¡°Mistress rest assure.¡± The celebration has yet to end so the person outside the door would definitely not be the Emperor, the Empress or the Empress Dowager. As long as it was not these three people, she would be able to block anyone else. Lin Feng gave Chen Zhen an acupuncture needle and after a short while, she work up but when she woke up, she began to call, ¡°Qing¡­ Feng¡­¡± Afraid that she will call out louder, Qing Feng hurriedly got to the bedside and spoke urgently in a lowered voice, ¡°Stop calling, I am here.¡± Chen Zhen slowly turned to look at Qing Feng who was by the bed and saw her carrying the baby tightly, Chen Zhen¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. She tightly bit her lower lips and said, ¡°If¡­ If¡­ I die, I beg of you to help me take care of this child¡­¡± Was this considered entrusting to her? Staring at Chen Zhen, Qing Feng did not think and replied in a cold anxious voice, ¡°Not possible. If you were to die, I would not care for this child.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Chen Zhen did not think that Qing Feng would rebuff her that coldly. Not wanting to say more as her weak body could not bear any longer, she could only breathe deeply as her pair of teary and hopeful eyes continued to plead Qing Feng. Qing Feng turn her face the other side so that she did not see her. Lin Feng had taken out a small bottle out and poured its content, a thick black concoction, into a bowl and handed it over to Wu-er, ¡°Give it to her to drink.¡± Wu-er propped up the week Chen Zhen and used the porcelain spoon to feed the medicine to her mouth but even though Wu-er spend a lot of energy and she still did not swallow any of it down. The black concoction flowed out of her mouth, down her pale neck and onto her already stained clothes. Wu-er looked at Lin Feng at a loss. Her mistress did not even have the energy to swallow, how to feed her? Lin Feng also got anxious, ¡°Must find a way to feed her.¡± This medication was specially prepared before he came here and its purpose was to boost up post-natal deficiency and make up for blood loss. If Chen Zhen did not take it, there was a possibility that she would not live pass today. ¡°Carry this.¡± Qing Feng placed the child into the hands of the mid-wife before using one hand to take the bowl of medicine from Wu-er and use the other hand to hold Chen Zhen¡¯s chin, ¡°Wu-er, prop her head up.¡± Wu-er followed her instruction and Qing Feng held firmly the bowl of medicine. Not caring of her pregnant self, she sat on the cold floor and lean close to Chen Zhen and said bitterly into her ears, ¡°Chen Zhen, let me tell you, I put in so much effort not to adopt an orphan. If you live, he will live. If you die, he can only die!¡± She knew that using the child as a threat to a almost dead person was shameless but she had to do it. To save both of them, she had already brought trouble to herself. If Chen Zhen die, she still need to prove that this child belonged to Yan Hong Tian. And to have a concubine from the Cold Palace lay dead at her bed, no matter how much explanation there was, it would be useless. She really did not know what do to with the child so Chen Zhen must not die. Qing Feng threat was obviously very effective. The originally weak person who could not even open her eyelids suddenly shuddered, ¡°No¡­¡± Not giving Chen Zhen any opportunity to speak, Qing Feng poured a little medication into her mouth. Just as she saw that the medication was about to flow out, Qing Feng urgently said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to see him die, swallow it!¡± Qing Feng lifted her stubborn chin and did not let the medicine flow out. After a long time, Chen Zhen throat moved a little and Wu-er surprisingly whispered, ¡°She swallowed it!¡± She finally swallowed it and Qing Feng¡¯s forehead was also soaked with sweat. As such, she managed to feed her half a bowl. ¡°Mistress.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s voice sounded outside the screen. It was gentle and one was not able to hear any sentiment from it. ¡°Take care of your mistress.¡± Qing Feng handed the remaining half a bowl to Wu-er and walked out quickly. Exiting the chambers, she saw Fu Ling standing quietly there. Qing Feng¡¯s heart was relieved but tiredly asked, ¡°What is it and who was at the door?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Lou Furen.¡± ¡°Ah?!¡± Qing Feng did not think that the person outside was actually her own Elder Sister. After pausing a while, Fu Ling continued speaking, ¡°And¡­ Shui Xin.¡± Her just relaxed heart tighten again as Qing Feng frowned, ¡°How did they got together?¡± ¡°Shui Xin said that the Empress saw that you left sickly and was worried about it. Since Lou Furen rarely enter the Palace, she let Furen come over to accompany you.¡± Could it be that Xin Yue Ning could see anything abnormal? Qing Feng palms was filled with cold sweat. If today it was Yan Hong Tian who came, she had a way of handling it. After-all this child was his flesh and blood and Chen Zhen was someone who served him for so many years. Even if she herself were to be punished, as long as the mother and child were safe, Yan Hong Tian would not do much to her. But if it was the Empress who knew about it, then it would be the biggest crisis. Qing Feng clasped her hands and was silent for a long time. Fu Ling whispered, ¡°They are still outside the door and Shui Xin insisted on accompanying Lou Furen to come in and see you.¡± Come in? Qing Feng look towards the chambers and saw that Chen Zhen was laying on the bed more dead than alive and that small baby was so fragile that it could break with a touch. There was also three basin fully filled with bloody water and all the cloth stained with blood all over. Even the bed was filled with so much bloodstain. But if Shui Xin did not see her then Xin Yue Ning will be suspicious. Fu Ling was very impatient but had no idea and only saw Qing Feng suddenly enter te chambers and said to the mid-wife sternly, ¡°Don¡¯t let him cry!¡± The mid-wife quickly nodded her head, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And Chen Zhen too. Don¡¯t let her talk.¡± Regardless of Lin Feng and Wu-er stunned expressions, Qing Feng tell Ru Yi, ¡°You stay here to look after things.¡± After that she did not look back as she walked out the house. Fu Ling understood and followed Qing Feng out to the courtyard. Qing Feng look down at herself. Her clothes were a bit wrinkled but it was not peculiar so she walked to the tree and lay on her side on the deck chair. Qing Feng gave a look to Fu Ling before closing her eyes. Reaching the doors, Fu Ling took a deep breath, they can only play everything by the ear. Gently opening the door, Lou Furen and Shui Xin was standing there quietly like how they were previously but Lou Furen¡¯s eyes were filled with concern while there was a calm smile on Shui Xin face. Both of them entered the courtyard and was surprised to see Qing Feng actually laying on the deck chair under the tree. She only open her eyes lazily when she heart movements and smiled, ¡°Elder sister is here.¡± Walking to Qing Feng¡¯s side, Zhuo Qing squatted down and asked, ¡°How are you?¡± Just now a self proclaim female official of the Empress suddenly told her that Qing Feng came down with an illness and wishes to see her which scared her. But it would seem from now that it was not as it was said and that female official still stood naturally behind her with ease as if she did not lie previously. What exactly is going on? Zhuo Qing did not portray any look but she took the initiative to hold Qing Feng¡¯s hands. Ice cold fingers and damp palms did not reflect Qing Feng¡¯s portrayal of calm and leisure. Qing Feng just say there without moving and politely replied, ¡°What matter can there be, it was too noisy outside and I wanted some quietness so I came back to hid.¡± It sound like she was acting spoilt to her Elder Sister and Qing Feng¡¯s expression did indicated that she did not feel well but it does not seem to be anything serious. As Shui Xin was listening to both of them, she kept looking around the courtyard discreetly. Except for the sedan outside the doors, there was not much different as usual. If one were to say that anything was wrong, it would be that the Qing Feng Hall was too quiet and desolate. Feeling that Shui Xin line of sight landed on the sedan, Qing Feng slightly got up and called, ¡°Shui Xin.¡± Shui Xin took a step forward and slightly bowed as she said softly, ¡°Greeting her Ladyship, Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± This Shui Xin had to be dealt with carefully as she examined her place with such unbridled and when discovered, she could still remain clam and natural. Qing Feng settled down her mind and gently said, ¡°Bengong still want to talk to my Elder Sister, so you can go back and help Bengong to thank the Empress for her concern.¡± Such an unbridled examination of her place Shui Xin did not answer Qing Feng and deliberately looked around. She asked in concern, ¡°Your Ladyship do not look that good. Why is the physician not there to diagnose and treat.¡± ¡°Imperial Physician had just look through and it was nothing serious.¡± Just as Qing Feng finished speaking, there was suddenly a sound sounded from the house. It was very light, like something was knocked over. Such a small sound was actually insignificant but Zhuo Qing felt that the hands that was holding hers suddenly shook. Shui Xin¡¯s bright eyes looked directly at the closed window as if they could see into the house. Chapter 70 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 70 Chapter 70: Dilemma ¡°Imperial Physician had just look through and it was nothing serious.¡± Just as Qing Feng finished speaking, there was suddenly a sound sounded from the house. It was very light, like something was knocked over. Such a small sound was actually insignificant but Zhuo Qing felt that the hands that was holding hers suddenly shook. Shui Xin¡¯s bright eyes looked directly at the closed window as if they could see into the house. ¡°Ru Yi, stop looking and just bring any shawl out. It is not necessarily be that mink one.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s voice had a little helplessness and laziness in it as she got up slowly and took her hands back from Zhuo Qing, and pretended to smoothern her ruffled skirt and covered the panic in her eyes. ¡°Cannot. Only the mink shawl is warm enough.¡± A gentle female voice sounded from inside the house before another few soft sounds, as if one was rummaging for something. She was indeed a quick-witted girl. Qing Feng was secretly relieved and her expression was much more natural as she smiled, ¡°This girl is really.¡± Shui Xin also smiled as she turned her head around. There was a gentle smile on her expression and there was no longer that sharp look but the words she said made Qing Feng¡¯s heart cold, ¡°That sedan was place outside the house which made entering and exiting the house difficult. This servant will get some people to carry it away.¡± There are blood stains in the sedan and she must not carry it away! Qing Feng chuckled but not too deliberately, before she casually replied, ¡°Not needed. There is still a banquet at night. Bengong may attend it if my health improves and at that time, it will come in handy. All right, you can retire.¡± Shui Xin¡¯s gaze landed on the sedan but she did not say anything and only gave a light bow before exiting Qing Feng Hall. Even though Fu Ling had shut the main doors of Qing Feng Hall, Qing Feng actually felt more insecure and Shui Xin also gave a smile like she knows something. Seeing her like that, her heart was inexplicitly frightened. All along she had the feeling that compared to Xin Yue Ning, she was much harder to deal with. Qing Feng was immersed in her thoughts until she felt her silent Eldest Sister suddenly pull her up and carefully checking her body, making Qing Feng asked questioningly, ¡°Eldest Sister?¡± Zhuo Qing did not bother about her and after inspecting once over, she found that she did not have any injuries on her and there was also no problem with her body temperature. After verifying all those, Zhuo Qing¡¯s expression got worse and she asked softly, ¡°What exactly are you doing?¡± Qing Feng unconsciously took a step back and softly whispered back, ¡°I did not do anything. I am just tired.¡± ¡°Your entire courtyard is filled with the scent of blood and you tell me that there is nothing?¡± As a forensic doctor, she was particularly sensitive to the scent of blood. Ever since she stepped into the courtyard, she already found it discerning. There was the scent of blood in the courtyard?! Qing Feng¡¯s face paled as she looked at the tightly shut room and the sedan that was at a distance from them. After her heart settled and she breathed in gently. Other than the faint scent of begonia in the courtyard, one would not smell any other thing. Lightly cough, Qing Feng pretended to be angry, ¡°Eldest Sister, what nonsense are you talking about! Where would there be a scent of blood.¡± Zhuo Qing did not say a word and just stared coolly at her. Qing Feng felt guilty but she dare not break the eye contact but facing Zhuo Qing clear and sharp eyes, she was secretly afraid. Since when did Eldest Sister became this intimidating and frightening. Knowing that she cannot continue this stare down as she would inevitably expose herself, she gradually turn her hand softly said, ¡°I am really all right. You¡­ Should go back first. Fu Ling, send Eldest Sister back.¡± Finishing, Qing Feng walked pass Zhuo QIng and headed into the house. Until she had firmly closed the door up, Qing Feng could then dared to breath. ¡°Lou Furen, this way please¡­¡± Fu Ling¡¯s words hardly landed and Zhuo Qing had already strode to the door. Before Fu Ling had a chance to stop, Zhuo Qing had already opened up the curtains of the sedan and saw the dark red bloodstains. Fu Ling was worried that when Zhuo Qing saw the scene she would had scream but she instead calmly stepped into the sedan and was careful in not touching anything and stopped in front of the stains and just with a glance, it seemed that she had understood what had happened and exited the sedan. Zhuo Qing stood at the tightly shut doors and analysing her thoughts. The blood had congealed but was not dried so it should be left there about two hours ago. There was only a small pool of blood in that sedan. If it was entirely from one person, the amount was not fatal. There was also traces of a struggle in the sedan so the injured person should be directly dragged into the house. ¡°Qing Feng, open the door.¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s voice was suppressed to the lowest. She guessed that Qing Feng was still at the other side of the door and that she definitely had heard her. The person inside was apparently bent on ignoring her. Zhuo Qing frowned, ¡°There is other people in the house right? Who are they?¡± ¡°Elder Sister, can you not be involved in the matters today?¡± After a long time, the person inside finally spoke but the voice was filled with tiredness and pleading. ¡°Open the door first!¡± There was indeed something going on. Zhuo Qing¡¯s hands landed on the catch of the door when Fu Ling grabbed her wrist. ¡°Lou Furen, Mistress would not open the door. It would be better for you to leave.¡± From Mistress concern and protection, she would never drag her own Elder Sister to this mess but Lou Furen is not someone who was persuaded easily. Fu Ling thought for a bit and lowered her voice to speak by Zhuo Qing¡¯s ears, ¡°If others were attracted to here, it would bring Mistress death consequences.¡± Death consequences? Zhuo Qing¡¯s hand which wanted to break the hold from Fu Ling stiffen. What exactly kind of thing that would have death consequences? Who is the hurt person in the house? At this moment she hated that she was not Gu Yun and could not analyse the clues to find out the truth. She knew Qing Feng stubborn character and she had experience it before. So it was not useful to be in a stalemate like this. Shui Xin just left, was it that she had seen something? After ensuring that Zhuo Qing understood the severity of the matter, Fu Ling release her hold on her hands, ¡°Lou Furen, please.¡± This time Zhuo Qing did not persist and just stared at the closed doors before following Fu Ling out to the courtyard. Fu Ling walked two steps and saw that Zhuo Qing did not follow her and stopped instead. She heard Zhuo Qing spoke in a soft clear voice, ¡°Fu Ling. I will only ask one question. The entire thing that you are doing today, is it¡­. An act that offend Heavens and reason?¡± Zhuo Qing initially wanted to ask ¡°is it an act that will harm and take a human life¡± but at the last moment she changed her words. In her heart, she did not believe that Zhuo Qing was a person like that. Fu Ling looked astonishingly at Zhuo Qing with a frown but it quickly disappeared before she replied, ¡°No, you should trust Mistress.¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s hanging heart since she saw the pool of blood, finally settled down a little. It was good that there was not such a thing. Maybe it was related to her previous job, she respect every single life but she knew how difficult to survive in the Inner Palace and yet she did not wish that Qing Feng¡¯s hands would be stained by blood. Two persons walked all the way and neither spoke any words. When they almost arrive Gan Yang Hall, Zhuo Qing slowed her pace, ¡°Gan Yang hall is just in front. You can return.¡± Thinking about the state of chaos in rooms of Qing Feng Hall, Fu Ling nodded her hand and gave a bow. Just as she was about to leave, Zhuo Qing suddenly stopped her, ¡°Wait. If she have any difficulties, send a message to me in the Prime Minister Residence.¡± Fu Ling looked up quietly and took a glance at Zhuo Qing. Her firmly pursed lips finally loosed as she replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling went back but Zhuo Qing stood there for a long time and did not went back to the celebration grounds. Should she tell Lou Xi Yan of these matters today and would it be useful for him to know the matters of the Inner Palace? Unfortunately Gu Yun just woke up from her injuries and she was unable to discuss it with her. It would seem that she had to wait and observe. Zhuo Qing laughed to herself, she now learned how to wait and observe¡­ After Zhuo Qing left, Qing Feng leaned against the door for quite a while before she recover. This was her first time feeling the pressure from her Eldest Sister. This was something that never happened before but at this moment Qing Feng did not have the energy to pursue this matter. After calming herself down, she immediately entered the inner chamber and told the mid-wife who was standing by the screen and coaxing the child, ¡°Without Bengong¡¯s instruction, not one word can be revealed to anyone about today¡¯s events.¡± The mid-wife naturally dare not speak more and replied repeatedly, ¡°Rest assure your Ladyship.¡± ¡°Pass me the baby and you can leave first.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The mid-wife carefully hand over the baby to Qing Feng and followed Ru Yi out the house. When she went back into the room with the baby, Lin Feng was keeping his medical equipment and the sweat on his head showed how much energy was used during the treatment just now. Qing Feng asked softly, ¡°How¡­ Is she? Lin Feng gave a sigh of relief as he spoke, ¡°Very weak but the critical period has passed. This official will go back to make another round of medication and send it over in a while.¡± ¡°En.¡± Lin Feng carried the medical chest and left, and soon the entire house quieten down. Qing Feng¡¯s heart also became quieter as she thought of how to handle the present matter on hand. The celebration was about to end and there was only about one over shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) till the dinner banquet. If Shui Xin told the Empress anything and that made the Empress come over then the matter would not be avoided easily. Should she first confess to Yan Hong Tian about the truth, but what should she do or say so that he will be able to accept the matter and not be enraged? Seeing the sweetly sleeping baby, and looking at that person who circled the doors of death, Qing Feng was thinking of the next steps she should take. After Qing Feng thought it over but yet to sort out a sure-fire plan, Chen Zhen woke up. Maybe it was because after she had taken some medication and had some rest, even though her face was as pale as death, her spirit was much better than the last two times. ¡°Wu-er, support me up.¡± Even though Wu-er was unwilling, under the gaze of her mistress, she could only support her up so that she can lean against the head of the bed. ¡°Qing Feng, sent me and the baby back to the Cold Palace.¡± A clear and cool voice faintly sounded. Qing Feng¡¯s brows knitted, ¡°You still want to go back?¡± Could it be that she want to raise the child by herself in the Cold Palace? ¡°En.¡± (Means yes) Qing Feng don¡¯t understand, ¡°Now the baby is safely born and moreover its a prince. You only need to wait till the end of the celebration and find a chance to tell Yan Hong Tian about the details. He should believe you and once he is willing to protect you, you will be secure.¡± Chen Zhen smiled bitterly as she shook her head, ¡°Do you remember what I said, you don¡¯t understand him and don¡¯t understand the Inner Palace?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s face darken and she did not reply her words. Chen Zhen also did not mind and continued talking, ¡°Perhaps now you understand him a little but you still do not understand the Inner Palace. As long as that crime is not investigated thoroughly, I would still be a criminal so it is impossible for me to bring the child out and would be brought up by the concubines. At this moment, there is only one Imperial Concubine, which is you, in the Inner Palace but you are also pregnant so the child would not be adopted by you and would eventually end up in the ends of the Empress. You are also a mother, you should know the pain of being separated from your child, much less sending your child to the Empress, which is akin to sending a lamb to the tiger¡¯s mouth.¡± Qing Feng had thought about those things just now and replied, ¡°It is not necessarily be the Empress. It can be brought up by the Empress Dowager.¡± Chen Zhen laughed, ¡°You should have heard about Imperial Concubine Shu.¡± ¡°En.¡± The Qing Feng Hall now was originally Imperial Concubine Shu¡¯s place so she naturally heard of this Imperial Concubine Shu. ¡°She wass the daughter of a Ministry of Defence high official, who followed her elder brothers to practice martial arts. Her health and bother was definitely much better than both you and I but she died during childbirth¡­¡± Chen Zhen did not continue speaking but Qing Feng was smart and naturally guessed that there would be some consprirsy behind the difficult birth. Qing Feng did not answer and continue to wait for her to carry on her words. Seeing the irony and similar fear in Chen Zhen¡¯s eyes, she took every long time before she continued, ¡°That child was given to the Empress Dowager to rear. After two months¡­ The child died. Died of heat stroke.¡± Yan Hong Tian till now only have one son, so Qing Feng already guessed that that child must have died. But to only be gone after two months, she was unable to tell what it feels like and her heart felt some muffled pain. ¡°Children are too fragile.¡± Chen Zhen¡¯s lips evoke a hint of sneer, ¡°Let alone in the entire Inner Palace, even it is not heat stroke, it would be some other accident. There are just too many accidents in the Palace.¡± Both of them were silent. Perhaps the baby was hungry as it started to lightly twist around. Qing Feng passed the baby into Chen Zhen¡¯s hands as she advised, ¡°Hiding in the Cold Palace is not the answer. Even if you are not found out in these couple of years, the child will slowly grow up. What will you do then?¡± Proving that the child belongs¡¯s to Yan Hong Tian after so many years would not be that easy. And also what if then the Empress had any killing intentions? She would definitely be anxious for his death. Lovingly carrying the child, Chen Zhen¡¯s heart soften and her mouth unconsciously raised and formed a gentle smile. She did not bare to keep her eyes off the little precious in her arms but she looked at Qing Feng and replied, ¡°I believe that the Inner Palace will not remain like this forever.¡± Even though she could not fully read the mind of the Emperor, but she knows that the Emperor would definitely not let the Empress do whatever she wants in the Inner Palace. There would definitely be changes in the Inner Palace and the appearance of Qing Feng may have fasten the effect. Chen Zhen¡¯s gaze was mixed with a little weirdness that before Qing Feng could understand, Chen Zhen had once again lowered her head and watched lovingly at the child in her embrace. Seeing this adult and child, Qing Feng felt weak and sighed, ¡°It is not possible for the Inner Palace to change overnight. Once you and your child is discovered and without Yan Hong Tian¡¯s protection with the Empress¡¯s means, you would be sliently¡­¡± Tightening her arms around the baby, Chen Zhen suddenly interrupted Qing Feng¡¯s words, ¡°That is something I am resigned to.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Qing Feng wanted to say something else but when she open her mouth, she was rendered speechless. ¡°I have been in the Palace for eight years and favoured for five. It is naturally not entirely based on luck to be able to fight with the Empress for so long. If I was not not pregnant, my mind would be attentive and she would not be able to catch me off guard and push me out easily.¡± As she was speaking, Chen Zhen suddenly raise her hand and grabbed Qing Feng¡¯s wrist as she spoke with persistent and som patience, ¡°Qing Feng, I know I have owed you a lot today. As long as you do not hand me and my child over and protect us thoroughly, the influence and power I have in the Palace will all be yours.¡± All be mine? Qing Feng¡¯s brows knitted tightly. She naturally know that it was very difficult to hold on to power in the Inner Palace. By taking over the influences and power from Chen Zhen, it would make it much easier to deal with the Empress. But neither will she be blindly optimistic. Chen Zhen herself should be aware that the so call influences and allegiance was in fact dependent on her noble position. Now she was in the Cold Palace and there was almost no opportunity to turn the situation around. As for those who took orders from her would then find another for backing. At this moment if Chen Zhen did not bring them out, she would not be able to control them any more. As long as she takes over, it would meant that she owed her a big favour. If she did not take over¡­ She was also going to give birth soon. With her current power, would she be able to protect herself and her child?! Qing Feng weighed her heart a lot before she clenched her teeth and replied, ¡°I promise you.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s promise made Chen Zhen¡¯s heart relaxed and her body immediately soften. Wu-er quickly supported the mother and child as her heart was secretly jumping for joy. Over all these years, mistress had always defended and not attack and Qing Feng temperament was totally different. If in the future she gave birth to a son, there would be something to fight with the Empress and as such, her mistress would be relatively safe. Chapter 71 The rays had lost its colour and the night drew closer. The room was not lit and the windows were closed. The few persons each were lost in their thought and neither said any more words, making the room feel bleak and filled with a significant heaviness. ¡°Mistress, Imperial Physician Lin send over this medication.¡± The door was gently pushed open and Fu Ling¡¯s soft voice broke the silence in the room. Qing Feng recovered herself and reached out to take the medication. The concoction was somewhat cool and seeing Fu Ling¡¯s serious expression, Qing Feng guessed that she had heard by the door what she and Chen Zhen talked about. This was also good, she would save energy on explanation. Fu Ling was someone by her side, there was still a lot of things that need her to deal. Seeing that the day was nearing to Xushi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 pm), Qing Feng thought for a moment before softly saying, ¡°Fu Ling, go dispose of the bloodstained things in the sedan then go get the sedan-bearers and let them wait outside the courtyard.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head and lit the candles in the outer chambers and the dim candlelight entered the area. Fu Ling looked at calm Chen Zhen leaning against Wu-er and the baby she was carrying, Fu Ling¡¯s brows knitted up again. She must have planned to pass her powers and problems to Mistress. Protecting both mother and child thoroughly? It was easier said than done¡­ Fu Ling did not move for a long time and Qing Feng guessed that she had some concerns so she sighed softly, ¡°Go then.¡± Fu Ling held her expression back and turn to exit. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes swept across the utter mess in the room and called out, ¡°Ru Yi.¡± Ru Yi quickly walked into the room and Qing Feng whispered by her ears, ¡°Throw the bloody water into the begonia flowers. As for the bedsheets, linen and sorts that were stained with blood, everything must be burnt and the ashes buried in the soil. Not a trace must be left and it must be done immediately.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi¡¯s deft hands and legs started to clean up while Qing Feng passed the medication to Wu-er, ¡°Feed her the medication.¡± This time, without anyone support, Chen Zhen held the baby with one hand and took the bowl of medication with the other and drank it finished in a few mouths. Seeing the plain sheets stained with blood, Chen Zhen¡¯s blood-soaked clothes can no longer be worn. Qing Feng brought out a set of new palace uniform and handed it over to Wu-er before carrying the child from Chen Zhen¡¯s embrace, ¡°Wu-er, help her to change out of her clothes.¡± When Chen Zhen finished changing, Ru Yi also had tidied up the bed but the baby in Qing Feng¡¯s arm started to cry without any reason. Perhaps its because he is still so small and weak, his cries were very soft, like a little kitten. The child in her embrace kept on struggling and keep heading towards her chest, making Qing Feng helpless, ¡°Why is he crying?¡± Chen Zhen smile softly and replied, ¡°Perhaps he is hungry.¡± Finishing, she took the baby and sat on the bed before opening her robes. Qing Feng stood awkwardly at the head of the bed and cough lightly, ¡°You have to hurry up. The evening banquet time is almost here.¡± Qing Feng walked out of the room and Wu-er passed the clothes that Chen Zhen just changed out from to Ru-yi. She wanted to walk in but Qing Feng stopped her, ¡°In a moment, I will send them back. You will now go over and wait by the road in front of the Cold Palace.¡± Even though she wanted to accompany by her mistress¡¯s side, now she could only listen to Qing Feng¡¯s arrangements. Wu-er softly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± And quietly exited. Qing Feng waited outside for a while and when the child¡¯s cat cries stopped, she then walk pass the screen to see. Chen Zhen was looking down at the small head in front of her chest and her face was still as pale as a sheet but that smile on her face showed her happiness. It indeed was a beautiful scene. Qing Feng¡¯s heart felt a weird sense of irritation and she quickly walked out of the stuffy room. The courtyard and begonia fragrance in the night breeze help to appease her restless heart. Qing Feng stood in the courtyard for a while and when Fu Ling came back after completing the tasks, she stood behind her and hesitated many times before finally asked, ¡°You really do not intend to tell the Emperor?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s back stiffen and her voice was deep and carried a bit of hesitation, ¡°Hide it first¡­ Even though both mother and child is safe, I had already hoodwink the Emperor and secretly took them out from the Cold Palace to give birth at Qing Feng Hall. This had already broken the rules of the Palace. At that time, the Empress will take the opportunity and I would not be able to escape from any blame. Furthermore¡­ I also need to borrow Chen Zhen¡¯s influence and power. The battle in the Inner Palace if fare more complicated that I originally thought and¡­ Much more dangerous.¡± Even though Qing Feng said it as such, there was another voice in her heart. Actually she did not want to tell Yan Hong Tian now because she was still unsure of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mind. She did not know what was she thinking about. Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister finally had a place to call home and she herself have this concern thing in her womb. She did not have the time and energy to fight with Yan Hong Tian. It was difficult for the relationship between both of them to ease up and she did not want to destroy this rare peace. It was better not to risk it. But, was it so easy to hid it from the Emperor¡¯s eyes? Fu Ling opened her mouth but finally she only answered, ¡°En.¡± Standing in the courtyard for a while and seeing that the time was near, both of them walked into the house. Chen Zhen carried the child and sat on the bed and the child fell asleep after he was full. Qing Feng found out that this child was very quiet, except for the two crying sound that he made when he was hungry, the rest of the time he was sleeping. This was also good as it would not be discovered easily. Fu Ling worried that Chen Zhen would be discovered when she was heading back to the Cold Palace when she was carrying the child so she carefully found a bamboo basket and lined it with a thick cotton pad and covered it with a bamboo lid, like it was a food container and would not look conspicuous. Chen Zhen saw Fu Ling carefully placing the baby into the basket and her heart ache but she admitted that Fu Ling was this thoughtful about it. Sighing lightly, she hid back into the spacious sedan with Qing Feng help and this time there was an additional support which made her heart warm. After settling the mother and son, Qing Feng also went into the sedan. Fu Ling placed the curtain down and after ensuring that everything was appropriate, she then open the main doors to let the sedan-bearers carry the sedan out. The sedan headed towards Qian Yang Hall but when they were around a corner, suddenly there was a voice that sounded inside the sedan, ¡°Stop the sedan!¡± The sedan-bearers stopped their feet and Fu Ling approached the sedan to ask softly, ¡°Mistress, what is the matter?¡± ¡°The shaking of the sedan made Bengong feel uncomfortable.¡± The voice from the sedan was very weak but it made the sedan-bearer¡¯s forehead sweat. This was a eight manned sedan and they did not walk quickly so it shouldn¡¯t be like that. A few of them looked at Fu Ling like they were pleading. Fu Ling thought for a while and said, ¡°This servant will open up the curtains so that you will be able to catch your breath before the journey is continued. Is that all right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± The person in the sedan was not furious so the sedan bearers were secretly relieved and gently place the sedan down. ¡°You all can retreat.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The sedan bearers did not think much and quickly retreated to a few zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) away from the rear of the sedan, turn their back to the sedan and stood at the side of the path and wait. Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s appearance was not for them to see. Confirming that they had retreated far enough and the darkness of the night would not be able to allow them to see the situation here, Fu Ling then open the curtains up. Qing Feng got out of the sedan first and looked around to ensure that there was no one else before nodding her head to Fu Ling. Fu Ling then went into the sedan to support Chen Zhen out. ¡°Mistress.¡± Seeing Chen Zhen¡¯s figure, Wu-er who was hiding in the bushes for a long time quickly came up. ¡°I can only send you to here.¡± Not knowing when the guards will patrol, Qing Feng did not say anything more and handed the small basket that the baby was placed in to Wu-er hands before urgently saying, ¡°Quickly leave.¡± Chen Zhen had taken two steps when she suddenly stop, ¡°You have to be careful.¡± Qing Feng was surprise for a moment and she smiled, ¡°I will.¡± Her sight landed on Qing Feng¡¯s abdomen and Chen Zhen lowered her eyes to think for a while. Just as Qing Feng was about to ask her if there was anything the matter, Chen Zhen said, ¡°Be careful of Shui Xin!¡± Finishing, without lingering she hurried away with Wu-er support. Be careful of Shui Xin? Qing Feng and Fu Ling were momentarily surprised. Not be careful of the Empress or be careful of the Empress Dowager but it was be careful of¡­ Shui Xin? Not sure why, suddenly there was a flash of Shui Xin smiling face in her mind and Qing Feng could not help but shiver. She initially intended to send Chen Zhen back and head to the evening banquet as if nothing had happened but now she no longer had any intention to go to the banquet. ¡°Return back.¡± With two words, Qing Feng was already back sitting in the sedan. ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling shouted to the sedan bearers at a distance, ¡°Her Ladyship do not feel well. Return back to the palace.¡± The bearers were bewildered but they did not dare so say anything and carried the sedan back. This time Fu Ling let them stop outside the house and she supported Qing Feng out the sedan before telling them to carry the sedan away. The servants of Qing Feng Hall that were chased out for more than half a day had now all returned but after what had happened in the afternoon, everyone tacitly stayed in their rooms and dared not walk around. There was only one palace maid that was standing far away at the bottom of the steps waiting for orders. Qing Feng entered the house and saw that the candles were bright and the house was spick and span without any traces of the mess and blood that were seen in the afternoon. There was an intermittent wind blowing through the half opened window, bringing in the light elegant fragrance of the begonia. Qing Feng walked over and sat on the couch before picking up a teacup to sip. The tea was fragile and the temperature was suitable. Qing Feng was satisfied and look at Ru Yi who was standing quietly by the door. The corners of Qing Feng¡¯s lips raised up to form a smile but she did not rush to praise her. ¡°Fu Ling, it is almost winter. Prepare some daily necessities and send it over to the Cold Palace.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Thinking of the situation she saw in Cold Palace, Fu Ling was thinking of what things to prepare. Qing Feng suddenly said, ¡°And also, from now onwards, to outsiders, announce that my foetus energy is interrupted and is currently bedridden.¡± Before she could clearly understand more about Shui Xin, not changing was better than changing ten thousands times. She will not leave the house so others will not have the opportunity to peep. Fu Ling nodded her hand and Qing Feng held a teacup but did not drink or speak. Fu Ling saw Ru Yi standing beside her and she understood, thus quickly exiting the room. When Fu Ling left, Ru Yi¡¯s heart jumped to her throat. Even though she kept her head down, she could feel the pair of eyes looking deeply at her. ¡°Ru Yi.¡± The call was light and warm which made it sound nice but Ru Yi¡¯s heart tightened. ¡°Your Ladyship¡­¡± Opening her mouth, Ru Yi only then know that her voice was quivering so much and she swallowed her saliva and dare not speak at all. ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± The soft and gentle voice had a little laughter which made Ru Yi scared witless. She was truly afraid. Over these days, she constantly remind herself to be careful and extra careful but she was still young. Previously she mixed around with Mama, Gonggong, Gui Rens and Beauties. If her mouth was sweet, there would be rewards and if one was stupid, the worst was that she would be beaten or scolded. She had never before served a mistress that could have her life with one small wave of her finger. She had overcame the calamity of Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s delivery but today if she did not become Qing Feng¡¯s confidant, she could¡­ Only die! Seeing Ru Yi behaving like a little mouse in a corner, Qing Feng¡¯s brow slightly tighten, she should feel scared but she did not want her to be so fearful. Lightly coughing, Qing Feng softly said, ¡°You did well today.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s praise made her tighten heart relax a little but her next sentence hanged her heart up in the air. ¡°Do you know why it is you?¡± Ru Yi thought for a while but she dare not answer and just shook her head lightly. ¡°Actually your brother¡¯s illness is not serious, if he is taken care, he would have a long life.¡± Saying that, Qing Feng looked in satisfaction at Ru Yi, who was all along lowering her head in fright, suddenly looking up with full of fear and doubt in her bright eyes as she stared at her. She knew that she had chosen the correct bargaining chip. Previously Yan Hong Tian also used Eldest Sister¡¯s life to blackmail her so she know the feeling of someone grabbing one¡¯s weakness. She does not allow any single trouble by her side and she did not have so much trust to give it to another. Thus this was the only way to go. And she trusted her own foresight. Sure enough, Ru Yi understood somthing in the next moment and got down to her knees and firmly said, ¡°Ru Yi will definitely be loyal to your Ladyship and to her best!¡± The effect that she wanted was attained thus Qing Feng smiled gently, ¡°All right, get up to speak.¡± Ru Yi got up slowly. ¡°Come here.¡± Qing Feng said one sentence and Ru Yi then moved and slowly came to Qing Feng¡¯s side. Seeing her being that careful, Qing Feng shook her hand and said softly, ¡°There isn¡¯t anyone by Bengong¡¯s side. As long you are loyal and dedicated, naturally you will not be ill-treated.¡± ¡°Thanking your Ladyship.¡± She finally got her wish to be Qing Feng¡¯s confidant. She initially thought that with that position there would be many opportunities for money but she did not understand why as the same time her heart was also mixed with a deep sense of fear. Li Yan Palace After the palace banquet, there was a performance of the arts and after that there was also fireworks. It was only the first day of the celebration and she was death tired. Xin Yue Ning sat in front of the bronze mirror and lightly rubbed her sore neck as she let Shui Xin help her remove the heavy and gorgeous hair ornaments. Thinking of how Shui Xin had disappeared for a few hours during the day, she asked with some dissatisfaction, ¡°Where did you go today?¡± Carefully unwinding the hair with her hands, Shui Xin did not want to hide it from her and told Xin Yue Ning everything she saw today. ¡°What?¡± After finish listening to Shui Xin, the exhausted eyes that were previously closed opened immediately and said, ¡°There was indeed such thing? Why would there be blood for no apparent reason?¡± ¡°This servant had viewed the sedan that Imperial Concubine Qing used and was unable to find any traces of blood inside. But this servant and check the remains of the medication that Imperial Physician Lin brewed it for Imperial Concubine Qing. It is a medication for postnatal replenishing of blood.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s brows slightly knitted as she murmured, ¡°Her child is not born yet, why drink a medication for postnatal replenishing of blood?¡± Wait, postnatal?! And also¡­ Bloodstain?! Xin Yue Ning¡¯s expression changed. Not sure if was because of her shocking thoughts or excitement due to the developments, her voice changed, ¡°Could it be¡­ Could it be that she has miscarried her child?!¡± No wonder Qing Feng did not let Imperial Physician Wang to treat and insisted on Lin Feng. And she also chased everyone away from Qing Feng Hall. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that she was not wrong. Xin Yue Ning lightly pat her hands on the table and sneered with some anger, ¡°It must be like this! Such a good Qing Feng. She still think she can continue to pretend to be pregnant and later replace a fake one? It¡¯s simply her wishful thinking!¡± Xin Yue Ning had a happy expression on her face while Shui Xin had a normal calm face and she continued in a plain and faint voice, ¡°But at Xushi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 pm), Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s sedan left for the banquet but when halfway, she suddenly said that she did not feel well and went back to Qing Feng Hall.¡± She guessed that Qing Feng must had some secret plans, whether it was a miscarriage or not it was still unclear. She was unable to see through if Qing Feng did today was to preparing for something or was purposely trying to attract attention. ¡°She definitely did that in order to deceive everyone and in the end she dare not attend the evening banquet.¡± Xin Yue Ning suddenly stood up and push Shui Xin away from helping her to undress and eagerly said, ¡°No, Bengong will go inform the Empress Dowager now. Lets see how long can she still pretend!¡± Shui Xin held Xin Yue Ning¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Mistress, keep calm and don¡¯t get excited. There is no conclusive evidence in the matter and it is still the celebration thus it would not be wise to disturb the Emperor and Empress Dowager. If she is still with child, she would take the opportunity to cause trouble. If it makes the Emperor angry, then it would not be good.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Thinking of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s pair of piercing eyes, Xin Yue Ning¡¯s heart slightly became timid but she was unwilling to let Qing Feng go. She softly said, ¡°Then think of something to verify it!¡± Verification? The corner of Shui Xin¡¯s lips tighten and a flash crosses her eyes before she softly reply, ¡°Yes.¡± She should indeed test her out¡­ Chapter 72 The first night of winter came especially early. The moon has yet to be in the sky but the sun had already set. The sky was grey and the initially magnificent zigzag bridge cast a dark shadow. There was a dark shadow sitting on the railing of the bridge holding a bun, casually breaking into small pieces and throwing it down the pond a little at a time. There were many Kois gathering around the person¡¯s foot, creating ripples as they fight got the small pieces of bun. Under the darkening sky, the jumping red figures in the pond was especially interesting to look at but it was a pity that that person¡¯s mind was not on appreciating the fishes. The cool eyes was staring far off at the distant calm waters, turning a blind eye to the beauty. ¡°Ming Ze.¡± There was a slightly pleased male voice sounded from behind. Ming Ze held his bun in one hand as a touch off helplessness and frustration crosses his eyes. He threw the steam bun in his hands into the pond nearby. The Kois in the pond gathered in the small area to snatch for the food causing the water to spray out and splashed onto the person¡¯s clothes. ¡°Not on duty today?¡± Ming Jian only casually asked and Ming Ze coldly replied, ¡°Just about to go.¡± Finishing, Ming Ze turn around and wanted to walk past the person. Ming Jian had early expected that he will do so, thus he lift his hands to stop the person from leaving. Ming Jian¡¯s heart had some grievances and unwillingness to resign. To this younger brother, he was truly sincere but he had never gotten a better expression from him. Even after so many years of understanding, Ming Jian knows that when talking to Ming Ze, he needs to speak to point and not any nonsense, thus he bluntly said, ¡°This time during the celebration the Imperial city was heavily guarded and was in an orderly manner. The Emperor was very satisfied and will reward accordingly with one¡¯s contribution. I intend to transfer you to Qian Yang Palace to protect the Emperor closely. Even though there will not be any change in rank, but your future would be better than your current position. If you are not willing to be bound, then you can be the lead of the squad guarding the Palace gates. There is already someone selected for the East Gate but for the rest of the gates, you can choose from it¡­¡± ¡°Not needed.¡± The ice cold voice interrupted Ming Jian¡¯s words and before Ming Ze could lift his feet to walk away, an obviously hasty and anxious female voice cried out, ¡°Jian-er, don¡¯t listen to his nonsenses.¡± Accompanying the low cry was a female around her forties with a well maintain face had deep dimples on which made her seemed like she was always smiling. She was wearing an unsuitable peach blossom colour dress for her age. She came running from the other side of the zig-zag bridge with light steps. When she was in front of the both of them, she faced Ming Jian with a big smile on her face. Ming Jian took a step back and called out lowly, ¡°Aunt Shi.¡± The female have a fawning smile on her face, ¡°Jian-er, don¡¯t care about him. You are the eldest brother, naturally he should listen to your arrangement. Ze-er¡¯s future will be depended on you¡­¡± The female was eagerly speaking and that curry favouring attitude made Ming Ze¡¯s non changing face add many layers of frost over. The female seem not to care about Ming Ze¡¯s frosty attitude and continue to gush, ¡°Ze-er had been working in the Palace for so many years and is long overdue for a promotion. If there is such a good thing like this, you must definitely guide and help him!¡± Ming Jian¡¯s brows slightly knitted. It seems that the conversation today cannot be continued. If Aunt Shi did not come over, there was still some possibility of him convincing Ming Ze. Now, it would seem that it was impossible. Seeing the veins on Ming Ze¡¯s clenched fists almost bursting, Ming Jian quickly said, ¡°Think about the things that was discussed with you. This is a good opportunity. You must think of your future career.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t need you to be so nosey.¡± Each word seems to be coming out of his teeth. Ming Jian did not not feel bothered and there was still a smile on her lips. As compared to the previous cold indifference, this was also considered another mood right? Haha¡­ ¡°Ming Ze!¡± Seeing that Ming Ze¡¯s words becoming more agitated, that female glared at him before turning to Ming Jian and used a gentle voice with somewhat flatteringly, ¡°Jian-er, he has this bad temper. Don¡¯t pick on it. Aunt Shi will apologize to you¡­¡± Ming Ze¡¯s face got completely black and with a movement, he leap up and out of Ming Residence. He cannot stay even for a moment in this home. Zishi (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am) was over and the surrounding was silent. On the palace roads, there was a team of guards patrolling. when they faced a tall figure approaching, everyone was nervous as they clenched their swords but once they saw who was it, they relaxed. Instead they nodded politely at the dark figure and continued to head forwards without further communication. That person numbly walking alone was Ming Ze who ran out of the Ming Residence. His duty only starts tomorrow morning and he was here at this moment because¡­ He had nowhere to go. Other sons of aristocratic families will not mix around with a shu (born from a concubine) son like him, other shu sons like him dislike his cold and arrogant attitude and the public dared not befriend him as he was a son from the Ming Residence. It was indeed funny, not only he does not have a family, he did not even have a friend or a place to hang around. Today he did not drink a drop of win and was abnormally awake thus was acutely aware of how pathetic he was. There was only one reason he could not stay in that home and that reason was ¨C That female. If she was contented with her part, perhaps he would be able to be like the rest of the shu sons, living a humble but carefree life. If she could forsake the Ming family, even it was just both of them, mother and son, and lived a normal ordinary life, it would have been great. Unfortunately what she wanted was wealth, status, identity and honour. Her skills other than being calling herself beautiful, was him as her son. It was hilarious that this person was his own mother. Without him even knowing, he actually walked to Qing Feng Hall. Qing Feng¡­ She was pregnant. What kind of mother will she be? Will she also be like the rest of them who use their own child for that position in the Palace? There was a light sound from the direction of the side door which interrupted Ming Ze¡¯s thoughts and he turned to his side to blend into the trees at the side of the palace road. The side door was pushed open lightly and a slender figure walked out, carrying a basket in her arms. After observing the surroundings for a while, she then lightly close the door and quickly headed to the other direction of the palace road. Seeing that physique and appearance, it should be her female official ¨C Fu Ling. It was already this late, where would she be going? The first time when he saw her, she was also running out in the middle of the night. Ming Ze was considering if he should follow her when another figure came out from the side door and cautiously followed behind Fu Ling. If they were together, why was there a need to leave one after another, unless the female behind was following Fu Ling? What was exactly going on? Thinking about the blood dripping from the sedan, was it possibly hers? Ming Ze pondered for a moment and picked a thumb sized stone and threw it at the female who was following. It hit her pressure points and her entire body stiffen, and she stopped there motionless. Ming Ze bypassed the female and saw Fu Ling from afar. Seeing her footsteps getting quicker and her walking further away, the direction she was heading towards was¡­ The Cold Palace? Indeed, Fu Ling stopped in front of the Cold Palace and lightly knock on that huge door. The door immediately open from inside and Fu Ling quickly entered before the door closed. What was she doing here? Ming Ze gently leap onto the big banyan tree outside the Cold Palace and peered behind the leaves. He was able to see clearly the small courtyard in the Cold Palace. Fu Ling gave the basket in her hands to another palace maid and exchanged some words before leaving in a rush. That palace maid carried the basket and entered the house. She came to the Cold Palace to give Imperial Concubine Hui some things. This was her own intentions or was it Qing Feng¡¯s orders? Looking down, Fu Ling came out of the Cold Palace and was about to jog back when Ming Ze leap and landed about three zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) away, just in front of her. ¡°Ah!¡± Fu Ling was scared by the figure that appeared and gave a soft cry. She even step back several steps. Seeing this person not chasing over and also not moving, Fu Ling¡¯s mind became settled as she looked intently. That person stood under the shade of the tree, with the darkness of the night, she cannot see anything clearly. Fu Ling asked hesitatingly, ¡°Who.. Are you? ¡°You were just followed by someone.¡± The cold voice sounded in the silence of the night which was a scary and fearful thing, but Fu Ling was relieved. This voice¡­ Is him. She recognised it. Her already relaxed heart became tensed because of Ming Ze¡¯s words ¡°Followed?¡± Fu Ling nervously looked around. In the dark palace road, other than both of them, there was no one else. Fu Ling thought for a while, since he appeared to tell her that she was followed, naturally he would have settle the person who was following. Why? ¡°After the fear in her heart has passed, it left behind many deep doubts. Taking steps towards the silhouette in the shade, Fu Ling asked with confusion in her heart, ¡°Why? Why¡­ Did you help me repeatedly?¡± Yes, even though it was not deliberate each time, but she could felt that Ming Ze was always helping her. But why? There was no interaction between them right? Ming Ze seemed to be shocked by her sudden question and closeness and wanted to turn to go. ¡°Wait!¡± Fu Ling did not have time to think when her hand had already stretched out and grabbed onto Ming Ze¡¯s sleeve, ¡°You still have yet to answer my question.¡± Suddenly his hand got heavier and Ming Ze¡¯s cold eyes darken, ¡°Let go.¡± Even though she was unable to see Ming Ze¡¯s cold expression, Fu Ling was able to felt his displeasure. Thinking for a while, Fu Ling eventually let go of his sleeves but still stubbornly continued to ask, ¡°Why?¡± She did not know why was her heart anxious to know the answer but she just wanted to know. Why? Because he never thought about this before, his brows started to tighten. After a long time, he then replied coldly, ¡°It was just a coincident. Moreover, I was not helping you.¡± Not helping her then who was he helping? That person in Qing Feng Hall? Being shocked by the idea in his heart, this time without any hesitation, Ming Ze leaped and fled away. ¡°Hello?¡± Staring at the figure that had disappeared without a trace, Fu Ling¡¯s mind was blank for a moment. Was it¡­ Only a chance encounters only? Were there truly so many coincidences? Fu Ling gave a self-deprecating smile, if it was not an coincidence then what was it? What was she hoping Ming Ze to say? That very complicated heart eventually let out a sigh. The Imperial Gardens during Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) in winter was slightly bleak looking thus at this timing, there would not be anyone braving the cold to come to enjoy the scenery. It was fortunately that there was still someone who loved the desolateness in the early winter morning. A purple clad figure stood by the ever-green trees by the lake, with eyes landed on a calm area of the lake at a distance. The lotus had already withered away and there weren¡¯t any good views on the lake. The female however seemed to be engrossed with it, like the broken stems of the lotus were the most beautiful scenery in winter. Don¡¯t know since when, a palace maid clad in a light blue palace uniform quickly came and stood behind the female, yet did not say a single word until the female whispered, ¡°During these days, was there anything strange at Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s place?¡± The palace maid slowly raised her head and it was Xia Yin from Qing Feng Hall. But her devotion to the person she was facing, seemed like another person, ¡°Ever since that day of the celebration after she came back from the sedan, she did not take one step out from her room. Even when Steward Gao came to enquire, it was Fu Ling who came out to answer. Confine herself at home? Even though it was not a clever thing to do, otherw sill not be able to find an opportunity to dig things out, ¡°Were there any changes to her diet or medication?¡± There were some hints of weariness in Xia Yin¡¯s pretty face but she forced herself to reply attentively, ¡°There was no changes. The meals were served by Ru Yi, into the chamber. When mid-afternoon comes, Fu Ling will also head to the Medical Court to bring the medication over and will not let another one else do it. ¡°Did the Emperor go over?¡± ¡°Yes, two days ago after dinner but he only sat about the time of a cup of tea (about 15 mins) before leaving.¡± Like she had thought about something, Xia Yin looked around and lowered her voice, ¡°Even though Imperial Concubine Qing did not leave the room, Fu Ling was somewhat strange. She did not serve much during the day and at night she sneaked out. Last night, this servant originally wanted to follow her to check out but¡­ Not long after leaving the main doors of the hall¡­ My pressure point was hit.¡± ¡°Your pressure point was hit?¡± Shui Xin stared at the slight ripple at the lake, ¡°Who was it?¡± With her head bowed, Xia Yin sheepishly replied, ¡°This servant did not see anything as I suddenly could not move when I was walking. After half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) the pressure points were released naturally.¡± She did not even see anyone. Was it that someone had hit her pressure point from a distance? In this Palace that was filled with high martial personnels, there was someone like this protecting by Qing Feng¡¯s side? Just as her mind was wrapping around this possibility, Shui Xin whispered, ¡°You go back first. If there is anything out of the ordinary, then report it to me.¡± Unable to see Shui Xin¡¯s expression, Xia Yin paused several times but still plead softly, ¡°Older sister Shui Xin, Imperial Concubine Qing has long suspicious of this servant. This servant is afraid that she will not be able to get detailed news. Please let this servant return back¡­¡± ¡°Do you think it is possible? You and I are just a pawn and should know our own role and position then we can live a long life, understand?¡± Just a simple sentence and the gentle voice sounded appealing but Xia Yin was so scared that her entire body trembled as she quickly replied, ¡°Under¡­ Understand. This servant will retire.¡± Not caring of the figure fleeing behind her in panic, Shui Xin¡¯s thoughts were all on Qing Feng. She entered the Palace with Xin Yue Ning for so many years and had never met a prey that managed to slip out of her hands. Qing Feng only entered the Palace for less than a year but had actually escaped from her repeatedly. Well, this time she need to spend more effort and thought. She wants to see if Qing Feng was thoroughly tough to handle or if the person protecting her was that good. This person can protect her in the dark but can that person protect her in the open? Haha¡­ Chapter 73 ¡°Mistress?¡± Qing Feng just turn over and her eyes were not opened yet when the a soft voice gently called out. It was Fu Ling¡¯s voice. These days it was Ru Yi who took care of her and her diet so for Fu Ling to be waiting by her bed so early in the morning, it must be that something had happened. As her abdomen was growing bigger and bigger, Qing Feng had to prop herself up from the bed slowly. Hearing some movement inside, Fu Ling opened the veil and went over to her bedside to carefully support Qing Feng up. After sitting up with difficulty, Qing Feng asked softly, ¡°Why so early?¡± Looking outside, Fu Ling replied laughingly, ¡°It¡¯s no longer early.¡± It is almost Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 am). The feotus was already at its seventh month and Mistress was no longer suffering from morning sickness and her diet was also normal. It was just that she was getting more lethargic and would always laze about. Qing Feng glanced out of the window and noted that it was indeed not early any more. The warm winter sun shone throw the window frame and left a bright light in its wake. It was indeed rare to have such a good weather and it also affected Qing Feng. Breathing in deeply, she stretched lazily before asking, ¡°Was there something the matter at Chen Zhen¡¯s side?¡± Fu Ling hesitated for a moment before she nodded and replied, ¡°When this servant head over last night, there was always a feeling that someone was following¡­¡± ¡°Following?¡± Qing Feng whose eyes were only half opened suddenly opened wide, ¡°Do you know who was it?¡± ¡°Did not see who was it but felt ill with ease.¡± Fu Ling replied as she quickly dampen the soft cotton towel and passed it to Qing Feng to wash her face. She know that it was not unbelievable to base on feelings to say that she was followed and the hardest what to escape from Mistress¡¯s sharp eyes, so she replied as she was doing something else and hope that Mistress would not continue to question. As for why she was she not willing to mention about meeting Ming Ze, she herself did not have an answer to it. Feeling? Obviously Qing Feng was not satisfied with these words. Since when had Fu Ling start to do things based on her feelings? Qing Feng took the cloth to wipe her face and then rain you replied, ¡°In the future you should not personally go there. Find a trust-worthy old mama to run these tasks.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling let out a sigh of relief secretly and smiled as she picked up the wooden comb to style Qing Feng¡¯s hair. What was with the face of relief in the bronze mirror? Fu Ling was hiding something from her¡­ Qing Feng¡¯s good mood instantly disappeared. Qing Feng wanted to question but felt that it was inappropriate. From Fu Ling¡¯s reaction in the morning, it should be related to last night¡¯s following. Could it be that she knew who was following but did not want to tell? Or was it that there was other things that she deliberately want to hide? Her heart grew suspicious but Qing Feng¡¯s expression did not reveal anything. Until Fu Ling finished combing her hair did she casually asked, ¡°Those people are still obeying?¡± ¡°Rest assure Mistress, as you have expected, they were worried about their future since Imperial Concubine Hui was banished to the Cold Palace and an opportunity was given by you for them. This was something majority wish for.¡± Imperial Concubine Hui was indeed trustworthy, the day after that day she handed over the list of personnel that she had control over. When she approached those people, she could felt that they had long gotten Imperial Concubine Hui¡¯s instruction and was very willing to work for Mistress. Majority¡­ That means that there was still some hard nuts to crack. Qing Feng was not anxious as she whispered, ¡°For those who do not follow, let Chen Zhen write a letter personally to tell to clearly inform them of the importance. If they still do not follow¡­ Watch carefully their next move before deciding the next course of action. And one more thing, go and investigate about Shui Xin.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Without Mistress instruction, ever since the last time Imperial Concubine Hui mentioned, she had already had people making inquiries but the results were very disappointing. ¡°Your Ladyship, Xiao Attendant request an audience.¡± Ru Yi gentle voice came from outside the screen. Xiao Yu? What wind blew her over? Qing Feng thought for a bit and said, ¡°Invite her in.¡± When Xiao Yu entered the house, Qing Feng just came out from the screen and did not walk further forward. Xiao Yu graciously bowed, ¡°This servant greets Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± Raising her hand lightly to indicate that she dispense ceremony, Qing Feng laughed, ¡°You are here for any matter?¡± Towards Ciao Yu, this Imperial femail official, Qing Feng have an inexplicit liking towards her, a tea-loving female who knows everything about tea naturally have a different kind of charm. Xiao Yu was not long-winded and replied, ¡°To read a degree.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s brows slightly raised but she did not ask. Xiao Yu did not like to keep one in suspense thus replied, ¡°The Emperor degreed for your Ladyship to be received in Shu Chuan Courtyard before Weishi (modern timing: 1 ¨C 3 pm).¡± ¡°Shu Chuan Courtyard?¡± What place is that? Fu Ling whispered into Qing Feng¡¯s ears, ¡°Shu Chuan Courtyard is an Imperial Courtyard that is located in the East of the capital that the Emperor used to rest and relax.¡± This meant that it would be leaving the Palace? The last time she left the Palace, she met Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister. This time Yan Hong Tian bring her out of the Palace, what other interesting things was waiting for her? After hiding in the small house for the past few days, she started to hate it. Leaving the Palace could also avoid the spying from the Palace. Qing Feng started to look forward to it and laughed, ¡°Leave now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± This Imperial Concubine Qing was pregnant and in order to reach by Weishi (modern timing: 1 ¨C 3 pm), she would need to leave now. ¡°Then show the way.¡± Qing Feng stood up and Fu Ling supported her out. When they walked to the courtyard, Qing Feng suddenly stopped and said, ¡°You will stay in the Palace. Let Ru Yi accompany instead.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s feet stopped and Ru Yi cleverly took a step forward to take over her position and continued to support Qing Feng out. Seeing that slender figure passing without looking at her, Fu Ling felt a sense of loss and sourness. It was not because all the servants were looking but it was because she suddenly understood that the position beside her did not belong to her¡­ Just as she was immersed in her own thoughts, that clear cool voice sounded again, ¡°Fu Ling.¡± Fu Ling was dazed for a moment before she answered and walked to Qing Feng¡¯s back but not beside her. Qing Feng sighed and turned around to see Fu Ling quietly standing behind her without making a sound and directly grabbed her hands. With a clear voice which was not loud but was enough for everyone in the courtyard to hear clearly, ¡°I will only rest assure if you are in the Palace.¡± Just now Qing Feng only wanted to slightly punish her as she was angry with Fu Ling hiding things from her in the morning but once she saw her desolate look, Qing Feng regretted it. She had said before that the trust she can give out was not a lot and since she had chosen to trust Fu Ling, why should she hurt her heart just because of some small issue? This was someone she had chosen. If Fu Ling turn her back on her then¡­ She would resigned to it! Qing Feng grasp with force and even though it was a little painful, Fu Ling¡¯s heart actually quieten down as she smile in reply, ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi stood the nearest and naturally saw Qing Feng clasping Fu Ling¡¯s hands tightly. Just now because she was able to accompany Qing Feng out the Palace, she was elated with joy and pride. In the entire Qing Feng Hall, only Fu Ling can call her Ladyship as Mistress and her Ladyship only refer herself as ¡°I¡± in front of Fu Ling. Ru Yi knows that currently in her Ladyship¡¯s heart, no one can replace Fu Ling so she also acknowledge this in her heart. Ru Yi retreated slightly and with a slightly lowered head, she bowed to Fu Ling before obediently said, ¡°Rest assure older sister Fu Ling, this servant will definitely take great care of her Ladyship.¡± Xiao Yu silently watch the entire scene in front of her and there was a slight hook on her lips like she had smiled. Just a small short road and some short words were able to let everyone aware of their own positions. ***** After lunch, it was time for mistress to take her nap and the servants below would also happily take a break but the only one dared to lay that relaxingly on the soft couch and read would only be Shui Xin in the entire Palace. ¡°Today just after Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 am), Xiao Yu came to Qing Feng Hall to bring Imperial Concubine Qing out of the Palace and Ming Ze, the Imperial Guards lead went along to protect.¡± A grey clad man respectfully stood behind Shui Xin and talking softly. From his dressing, it was not like a eunuch¡¯s but when he was dealing with the female in front of him, he was very humble. Her eyes remained on the book in her hands. Shui Xin asked casually, ¡°Where have they went?¡± ¡°Shu Chuan Courtyard.¡± ¡°Head there together with the Emperor?¡± ¡°When this servant returned, the Emperor did not appear in Shu Chuan Courtyard. Had also just asked the personnel from Zheng Yang Palace and found out that the Emperor is not in the Palace.¡± Shui Xin nodded her head and when she lightly waved her hand, that person immediately retreated. After that person had walked far away, she slowly placed her book down. In that sparkling eyes, there was a trace of laziness. Qing Feng, you finally willing to come out? ***** Under the large gazebo, there was a simple wooden table and on top of it there was a chessboard placed on top of it with two cups of clear tea. Except for the slight sound of the wind blowing against the trees, one could hear the sound of the chess pieces being placed down. The air was filled with a scent of the damp forest which was rare in the beginning of winter. Two female were sitting opposite one another. As a white piece landed unrestrainedly but elegantly, the female holding the black piece thought deeply for a moment before putting the piece down slowly as the outcome was obvious, ¡°Your Ladyship¡¯s chess skills are superb, Xiao Yu recognise her defeat.¡± Weishi (modern timing: 1 ¨C 3 pm) had long passed but one was unable to see Yan Hong Tian¡¯s shadow at all but Qing Feng really liked Imperial Residence outside the city. According to her observation in the entire afternoon, the courtyard was indeed large and there were different varieties of flora and fauna. It was just that many need trimming as they were growing freely and they were also not as fancy as the ones in Palace. There were a few wooden huts simply built, without any Imperial bearings. Qing Feng picked up the smaller teacup and said with a relaxed smile, ¡°One cannot just throw the towel.¡± She can¡¯t even throw the towel? What exactly does she want? Qing Feng lightly twirl the clear brown tea in her tea cup and smiled slyly before answering, ¡°Bengong want to have Ji Pin Liu Yue (which sounds like best quality of Liu Yue/June).¡± Xiao Yu¡¯s face stiffen and she coughed lightly as she pretended to casually reply, ¡°If your Ladyship wants Liu Yue, just get the servants to inform, Xiao Yu will definitely serve it up.¡± Lightly waving her forefinger, Qing Feng slightly leaned forward and spke word for word, ¡°That is very much different. What Bengong wants is Ji. Pin. Liu. Yue.¡± Liu Yue (also means June), was ardent like its name. After boiling and rinsing the tea, the elegant fragrance immediately became rich like it had directly entered the heart through the nose and occupied the rest of the senses. It should not be what a tea was supposed to taste but it was indeed a tea. In fact, Liu Yue was not considered the most expensive or rare tea grade as one was able to get normal Liu Yue with just a little effort. But Ji Pin Liu Yue was indeed rarer that thousands of gold. To be qualified to be called Ji Pin Liu Yue, the stem of the tea leaves in fertile land with abundance of sunshine and the new tea leaves must only be plucked during Guyu (modern timing: 20th April ¨C 4th May). The hardest and most difficult thing of all was not all that. Generally for the typical teas, newer tea leaves are more expensive than matured ones but it was the other way round with Liu Yue. They need to be aged to six years and the humidity, moisture and rain level need to be just correct for it to become Ji Pin Liu Yue. If any one factors were not met, it would not be considered as Ji Pin. She had searched for so many years and now only managed to collect some. She did not even bear to drink any of it at all. This Imperial Concubine Qing was even more craftier than the Emperor! Seeing Xiao Yu looking like her heart ached, Qing Feng knows that she understand what she wants and smile, ¡°Why? Heart ache already? If you agree to bet you must accept the loss.¡± Xiao Yu eyes widen to large circles. What was this one agree to bet and one must accept the loss. This was digging a hole for her to jump in. Qing Fengly only said that the person who lost would have to agree a small request from the other party and did not say that this was a bet and most of all she did not say that the stakes was Ji Pin Liu Yue. If she had known earlier, she would have not accompany her to play this chess game! However, everything was too late now and even though her heart was unwilling, Xiao Yu at the end could only reply, ¡°May your Ladyship send someone over when we return back.¡± It was truly rare to see Xiao Yu having a beaten look and a slight smile appeared on Ming Jian lips as he was standing outside the pavilion. Speaking of which, Xiao Yu had indeed walked into Qing Feng¡¯s trap. When they reached here, the Emperor was not around thus Xiao Yu could only accompany this Ladyship to enjoy the scenery and appreciate tea. At that time, Qing Feng¡¯s eyes brighten at the sight of the teacup as she held it. It should be at that time she had a plan in mind. However to receive a superior tea from the hands of Xiao Yu, to his experience, one must put in more effort. ¡°So it seems that winning a game of chess would equals to getting a request fulfilled. Zhen will try it too.¡± The deep male voice sounded a little brisk. In addition to Ming Jian, the two persons in the pavilion stiffen. Chapter 74 ¡°So it seems that winning a game of chess would equals to getting a request fulfilled. Zhen will try it too.¡± The deep male voice sounded a little brisk. In addition to Ming Jian, the two persons in the pavilion stiffen. Xiao Yu recovered first and calmly got up to great Yan Hong Tian before retreating to the side and picked a white porcelain teacup to brew a come of Liu Yue for Yan Hong Tian before separating the black and white chess pieces into the different holders. When Xiao Yu was busy clearing the chess pieces, Qing Feng finally recovered from her trance. It was not the arrival of Yan Hong Tian that made her stunned, but it was because she saw someone behind Yan Hong Tian¡­ Ming Ze. Wasn¡¯t he a guard in the Palace? Why would he be following Yan Hong Tian to other residences. ¡°Beloved Concubine look not bad today.¡±Bring the cup of maroon clear tea to his lips for a sip, the aroma hit him. He usually like red mugwort tea and did not think that the taste of Liu Yue was that unique. No wonder she likes it. Calm and light. Only when water was added then its characteristics would be drawn out, which was somewhat similar to her. Qing Feng cast some doubts with her eyes and when she looked up, there was only a faint smile, ¡°That would be something to thank the Emperor, for allowing Chenqie to rest ¡®quietly¡¯ for so long.¡± Seeing Yan Hong Tian seated opposite of her, Qing Feng picked up a black chess piece and played with it, ¡°The Emperor really want to play chess with Chenqie? Whoever loses will need to allow the other to do one thing.¡±` ¡°Whatever reason not?¡± After he finish speaking, Yan Hong Tian picked up a white chess piece and waited for Qing Feng to place hers down. As Yan Hong Tian is a monarch of a country, even though he did not particularly like playing chess, he had teachers to provide pointers. Except for Lou Xi Yan, he had never lost to another. One naturally did not need to mention about Qing Feng. Qing Mo¡¯s chess skills was world famous, and if one were to play with her own younger sister every day, how weak would her chess skills be? From the beginning both of them started off casually but as the game progresses, they were amazed with each other¡¯s skills. Both of them were prideful persons, they did not give way at all. As the game went on, the more exciting it became. As both of them were concentrated on pitting against one another in chess, Xiao Yu was attended by the side and Ming Ze had quietly retreated out of the pavilion. Ming Jian wanted to go over but when he saw Ming Ze¡¯s colder than ice expression, he ultimately decided to wait till his temper simmer a little before approaching him. After all the Emperor was still here and Ming Ze still had that stubborn personality. Ming Jian sighed in his heart, its just so difficult to be an elder brother, he obviously arrange for his own good but at the end it seems that it was all his fault. It did not matter if it was a chest match or martial arts tournament, as long one¡¯s heart was in battle, there will be a winner. Finally, the black pieces had no where else to go. Xiao Yu mentally calculated carefully before smiling at Qing Feng, ¡°Your Ladyship lost by one piece.¡± She did not think that Yan Hong Tian¡¯s chess skills would be that high and it made Qing Feng frustrated but she still asked frankly, ¡°What does the Emperor want Chen Qie to do?¡± What did he want her to do? Glancing at her increasingly large stomach, Yan Hong Tian found it funny. She was in already such a state, what else can she do? His eyes sweep across the beautiful scenery outside the pavilion and casually said, ¡°Draw Zhen a painting then.¡± Painting? Qing Feng thought a bit and smiled, ¡°All right.¡± Ru Yi arranges the painting tools properly and Xiao Yu was at the side preparing the ink. She had long heard that Qing Feng was both peerless in books and paintings and after that she saw the painting of the hunting ground at the Emperor¡¯s Imperial Study. At that time when she saw it, she was scared and excited at the same time. It was a pity that she had no chance to see Qing Feng personally painting it. Since there was a chance like this today, she would not miss it. Yan Hong Tian did not go over to see what Qing Feng was painting and just lay down on the couch and closed his eyes to rest. He was indeed very tired lately. The celebration was finally successfully completed and there were news of pirate ravaging in the East Sea. Only the east of Qiong Yue was facing the sea and not only area was not wide, there was so many years of peace. Thus Qiong Yue¡¯s navy was not strong. With the current issue of the pirates coming to shore to plunder the citizens, it really gave him a headache. ¡°Finish painting.¡± So fast? Only half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) had just passed. Yan Hong Tian open his eyes to looked over and he saw Qing Feng placing the brush away to wash with a proud smiling face. But Xiao Yu, who was standing beside her wanted to laugh but did not laugh expression. That made Yan Hong Tian a little curious and he got up to walk over. Taking a glance at the painting on the stone table, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face immediately turned black. She actually painted¡­ Him? On the plain white paper, there was only a roughly sketched chair and he was laying on it just like that. Unlike the previous painting of the grand landscape kind of style, this painting was paled in comparison. The him in the painted had both eyes shut and brows furrowed with the entire body filled with¡­ Exhaustion. It was indeed beneath of a monarch. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s originally sullen heart tightened, he just now actually unabashedly showed his tiredness? Was it that he was this careless or was it her who could read him? Seeing his brows wrinkled and his dark eyes dulled, even though she did not know what he was thinking about, she knew that his mood was definitely unpleasant. Qing Feng picked the painting up so that Yan Hong Tian would not be able to tear it up and smiled unsparingly, ¡°Didn¡¯t the Emperor said ¡®Draw Zhen a painting¡¯, so Chenqie drew a painting of you.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s sentence was a fun provocation, interrupting Yan Hong Tian¡¯s cold mood. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows raised slightly, this became his fault? After so many days of not sparing, he had forgotten about her craftiness. ¡°Play another round?¡± Her hand was empty and Yan Hong Tian had already folded the painting up and place it into his sleeve. Qing Feng took her hand back indifferently and shook her head nimbly, ¡°No more. It is obvious that that it is beyond one¡¯s capability so one should not force it.¡± She had did her best just now but still lost so if they still played then it would be frustrating. ¡°So you know this rationale.¡± The deep voice was as if it was saying casually but Qing Feng¡¯s heart still shivered uncontrollably, what was the meaning of that sentence? Looking at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face, he was still putting on that inscrutable face, so that words was a warning or was it said casually? As she was unable to guess in temporarily, Qing Feng thought and pretended to laugh easily, ¡°One should always try out if it is within one¡¯s capabilities.¡± ¡°Oh really?¡± Yan Hong Tian was laughing like he was quite satisfied with her answer. But before waiting for her answer, he strode out of the pavilion leaving Qing Feng stiffen at her original position. Did he¡­ Found out about anything? Why¡­ Did he bring her to this residence? As there was countless number of questions in her heart, Qing Feng only ate a few mouths but Yan Hong Tian¡¯s appetite was very good. After both of them finished their dinner, the skies had darken and both of them walked on the long winding trail for a long time before reaching in front of a wooden hut. The wooden hut was much larger than those before and even though it was constructed by wood, it was still simple. Qing Feng entered the courtyard and her attention immediately went to the large plum blossom forest. It was currently the start of winter and the plum blossoms were not open yet. In the darkness of the night, one can only see the tall branches growing insolently while ignoring the wind temperament. ¡°It is such a pity that the plum blossoms have yet to open.¡± Hao Yue is a small country and also had a warmer climate. In an entire winter, one can only see about two or three plum blossom tree blooming and would not be able to see the petals falling like snowflakes. How would anyone not feel disappointed. The plum blossoms in front was very different. Even though it had yet to bloom, that strong thick branches seemed to recount its urgent wait for the snow fall. Breathing in deeply, Qing Feng¡¯s heart rate increases just thinking about the bright red colour against the snow. Qing Feng stared at the plum blossom forest till her eyes start to heat up until Yan Hong Tian, who was numb to the plum scene, could not help but to give it a few more glances. The plum blossom forest was a sheet of darkness under the moonlight and the shadows of the trees and branches were crossing one another. There was a bit of desolation which was also considered a different style. The night breeze began to blow but she did not have any intention of going into the house. Yan Hong Tian did not urge her and only lightly said, ¡°It would eventually open.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. Unfortunately I have no fate with them this year.¡± The blooming season should be when she would give birth. That disappointment and desolate was like she had missed a rare treasure. Yan Hong Tian smiled, it was only a plum blossom forest, ¡°If you really like it this much then during the blooming season next year, Zhen would allow you to come here again to view the flowers.¡± Next year? Every year was similar for flowers but each year was different for people. Who knows what would the scene be next year? Who will be the person that would be standing here listening to the wind and appreciating the snow? But Yan Hong Tian would not understand. When one have to much, one would not be able to feel what was precious. Wasn¡¯t that another form of lamentable? Yan Hong Tian naturally do not know that Qing Feng was disagreeing with him in her heart as her and his mood was good as he looked at the scenery of the plum blossoms forest that he had long grow tired with. ¡°What is the Emperor¡¯s mood today?¡± After one night of not eating much, she finally willing to say it? Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expressions was fixed as he spoke, ¡°It is not bad. Is there anything you want to say to Zhen?¡± Qing Feng finally turned around and the night breeze made her dress flutter. Yan Hong Tian frowned, her stomach had become so big but why was her body still so thin? ¡°Don¡¯t know if it should be spoken or not.¡± Qing Feng felt a little indescribable. Just now she was filled with smiles, how was it in just a moment a cold look was on that face? After that she walk to the bamboo chair in front of the wooden hut to sit down and Yan Hong Tian exclaimed, ¡°You finally know when to be afraid? Speak, Zhen will grant you not guilty.¡± Not guilty? Was it truly possible to not be guilty? It was said that a monarch would not go back on his words, so should she take this opportunity to tell him about Chen Zhen and that child? Under Yan Hong Tian¡¯s watchful eyes, her heart considered it very long but the words that she spoke became another sentence, ¡°Chenqie was only thinking if ¡®he¡¯ is a boy or a girl.¡± At that moment just now, she was actually afraid? Afraid that once she spoke, that pair of smiling eyes would be overcast with storms. She was afraid because she was worried that the child in her stomach would be hurt right? It should be. That¡­ Should not be spoken yet, at least until the child was born. Even though he knew that this was not what she wanted to say, Yan Hong Tian was not anxious and followed along with her words and asked, ¡°So do you want to give birth to a Prince or Princess?¡± ¡°For me¡­¡± Her hand landed on the chubby stomach. Thinking of the tossing and turning that this child had made for the past months, Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Want to have a son.¡± If it was a daughter who was this naughty, what will she do. ¡°Oh?¡± He also hoped that this birth of hers would be a son, so why was his heart a little disappointed. Her thoughts were on the unborn baby thus Qing Feng did not felt that look from Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°A daughter is a cloud in heavens and must be brought up with care and coddling so as to retain her softness and radiance. A son is like the mountains and rivers on earth and must be honed so that he would overlook the world. So¡­¡± So? So what? ¡°So a daughter need to be raise delicately and a son can be raised more roughly.¡± Anyway, Chen Zhen had already given birth to a son, so even if she did not give birth to one, it would not matter. She also like a daughter but she felt that it would be much easier to discipline a son. If it did not work, one can scold or beat but for a daughter, she would not bear to do so. Roughly¡­ Was she joking? Qing Feng¡¯s face was seriously and after Yan Hong Tian was stunned for a moment, he could not help but laughed out loudly. ¡°Ha ha ha¡­¡± A loud hearty laugh swept away the haze and also startled the Xiao Yu who was preparing hot tea and the Ming brothers in the house. What matter was worthy to make the Emperor laugh like this? The night breeze was still blowing and it was a seemingly quiet night but no one noticed that there was a few agile black clad figures who were in the plum blossoms forest were observing them for a long time. Another night breeze blew which shook the leaves and the black figures quickly disappear in the darkness of the night. Chapter 75 The desolate silence in the autumn made summer heart fickle and restless and before the arrival of the cold winds, this short beginning of winter would be the most beautiful season. Among the evergreen forest tree, an entourage of people was waving their way through. Walking right in front was a male clad in a black robe walking leisurely with an expression similar to the early winter wind breeze. Behind him was a female in flowery clothes flanked by two females accompanying her. Several tall and might guards were following the pedestrians. With such an entourage, from another point of view, it would seem like wealthy master and mistress who were out to play. Unfortunately the female with the flowery clothes was pregnant and walked impractically and that gloomy face did not look like one would have when they come out to play. Yesterday they were rushed for almost half a day to get to this residence and after than she played an entire afternoon of chess. And at night she had gotten too excited upon seeing the plum blossom forest that she only fell asleep when it was around Zishi (modern timing 11pm ¨C 1am). Initially she thought that since Yan Hong Tian did not need to be morning court, there would not be anyone who will wake them up, thus she could sleep till around noon before waking up. She did not think that at dawn, Xiao Yu would knock the doors. Seeing that Yan Hong Tian was somewhat aware of it as he calmly got up, she felt annoyed. If he informed that it was required to be up early today, she would have slept early last night and would not be such a condition like now, being supported by Ru Yi and Xiao Yu at both side as she walked. Even though it was scenic on the way up, Qing Feng did not have the mood to appreciate it as she was scolding Yan Hong Tian in her heart from his head to toe. Before she could vent her anger, she turned and gave a side eye to Xiao Yu. It was indeed true that what kind of master would have what kind of servant. Xiao Yu smiled lightly and was not even at least bothered by her sharp glances. Really good, she can still smile. When they return she would have to hand over her Ji Pin Liu Yue, let¡¯s see if she can still smile then! Actually the entourage of people did not walk too fast and Qing Feng did not feel very tired. Its just that she did not rest well last night and got up too early so she was a little tired. When Yan Hong Tian stopped, Qing Feng looked up and was immediately awaked by the towering mountains. As it turns out there was such a large mountain behind the residence, she thought that the residence consist of that one courtyard she saw last night. It would seemed that she had underestimated the Imperial Residences. Gently breaking away from both of their hands, Qing Feng took a deep breath and felt that the chilly air entering her heart. She instantly felt refreshed and looked up to view the towering peaks. Qing Feng faintly sighed, ¡°Should have come earlier to watch the sunrise.¡± Now then they started to hike up, it would be in the afternoon when they reached the peak. It would then be idea to watch the sunset. Lightly glancing at the audacity of this female, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°You still want to watch the sunrise in this condition?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t do it?¡± She knew that with her current condition, it would indeed impossible to climb up to the peak to watch the sunrise but Qing Feng refused to back down from her words, ¡°It would only be slower. It would be just nice for tomorrow morning sunrise!¡± Tomorrow morning? She could still say such a thing. Yan Hong Tian went over to her side and whispered to her ears, ¡°You can forget about sunrise. There is something special to see.¡± Hike up a mountain and not see the sunrise, then what else was there to see? Seeing that he did not have any intention to continue speaking, Qing Feng raised her brows gently but she did not question. Anyways he had to show it to her to see, so just let him deliberately create a mystifying air. The entourage hiked up the mountain trail and because of the narrow mountain trail, it can only accommodate two persons walking side by side. Ru Yi and Xiao Yu were no longer able to support her by her side but Qing Feng¡¯s belly was so huge that it made her more clumsy than usual, thus it was very dangerous for one person to help her up the mountain. Qing Feng apparently did not mind it and let Ru Yi support her with one of her hand, while her other hand grabbed onto the stone cliff as support. Ru Yi was shocked and wanted to use both hands to support this brave and stubborn Mistress when the next moment, a tall and large figure took over her position and that restless pregnant female was firmly placed in his arms. Ru Yi silently gave a sigh of relief and took a few steps back. With the Emperor¡¯s protection, her Ladyship would not be in any danger. Qing Feng had to admit that with Yan Hong Tian¡¯s protection, she did not need to worry about accidentally rolling down. That pair of strong arms firmly supported her and as she leaned onto him, she did not need to use much effort to climb up the stone steps. But even so, after walking about half a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) she was so tired that she was gasping for breath. When she looked over to the person beside, his face was not red nor was he panting and even his hair was not in disarray. It was really unfair! But¡­ The side of the face that was focusing in front¡­ Was kind of good looking. Qing Feng was just had that thought and Yan Hong Tian seemed to have read it as he suddenly lowered his head and when she meets his deep black eyes, Qing Feng¡¯s face redden. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips hooked up and that arm around her waist tighten as he said by her ears, ¡°If beloved concubine wants to look, Zhen will let you look upon returning. Now it would be best to look at the feet instead.¡± Who wants to look at him?! She was made a joke by him without a good caused. His voice was not soft so all the highly skilled in martial arts Imperial Guards had all heard it and even the two girls who were following behind was giggling and smiling. The more Qing Feng thought, the angrier she became. She did not continue walking and just went directly into his arms and only lifted her legs but not exert any force at all. Qing Feng¡¯s pregnant self was not at all light and to be this scoundrelly, Yan Hong Tian simply lifted her up to walk and did not even neglect or relaxed her a little. After walking like this for half an incense (around 30 mins), Yan Hong Tian finally brought her to a large stone area and place her down on the platform. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s smooth forehead finally had a layer of sweat and his breathing started to be disorderly. That made Qing Feng felt better and she looked up to explore where she was at. This stone platform was not considered large but it was enough to allow around ten people to stand on it. The Imperial Guards were at the bottom of the mountain guarding and there was only her and Yan Hong Tian on the platform with Xiao Yu and Ru Yi standing at the side. Their current position was not even halfway up the mountain but it was not short neither as one could see far from here. Qing Feng look at the road she came from and could vaguely see the courtyard of the residence, thus she find that even though it takes a long time to come up, it does not seem to be as big as she thought. ¡°The truly gorgeous scenery is at this side.¡± The low voice with a smile came from the other side of the platform. Qing Feng looked back and only then discovered that there was a stone recess. Curious as to what Yan Hong Tian claimed to be a truly gorgeous scenery, Qing Feng went pass the stone recess and to his side. Reaching by his side and seeing the grandeur of the scenery, Qing Feng¡¯s entire body stiffen on the spot. ¡°Goodness¡­ So¡­ Beautiful!¡± Everywhere one look was a vast stretch of green waves like the sea? She had never seen such a vast and dense bamboo forest. The bamboos were swaying with the wind, like the waves on the ocean, so charming but it was not as fragile as them. The tall bamboos were old and had suffered through the violent winds, heavy snow and downpours , like a battle hardened warrior with damaged armour wrapped around them, standing strong no matter where they were. That strength and softness illustrate the resilient strength of character which made Qing Feng¡¯s blood heat up as she kept looking. ¡°Don¡¯t blame the snow for pressuring the branches, for when the sun rises, the branches will extend to the heavens above. Don¡¯t blame the earth for burying the weak joints, for when the shoot sprouts, it would immediately pierce the vaults of heavens.¡± Standing on top of this platform seemed like one was standing on the top of the sea of bamboos and it made one feel like leaping into its embrace on impulse. Translator: Basically it means that the suffering one goes through now may be difficult to tolerate and painful but when the opportunity arrives, there would be a chance to go far and amaze everyone. The Chinese poetry is much more elegant. For both verses, the author used 6 words for the first phrase and uses 4 words for the second and third phrases. I pretty much killed the whole poem thing by not following it and paraphrase each phrases as it does not make any sense in English if it is directly translated¡­ And I could not make the translated phrases sound as poetic and elegant as how the Chinese one is¡­ The Chinese poem is posted just in case anyone wants to try making the English translation more poetic. ĪÏÓѩѹµÍÍ·£¬ºìÈÕ¹éʱ£¬¼´³åÏöºº£» ĪµÀÍÁÂñ½Ú¶Ì£¬Çà¼â¶ºó£¬Á¢´Ì²Ôñ·¡£ She was as if bewitched by it and took a step forward. Her waist abruptly tighten and he was trapped in an warm and strong embrace. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s uniquely low voice sounded by her ears, ¡°If one jump down, it would be a wretched state.¡± She could hear the faint smile and self-deprecation in his voice and Qing Feng did not know why she asked, ¡°You¡­ Jumped before?¡± Yan Hong Tian lightly raised his brows, she actually guessed that he had done such a ridiculous thing. He thought again, usually females like her would have wanted to leap, so what strange in guessing if he had did it before? Looking into Qing Feng¡¯s curious eyes, Yan Hong Tian nodded his head as he smiled. He really jumped?! That was too insane! Qing Feng excitedly gripped his robes and urgently spoke, ¡°When was it? How did it feel?¡± Seeing the female in his embrace looking at him full of worship and wonder, Yan Hong Tian could not help but laughed. Even when he stood at that golden throne being worshipped by the six nations, he did not see any trace of glimmer of that in her eyes. At this moment she made no secret of her desire and admiration. Thinking back on all the frivolous things he did in his youth, Yan Hong Tian smiled, ¡°About ten years ago. The feeling was ¡®painfully¡¯ happy! That one leap made Zhen lay on the bed for a month.¡± Ah? Listening to him saying the two words ¡®painfully happily¡¯ with clenched teeth, Qing Feng could not help but laugh. How was the Yan Hong Tian ten years ago like? Was he a frivolous but cool and bright young adult with a warm sunny smile? Qing Feng looked at that vast forest once again and her heart had a slight sense of desolation. Feeling that the person in his arms was a little desolated, Yan Hong Tian whispered, ¡°Want to paint?¡± ¡°En!¡± Qing Feng nodded with force as she felt a flame in her chest and was going insane as she thought of drawing the bamboo forest down. Yan Hong Tian headed towards outside of the concave stones and gave a look to Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu nodded her head and brought out the four treasures of calligraphy and arts from the bag and placed it on the small stone table individually. Seeing the different painting supplies on the stone table, Ru Yi was secretly amazed. For older sister Xiao Yu could be Qiong Yue¡¯s first female official, she indeed had exceptional qualities. She had long aware of the different masters¡¯ interests and minds. After making sure there was no mistakes, Xiao Yu loudly said, ¡°Your Ladyship, the painting supplies are ready.¡± Xiao Yu actually brought painting supplies? Qing Feng looked back puzzledly and saw the paper, ink and brushes. Not one of the things were not the best quality. Qing Feng sighed, ¡°Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu. How would one would not love you when you being this considerate? Wonder if the Emperor would be able to part with this favourite?¡± Yan Hong Tian put on a face of dismay as he smiled, ¡°This cannot do. Without her, the entire Zhen Yang Palace will be in a mess.¡± These two masters really had nothing to do that they used her to pass time! Xiao Yu did not bother about them and just turn around. Previously it was Gao Jing who will be in the Imperial entourage and it was not easy to actually come out to walk, she must take the opportunity to enjoy this rare scenery. ¡°Emperor, your female official¡¯s temper is not little at all but Bengong like it even more.¡± ¡°This is nothing. There are times where her temper is even bigger than this.¡± The more the two persons behind were talking, the happier they got. Xiao Yu secretly clenched her teeth and turned around to bow before softly sighed, ¡°Both masters, isn¡¯t this letting Xiao Yu feel ashamed? If so, next time Xiao Yu would not dare to be this ¡®meddlesome¡¯ anymore!¡± Yan Hong Tian and Qing Feng looked at one another and laughed, so it seems that it was quite interesting to occasionally tease others. It was a fortunate thing that both of them know when it was enough and stopped, thus Yan Hong Tian continued to lean against the stone cliff to appreciate the beautiful scenery. Qing Feng went to the stone table to pick up the brush and lightly dipped into the fragrant ink. Before the tip of the brush landed on the fine white paper, Qing Feng¡¯s heart suddenly felt empty and the picture of blue waves and green bamboos instantly blurred in her mind. Bamboos naturally did not have hearts, was it because of that that it did not have distracting thoughts? Thousands of years have passed but it was still standing between the mountains and would eventually become a vast bamboo forest? How about¡­ That person? If a person did not have a heart then did it mean that there are no more desires? After picking up the brush a few times, she put it down. This was the first time that her mind was filled with such beautiful scenery but she had no trace of how to start in her heart. ¡°Be careful your Ladyship!¡± When she off in another world, she heard Ming Jian¡¯s, who was standing on the mountain trail, shout and pieces of large rocks had roll down towards her. She had no time to think as she quickly stepped back. But she did not think that the stone table was the at the far left of the platform and behind it were the stone steps. As Qing Feng backtracked, her foot stepped into mid-air¡­ ¡°Ah¡ª¡± A sharp scream pierce the quiet mountain forest and every happened too quickly. The Imperial Guards were at the base of the mountain and they had no time to react to sudden turn of events. Ru Yi and Xiao Yu were injured by small pieces of rocks and fell onto the platform and when Yan Hong Tian, who was standing in the stone valley, turned around, he could only see Qing Feng¡¯s figure rolling down the stone steps. ¡°Qing Feng!¡± Yan Hong Tian immediately flew over to rescue but he was too far away. Qing Feng still rolled down very quickly. At this time, an even faster shadow overtook Qing Feng and covered half of her body. It protected her and tumbled a few more steps before stopping. Ming Ze released the hand around the waist to look at the person in his arms and urgently say, ¡°How are you?¡± ¡°I¡­ Pain¡­ So painful¡­¡± Finally she recovered from the fainting, Qing Feng only felt pain in her entire body. She wanted to open her eyes when she felt a warm spreading from her forehead and her eyes. In a short time, even with everything red, she could vaguely recognise the owner of the voice¡­ Ming Ze. When she gradually got back the feeling of her body, she finally realised that her entire body was in pain but the most painful part was still her belly. A surge of hot liquid was flowing out of her body and the almost unconscious Qing Feng stiffen as one of her hand clutched her stomach and the other gripping on the arm of the person beside as if it was able to ease a little fear in her heart. ¡°Child¡­ My child¡­¡± The person in his arms kept moaning lowly and her long fingernails pierce the flesh on his arms. Seeing that frail face filled with blood, Ming Ze¡¯s heart started to feel waves of pain. If she was not protecting her belly, she would not have hurt until like this. ¡°Qing Feng!¡± Ming Ze only felt that his arms were lightened and Qing Feng was already carried away by another pair of stronger arms. Yan Hong Tian carried Qing Feng and ordered the guards following behind to summon for the Imperial Physicians as he rush down the hill. Ming Jian saw Yan Hong Tian rushing down the hill but was not in a hurry to follow. He walked to the platform and propped Xiao Yu up, ¡°Are you alright?¡± Gently moving her ankle, Xiao Yu shook her head, ¡°Just a slight sprain.¡± ¡°Both of you help them down the mountain.¡± After passing Xiao Yu and Ru Yi to the two guards behind, Ming Jian expression grew colder as he went up the road to climb up the mountain. Xiao Yu looked up at the direction which Ming Jian headed, there were no gravels on the smooth stone walls and there was no rain during the past few days, how would there be such a large rock falling from the mountain? Xiao Yu somewhat understood in her heart. Qing Feng could not see anything but could feel that the person who was carrying her and running madly had become the most familiar man. Even though the pain made her entire body feel weak, she still wring her hands tightly around Yan Hong Tian¡¯s neck and kept on repeating one sentence all the way, ¡°Child¡­ Yan Hong Tian, help me¡­ To keep this child¡­¡± ¡°Zhen will not let anything happen to you and the child.¡± Yan Hong Tian cannot differentiate it was blood or tears on his neck but they were enough to burn into him! ***** The palace roads had always been cooling during the morning and one could hear clearly the chaotic footsteps. A early forties man with hands clasping and unclasping in front of him. Even though he look dignified, his feet was moving at the speed of wind as he headed towards the Palace gates. The two medical attendants following him was carrying two large medicine chests and dared not fall a step behind. The man was too enthralled with his thoughts that when he turned into a corner, he almost crashed onto the oncoming female. The unhappy female¡¯s voice coldly sounded, ¡°What is this walking without looking.¡± The male looked up and saw the female looks and quickly got to his knees to greet, ¡°This lowly official greets the Empress. May your Ladyship have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s swept her eyes over to the man and discovered that he was an Imperial Physician. Seeing his hurrying expressions, Xin Yue Ning became curious and asked, ¡°Such a hurry for what?¡± ¡°Replying to your Ladyship, Imperial Concubine Qing accidentally fell down the stairs at Shu Chuan Courtyard and the Emperor summoned Imperial Physicians for treatment.¡± The male¡¯s heart was extremely anxious but dared not offend the mistress of the Inner Palace. He only answered carefully while hoping to get out of it earlier. Qing Feng fell down the stairs? Xin Yue Ning¡¯s heart beat wildly as she urgently spoke, ¡°Other than you, who else were also summoned over?¡± ¡°There were also Imperial Physician Wang, Imperial Physician Li and Imperial Physician Lin.¡± ¡°The Emperor actually summon four Imperial Physicians this time. It seems that¡­ This fall of Qing Feng¡¯s is indeed not a light one. Xin Yue Ning was secretly delighted and did not make things difficult for him, ¡°That being the case, then you should quickly go.¡± ¡°Yes. Yes. This lowly official will retire.¡± The male got up quickly and walked away faster than previously, almost running as he leave. Xin Yue Ning looked at Shui Xin who was standing quietly beside and just as she wanted to ask, she thought about something. Lightly coughing, she said, ¡°All of you can withdraw. Shui Xin, support Bengong to walk around.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± After waiting for the rest of the palace maids to walk away, Xin Yue Ning excitedly asked, ¡°You did it?¡± Shui Xin did not reply but she nodded her head slightly. Xin Yue Ning¡¯s mood was instantly good, ¡°You did well! Bengong will now go to Shu Chuan Courtyard and see Qing Feng will feign until when!¡± ¡°It would be best for mistress not to rush out now.¡± The gentle voice was like a bucket of iced water poured on her. Xin Yue Ning sullenly asked, ¡°Why? If Bengong don¡¯t go, what if Qing Feng hoodwink herself out of it?¡± That Qing Feng was very cunning and the Emperor was vulnerable to her temptation. If she did not take her to task this time, the next time it would not be as good as this chance! ¡°Mistress must keep calm and do not get excited. Now the four Imperial Physicians are heading over, and one of which is Imperial Physician Wang, who only specially treats the Emperor. If Imperial Concubine Qing truly do not have a child in her womb, one would not be able to hide. On the contrary, if you were to rush over excitingly to bring her to task, it would only make the Emperor suspicious. It would be better to report it to the Empress Dowager and head there with the Empress Dowager¡­¡± When Shui Xin said till here, she did not continue. Xin Yue Ning was not a slow witted person, after thinking about it for a moment, she understood Shui Xin meaning and laughed, ¡°Great idea! Heading there with the Empress Dowager so even if the Emperor wants to flip out, he would not be able to do so. If Qing Feng¡¯s stomach is fake, then without the need for Bengong to do anything, the Empress Dowager would never let it live down. At that time even if the Emperor plead for her behalf, it would be useless!¡± ¡°Now head towards Dong Cheng Palace.¡± Xin Yue Ning was bend on exposing Qing Feng and cannot wait for a moment at all, thus she pulled Shui Xin along and hurried towards Dong Cheng Palace. Mistress had set her mind that the baby in Qing Feng¡¯s abdomen was no longer there but Shui Xin felt that there should still be a baby there. She was more concerned if that baby of Qing Feng¡¯s would be saved or not. If it was not saved, that person, who was protecting her in the background, would feel anguish right? Chapter 76 Shu Chuan Courtyard Four Imperial Physicians took turns to take her pulse and the medical attendants were waiting at the side for further instructions. The palace maids and eunuchs were all standing in the house and the originally not large wooden house was filled with people. The house should be noisy but instead it was scarily quiet. Except for the occasional painful cries from the chambers, every one of them could only hear their own beating heart as there stood a tall figure just outside the screen. Xiao Yu and Ru Yi only suffered from minor injuries and after Ru Yi¡¯s wounds were bandaged, she went in to accompany Qing Feng. However, Xiao Yu did not go in and just stood outside the main door and saw an expressionless Yan Hong Tian standing outside the folding screen. He seemed to be awfully calm and deep in thoughts and not in panic like he was when he just returned to the wooden house. His calm and deep black eyes was slightly narrowed and no one dare not look at as they were scared that if one were to accidentally disturb him, in the next moment they would be decapitated. ¡°How is it?¡± A deep voice suddenly sounded in the quiet wooden house and everyone jumped in surprised. The four Imperial Physicians however were trembling in the chambers. Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s condition was not complicated and they had taken her pulse many times but because they did not know how to explain to the Emperor. Four of them looked at one another and finally their sights landed on Wang Zhi Yang and Wang Zhi Yan was secretly lamenting. Who let him be the Imperial Physician specifically attending to the Emperor only and also possessing the best medical skills among them. This time it was natural for him to go and explain to the Emperor. Taking a deep breath, Wang Zhi Yang walked out from the screen and bit the bullet and honestly replied, ¡°Replying the Emperor, Imperial Concubine fell from the stairs and had suffered a great fright and her abdomen had collided repeatedly thus the fetal lining had been broken. She can no longer wait for the full term to deliver and the option is to¡­ Induce labour.¡± ¡°Induce labour?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows gradually knitted together and his voice went much lower which frightened Wang Zhi Yang so much that his body was trembling and his heart felt incessant grievances. He quickly explained, ¡°At this time if labour is not induced, both mother and child would not be saved. If it is successful then there is a possibility that both mother and child will survive.¡± Possibility?! Receive the cold vision from Yan Hong Tian, Wang Zhi Yang silently cursed. He had been by the Emperor¡¯s side for so many years and naturally understood the Emperor¡¯s temperament but premature birth was an extremely dangerous thing and it was only a small chance that both the mother and child would be safe, thus he naturally did not dare to promise success. Wang Zhi Yang plop down on his knees and waited for Yan Hong Tian to unleash his anger. Wang Zhi Yang waited for a long time that his back was wet with seat. As he did not hear the expected fury, Wang Zhi Yang looked up slightly and saw that bright yellow boots still standing infant of him. Stunned, he immediately bowed his head lower and dare not even breathe. ¡°Ah!¡± The low cries suddenly came out from the chambers and that pain wrenching cried broke the repressed atmosphere in the room that even Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression changed. With a voice not as low as before called out agitatedly, ¡°Where is the midwife?¡± Two fifty plus year old women quickly stepped forward and replied quaveringly, ¡°Servants are here.¡± ¡°Ah¡ª¡± Another shrill cry sounded which made Yan Hong Tian frowned and head towards the chambers. Wang Zhi Yang saw that pair of bright yellow boots striding into the inner chambers and he quickly raise his head up and urgently said, ¡°Emperor¡­¡± Before he could even say anything, Yan Hong Tian had already opened the curtains. What can they do about this! When women give birth, not to mention the Emperor, even in normal families, men absolutely cannot see it. They cannot even go near the delivery room. Else they would be stained with bad luck and would incur calamity! Wang Zhi Yang wanted to go in to discourage Yan Hong Tian but a pair of hands stopped him. ¡°Imperial Physician Wang, this is not the Palace and some regulation should be avoided. The most important is to save the patient.¡± The female voice was very soft but there was a trace of deterrence. Wang Zhi Yang looked up and saw Xiao Yu. Looking towards the chambers, there was no one who dared to say anything. If the Emperor really loses his temper, he was only a small Imperial Physician and now could only kneel on the ground. What qualification did he have to persuade? He was afraid that before he even open his mouth, he could no longer say anything. ¡°Qing Feng¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian stood in front of the bed and stared at the female on the bed. The female was still crying in pain and she looked worse than when she fell down in the morning. It was currently in the beginning of winter but her sweat has soaked her clothes and her face was so pale like there was no blood. She bit her already white lips and that pair of eyes remained constant staring at the bed frame. Turning to her head to the side and seeing Yan Hong Tian standing in front of the bed, Qing Feng grabbed his sleeves and pulled. She did not care that her actions would be offending the Heavens, ¡°Yan Hong Tian¡­ The child, the child¡­¡± Her Ladyship actually addressed the Emperor by his name! Ru Yi who was kneeling at the side to wipe Qing Feng¡¯s sweat was so shocked that her hands were trembling. She looked up a little and saw the Emperor¡¯s black robes had been pulled down by her Ladyship and her Ladyship kept on calling the Emperor¡¯s name. Ru Yi quickly kept her head bowed and dare not look at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression and she could not help but to take two steps back. Just when Ru Yi was so scared that she did not know what to do, the Emperor actually squatted down and held her Ladyship¡¯s hand before clearly saying, ¡°The child is alright. The Imperial Physicians and midwives are here. You and the child would be alright.¡± The Emperor¡¯s voice was so loud that every single person could hear it clearly and each word were heavily weighted down in one¡¯s heart. ¡°Really?¡± The pain had long blurred Qing Feng¡¯s eyes but she could hear clearly that calm and clear promise. ¡°Really.¡± The fear of pain during birth was at this moment appeased. She believed him and could only believe him. Placing down the concerns and fears in her heart, the pain seemed to be even more ferocious that Qing Feng could only scream out. ¡°What are you all standing there for!¡± Yan Hong Tian shouted out lowly and all of the people in the chambers who were frozen finally recovered. The Imperial Physicians quickly took out acupuncture needles, medicinal concoctions and got ready for the delivery. The midwives also ran to the bed hastily. Yan Hong Tian stood silently by the bed and that pressure was overbearing everyone. The other Imperial Physicians looked at him pleadingly and Wang Zhi Yang¡¯s heart tighten as he walked to Yan Hong Tian to say, ¡°Emperor, it would be better for you to rest outside. We officials will put in every effort to keep her Ladyship and child safe!¡± ¡°Just now you all should have heard clearly the words Zhen said to Imperial Concubine Qing. A monarch¡¯s words are not a joking matter!¡± This time Yan Hong Tian did not make things difficult for them and only leave that sentence behind before he stepped out of the chambers and headed towards outside. A monarch¡¯s words are not a joking matter! If¡­ Something goes wrong with Imperial Concubine Qing or the child, it meant that they caused the Emperor to break his promise, then¡­ They would have to make it good with their lives! All of the people there were alarmed. This time without Yan Hong Tian¡¯s presence, time quickly flew by but no one dared to neglect as they only have one thought. They must not let anything happen to this mistress on the bed as no one wanted to be buried with her. When Yan Hong Tian stepped into the courtyard, Ming Jian was already waiting there. ¡°What did you find?¡± ¡°There were a few large chunks of rocks above the platform but there was no rain recently thus the soil was not slippery. From the rocks, it seemed that they were deliberately loosen and ropes were used to fix their positioning. Only when the timing was right then the ropes were cut and the rocks would roll down. When this official went up, there was already no one there and that person was very cautious. Other than the small traces of touched soil and some traces of loose rope, there was nothing left.¡± One monarch, one official. One was undemonstrative, one was unyielding. Both had the same gloomy expression. They sure came prepared and the attack was directed at Qing Feng. The timing was just right that it was enough that no one had any chance to save her. It could be seen that in addition to the high level of martial arts that person possessed, they had put in extensive thought into it this time. That person was also aware of their whereabouts and preferences, knowing that Qing Feng loved painting and also knew that he loved beautiful landscape and would definitely stand on the stone recess to appreciate the bamboos. ¡°Did the guards near the residence found anything unusual?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s voice was consistently low which made Ming Jian¡¯s expression darken and he knelt with one knee on the floor, ¡°This official has neglect his duty.¡± Xiao Yu dared not step into that courtyard and her hand unconsciously tightened as she was a little worried for Ming Jian. If what happened today was not a natural disaster and was man-made, it would be different from the situation with the Imperial Physicians. No matter how Qing Feng and the child was, Ming Jian had already neglected his duty. The midday sun was shining down on them but there was no warmth as the cold atmosphere enveloped both men. At this time a young guard ran in from outside the courtyard and when he saw the both of them in the courtyard, the guard also keenly felt the atmosphere was not usual and did not know whether to go forward. Xiao Yu walked over and quietly asked, ¡°What is the matter?¡± The guard whispered a few words to Xiao Yu¡¯s ear and her brows knitted but quickly released. After waving her hand to the guard, she turned around and headed towards both of them, one stand and one kneeling. After stopping about two or three zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) away, she said, ¡°Emperor, the Empress Dowager and Empress have arrived.¡± Yan Hong Tian looked up and saw an entourage of people coming from afar. ¡°Go investigate.¡± Yan Hong Tian only said two words and did not blame Ming Jian. Xiao Yu was secretly relieved but Ming Jian¡¯s expression was colder than before. ¡°Yes.¡± Ming Jian just left the courtyard when the Empress Dowager and Empress came in together. Yan Hong Tian was already too tired to deal with it and his mood was not good but the person coming was Lou Su Xin, so Yan Hong Tian had to go up to greet, ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°Aijia heard that Qing Feng fell down the stairs and specially came over to see. How is the child?¡± Lou Su Xin only thought about her precious Imperial grandchild and that made Xin Yue Ning happy and at the same time bitter. In their eyes, the most important thing was still the Imperial line and would not even care about the female who was carrying the child. So she must protect Jing-er¡¯s position, as long as there was a day with Jing-er, no one could touch her! Yan Hong Tian supported Lou Su Xin into the house and replied, ¡°Imperial Physicians and midwives are still inside.¡± ¡°Midwives?¡± Xin Yu Ning was surprised, ¡°Is she going to deliver?¡± Like in response to her words, a loud cry came from the chambers and this time the four Imperial Physicians also withdrew from the chambers. Lou Su Xin asked worriedly, ¡°Imperial Physician Wang, what is exactly going on? Isn¡¯t this not the full term yet? Wang Zhi Yang just walked and was welcomed by the Empress Dowager¡¯s questions. It was fortunate that the delivery was induced successfully and Wang Zhi Yang¡¯s hanging heart was stabilised, thus he could calmly reply, ¡°Replying to the Empress Dowager, Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s abdomen sustained impact and could not wait till it was full term to deliver. Just now these officials had performed acupuncture to induce labour and now the midwives are delivering. Her Ladyship is doing well and the Empress Dowager do not need to worry.¡± Finishing his words, Wang Zhi Yang stealthily looked at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression but could not see any joy or anger. How was this possible? Qing Feng¡¯s child¡­ Was it not¡­ Xin Yue Ning looked back at Shui Xin and Shui Xin shook her head gently to tell her not to be impatient. But she came here to exposed the news of Qing Feng¡¯s miscarriage and now with this kind of situation, how could she be assured?! Xin Yue Ning stared at Wang Zhi Yang and snapped, ¡°Are you sure that there is no problem with the child? This is a big matter to the Imperial bloodline!¡± Wang Zhi Yang understood inexplicably in his heart but dared not take it lightly as he ensured, ¡°This lowly official words are all true and would not dare to deceive the Empress Dowager.¡± Xin Yue Ning initial intention was to verify if the child was still in existence but Lou Su Xin thought of another aspect and urgently said, ¡°If the child is born prematurely, will there be any problems?¡± The Emperor¡¯s lineage had been thin and it was very difficult to have this child. If there was an issue upon birth, what can be done? Wang Zhi Yang deliberated repeatedly before replying cautiously, ¡°A premature child¡¯s health tend to be relatively weak but with excellent conditioning and care, there would not be any difference to that of a child born in full-term.¡± As long as the child can be recuperated it was good. Lou Su Xin¡¯s heart was relieved. But Xin Yue Ning was not resigned to it and she wanted to walk into the chambers to see what was happening. With her hands balled up, Shui Xin pretended to help be but was firmly pulling and holding Xin Yue Ning back. A baby¡¯s wails pierced through a restless room. ¡°Delivered?!¡± Lou Su Xin was filled with joy and after a short while the midwife came out carrying a baby wrapped with a red coat and said repeatedly, ¡°Congratulating the Emperor. Congratulating the Empress Dowager. It¡¯s a prince!¡± A prince! Lou Su Xin immediately went up and smiled, ¡°Quickly bring to Aijia to carry!¡± Xin Yue Ning also took a step forward and saw the baby in Lou Su Xin arms. The small face was crumpled up and his eyes were tightly shut and it seemed that there was no vitality. Xin Yue Ning¡¯s heart was very resentful but she still put on a pleased look. The soft and tender baby was obediently lying in the embrace which made Lou Su Xin like it so much and repeatedly said, ¡°Thank the heavens and earth! The ancestors had blessed and protected!¡± The Emperor finally had another son! A group of people surrounded Lou Su Xin and repeatedly congratulated but Yan Hong Tian did not go over to look at his own newborn son. He instead softly asked the midwife, ¡°How is she?¡± The midwife replied softly, ¡°The Emperor can be assured that Imperial Concubine Qing had fainted due to the exhaustion and there was no big issue arise. After resting for a few days, she would be fine.¡± After finishing, she quickly turn to her side to make way but who knew that the Emperor did not enter the chambers to visit Imperial Concubine Qing. The midwife was confused. Before her Ladyship delivered, the Emperor was so anxious and everyone could tell that the Emperor favoured and felt tenderness towards her Ladyship but why was he this cold now? He even did not take a second glance at that new born baby. Satisfied with the baby in her arms, Lou Su Xin spoke, ¡°Well, well. Its good that she is fine. It seems that with Qing Feng¡¯s condition, she would not be able to take good care of the baby. And since the condition is so humble here, Aijia will bring the prince back to the Palace.¡± ¡°No.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s voice was calm and low as usual which gave a shock to Lou Su Xin and Xin Yue Ning. Chapter 77 ¡°No.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s voice was calm and low as usual which gave a shock to Lou Su Xin and Xin Yue Ning. Over the years, the Emperor¡¯s heirs were scarce and he did not take it seriously and even to Jing-er, his only Prince, Yan Hong Tian would also be indifferent. But today he actually took interest in a newborn baby. Xin Yu Ning¡¯s heart was shocked and angry but Lou Su Xin¡¯s was much more calmer and she asked, ¡°Why not to bring back to the Palace?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s cold brows slightly pricked and did not have any intention to explain it. Seeing that the Empress Dowager¡¯s expression was getting unhappier, Wang Zhi Yang quickly stepped forward and said, ¡°Replying the Empress Dowager, a premature child¡¯s body is very frail and cannot endure even the slightest wind, much less the fatigue of travel. It is better to let the Little Prince to recuperate in this residence for a few days before heading back to the Palace.¡± Seeing the small and thin baby in her arms, Lou Su Xin¡¯s heart ached and she exclaimed, ¡°Then Aijia will stay here so that it would be easier to take care.¡± The Empress Dowager would actually stay back for the child? It was indeed different for a Prince. That year when Concubine Ru gave birth to a Princess, the Empress Dowager did not treasure the baby to this extent! After loosening her tight fist hidden in her sleeves, Xin Yue Ning pretended to be worried and said, ¡°Imperial Mother, how can one let you toil? Let Chenqie stay behind to take care, after all Jing-er was brought up single-handedly by Chenqie so Chenqie have some experience in childcare.¡± ¡°Aijia know that you have the heart but Jing-er still need your care and guidance so you should head back to the Palace earlier.¡± Even though she was speaking, Lou Su Xin¡¯s thoughts were all on the Little Precious and her eyes did not accommodate anyone else. ¡°But¡­¡± Xin Yue Ning wanted to say something but Yan Hong Tian could not tolerate, ¡°Enough. Zhen will make arrangements here and you all can go back. Xiao Yu, send the Empress Dowager and Empress out.¡± ¡°Yes. Your Ladyship the Empress, please.¡± Xiao Yu walked to Xin Yue Ning¡¯s side and gave a bow before making a requesting gesture. It seems to be polite and respectful but was blocking Xin Yue Ning that she could not even say another word to the Emperor! Xin Yue Ning glared at Xiao Yu harshly. This lowly servant relied on the backing of the Emperor and did not put anyone in her eyes. She would one day get rid of her! There was not one thing that was to her liking today and she unfortunately cannot get angry now. Xin Yue Ning was filled with anger as she coldly scoffed and pushed Xiao Yu before walking out in a fury. Lou Su Xin slowly raised her head and looked at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s cold face when she suddenly laughed. She did not think that he actually started to chase people away. If she don¡¯t leave then she would also be ¡°invited¡± out. It was rare that he had a little initiative of a father so she did not make things difficult for him. Passing the child to the midwife, Lou Su Xin softly said, ¡°Alright, then Aijia will go back first. Make early arrangement for Imperial Concubine Qing and the Prince to go back to the Palace. It¡¯s not necessarily safer here.¡± Lou Su Xin returned to the Palace after leaving a profound sentence but Xiao Yu found that the Emperor¡¯s expression was still cold and that dark cloudy air around him was much heavier. ***** ¡°En¡­¡± Qing Feng slowly woke up and felt her entire body fatigue with her head feeling dizzy. After finally opening her eyes, the lights were so dim that she was unable to see anything clearly. Feeling that someone was approaching, Qing Feng wanted to open her lips to inquire when she heard Ru Yi¡¯s joyous voice, ¡°Your Ladyship, you are awake!¡± Ru Yi parted open the curtain and lit two lanterns and the chambers was much brighter. Qing Feng half propped herself and looked out, it was already dark outside the window, ¡°What is the time now? How long have I slept for?¡± ¡°It is just after Xushi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 pm). You had been sleeping from the afternoon till now. The Imperial Physician had brought over two rounds of medicine but you did not woke.¡± Picking up the bowl on the table, Ru Yi walk to Qing Feng¡¯s side and gently said, ¡°You must be hungry. Drink some bird¡¯s nest porridge. The medicine will be send over soon.¡± Medicine? Yes, she and Yan Hong Tian went up the mountain to view the bamboo scenery, then after she fell down the mountain trail¡­ The child! Everything that happened today flashed in her mind and Qing Feng looked around in a flurry and did not see her child or anything that was related to a child. There was no baby cot, no baby quilt or coat. There was nothing at all. This room was so clean that it was like the condition it was when she came yesterday. Could it be that the child was not able to be saved in the end? Qing Feng heart pained as she tried to supress her fears and asked difficultly, ¡°Where is¡­ My child?¡± With one hand holding the bowl of porridge and the other hand supporting Qing Feng to sit up, Ru Yi comforted, ¡°Your Ladyship need not worry, you gave birth to a Little Prince for the Emperor and the Empress Dowager specially chosen two wet nurses and a few experience old mamas to take care of the Prince. Your Ladyship can rest assure.¡± Was it indeed a boy? Qing Feng struggled to sit up and anxiously said, ¡°Pass the porridge to me and go and carry the baby for me to see.¡± When the baby was delivered, she fainted thus she did not even see the face of her child and was currently anxious to see him. ¡°Yes.¡± After handing the bowl to Qing Feng, Ru Yi attentively took a few cushions to support Qing Feng¡¯s waist and made her lean more comfortably before leaving the chambers. Holding the bowl of porridge, Qing Feng felt a little numb as at this moment her brain was still a little mixed up. After a short while, a few footsteps were heard coming nearer. Qing Feng looked up and saw Ru Yi leading two persons in, one a pretty female around twenty plus of age, carrying a red brocade swaddling wrap cloth, and behind her stood an old mama. Both of them walked to the side of the bed and slightly bend to greet, ¡°These servants greets your Ladyship. May your Ladyship have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± The baby in the swaddling clothes should be her child. Seeing that female firmly carrying the child in her arms, Qing Feng¡¯s heart inexplicably uncomfortable and loudly spoke, ¡°Ru Yi.¡± Ru Yi was intuitive and carefully carried Little Prince over. When she reached the bed, she squatted down and lifted the baby higher so that Qing Feng can see clearer. Under the candle light, the little baby red face looked even more rosy with a touch of pink. His eyes were closed like he was asleep and that two little hands were balled up to a fist and on his chest. He was really very small. This was her child¡­ Qing Feng wanted to reach out to hug him but he was so small and so frail and she was so afraid that she would hurt him. Looking unblinkingly at that little guy, she thought about him being in her belly and tortured her so much that she was unable to eat or sleep well and also kick her frequently. Qing Feng could not tell how her heart was feeling. It was warm and full. Qing Feng was looking so entranced and Ru Yi was carrying the baby vertically. Perhaps he was a little uncomfortable and gently turned. That pretty female saw it and wanted to go forward to carry the baby but Qing Feng slightly frowned, ¡°You all can withdraw.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± The pretty female looked at the old mama beside her perplexedly and the old mama took a step forward and spoke softly, ¡°Your Ladyship¡¯s body is frail and must rest well. The servants were brought over by the Empress Dowager¡¯s orders and would definitely be dedicated in taking care of the Little Prince. May your Ladyship rest assure.¡± Qing Feng look at that seemingly respectful, but actually not, old mama and laughed coldly, ¡°Is it that Bengong¡¯s words are not clear enough or is there a change in master here and now it is you all who are the masters?¡± Both of them got scared and quickly knelt down, the crime of going against a master is a big one and they cannot bear it! They had long heard that this Imperial Concubine Qing had lots of tricks up her sleeves but did not know that she was this powerful. She just woke up and could give them a show of strength. This was unlike the Palace and the Empress Dowager was not here thus they had to adapt to the circumstances since the Emperor favoured her. ¡°This servant don¡¯t dare. This servant will retire.¡± Both persons respectfully bowed and hurried out. Ru Yi was secretly pleased. That old mama took the advantage that she belonged to the Empress Dowager and was yelling and shouting at her just now. It was a good thing that her own mistress¡¯s presence was getting more awe-inspiring. When Ru Yi¡¯s heart was in the midst of rejoicing, the Little Prince in her arms was no longer happy. Unsure if it was because of Ru Yi¡¯s young age thus she did not know how to carry or was it that the child was hungry, the previous sounding sleeping little guy started to writhing his neck and making crying noises. Ru Yi panicked and did not know what to do. Qing Feng place the bowl of porridge down by her side table and said, ¡°Let me carry.¡± After placing the Little Prince onto Qing Feng¡¯s arms, Ru Yi was relieved as she squatted in front of the bed and praised with a smile, ¡°The Little Prince is so adorable and look just like the Emperor.¡± The soft feeling in her arms made Qing Feng¡¯s heart soften and her lips unconsciously hooked up. She coax the child as she listened to Ru Yi. Look like him? Qing Feng carefully look at the little guy in her arms, a small little face which was still not even awake. Still considered adorable but how to see if he looks like who? When she did not see Yan Hong Tian when she woke up, even though Qing Feng did not say it, her heart felt some disappointment. So when Ru Yi mention it, Qing Feng pretended to casually ask, ¡°Where¡¯s the Emperor?¡± ¡°In the afternoon, the Empress Dowager and Empress came over to visit you and it seems that they¡­ Had a dispute with the Emperor. After they left, the Emperor also went out and was not back till now.¡± Qing Feng was slightly stunned, ¡°The Empress Dowager and Empress came over to see me?¡± ¡°En.¡± Qing Feng wanted to ask about what dispute was there with the Empress Dowager and Yan Hong Tian when she heard the doors open and a familiar figure strode in. Ru Yi quickly knelt down and bowed, ¡°May the Emperor have innumerable fortune.¡± The baby in her arms finally stopped crying and Qing Feng was secretly relieved. She looked up at Yan Hong Tian and saw him standing in front of the screen, taking off his outer robes. His clothes were actually wet. Qing Feng looked out the wind and found out that it had begun to drizzle. Ru Yi quickly got up to serve. She took the outer robes and got some clean clothes for the Emperor to change. Seeing Ru Yi helping him to tidy up, Qing Feng did not say anything more and softly cajoling the baby as she asked softly, ¡°Had your meal?¡± It was an ordinary sentence that any wife in an ordinary family would ask but it made Yan Hong Tian freeze for a moment. He felt a different and fresh feeling in his heart. Since his accession to the throne, there was no one who dared to speak to him like that. Yan Hong Tian looked in and that light orange candlelight through the thin drapes and onto her, like a halo around her. Her loose hair was not tied together, revealing a lazy style as it hung behind her. The colour on her face was much better than during the day and as she was gently rocking the child in her arms, her face was filled with contentment and joy of pampering. Yan Hong Tian was sucked into this warm and beautiful scene that he forgot to respond. After no one answered for a long time, Qing Feng looked up and met with a pair of blank and dazed eyes. Qing Feng laughed, ¡°Have not eaten yet?¡± After recovering himself, Yan Hong Tian lightly coughed and faintly replied, ¡°Taken already.¡± When he walked to the front of the bed he saw a bowl of still steaming porridge on the side table with only a few mouthfuls eaten. Yan Hong Tian frowned, ¡°Why only eat so little?¡± After he said that, Qing Feng felt that her stomach was indeed hungry and gently waved towards him, ¡°Come over here.¡± Yan Hong Tian just went beside her to sit down when Qing Feng placed the child she was carrying to his arms and said, ¡°Let you carry for a while. I will drink the porridge.¡± Qing Feng had only just ate two mouthful when she heard Yan Hong Tian deep voice calling out, ¡°Ru Yi.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Carry the child away.¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Qing Feng got anxious, ¡°Why should the child be carried away?¡± ¡°It is no longer early and you should rest so naturally the child have to be taken care by the wet nurse.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression was weird and his brows were knitted tightly together. She know that there were such regulations in the Palace and the princes or princess would usually not live with the mother. After birth, the child would be taken care by the wet nurses and old mamas. The mothers could only see the child when they come over in the morning and evening greetings. This was perhaps their norms but she did not want it to be like this. If she cannot take care or be with her own child, what kind of mother was that? She was born in a normal family, with a mother¡¯s devotion, father¡¯s warm and generosity and harmonious sisters. She wished that her child would be like her. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression was not good from the beginning and Qing Feng did not want to argue with him this time. She put on a soft voice and said, ¡°I just saw the child and could not bear to be separated with him. Let him accompany me tonight, alright?¡± Yan Hong Tian had always been stubborn and Qing Feng thought that she would need to use a lot of effort to convince him but who knew that he did not talk to her about any rules or regulation and instead raise the child hurriedly and coldly said, ¡°Then you carry yourself.¡± The child was obedient and did not cry or make a fuss and this was his son so why did he have that look of avoidance! Qing Feng asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡± Yan Hong Tian remained silent and his face had gotten much darker. When the little baby moved his neck, Yan Hong Tian immediately stiffen and his voice had traces of panic, ¡°He¡¯s¡­ Too soft. Quickly carry him away.¡± He did not have many heirs and also did not carry a child before thus he naturally did not know what to do. The little baby was so soft like there were no bones at all! As it turns out he put on a dark expression and wanted the child to be carried away because he did not know how to carry a child? Qing Feng found it ridiculous and funny. After knowing the reason, she took her outstretched hands back and snappily humph, ¡°You think that it is that easy to be a father! Continue carrying.¡± Finishing, she happily continue to pick up the bowl of porridge and just kept on eating. Ru Yi looked up slightly and saw the Emperor holding the Little Prince with both hands, neither letting go nor carrying properly and could not help but giggled. Yan Hong Tian shot a cold look to her and she was so scared that her neck shrank back. The Emperor could not bear to be angry with her Ladyship and the Little Prince but would absolutely be willing to take it out on her. ¡°This servant will retire.¡± Ru Yi hurriedly bowed and quickly ran out. The rain was falling outside the house but in the house the Emperor of Qiong Yue and master of six nations had an indescribable feeling. Or was this a so called feeling of a father? Chapter 78 When Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) came, Yan Hong Tian woke up like usual but that pair of opened eyes was not as clear as usual. Even during the busiest period during the celebration, he was not as tired as this. Yan Hong Tian propped his head sideways and saw this round horizontal little thing in the center of the bed. After rearing for a few days, his skin was much rosier and that closed eyes were like a crescent moon and that small little mouth was slightly pouting. When he was quiet, he was rather lovable but once he cried, it would be vexing. Not mentioning during the daytime, he would cry and fuss about two or three arounds at night. Yan Hong Tian had never knew that children are such troublesome things. Only three days had pass and he was already tormented like this, not to mention Qing Feng who has no experience as a mother but still want to do everything personally. Yan Hong Tian just wanted to get up when that little rascal sleeping in the middle suddenly moved. Even though his closed eyes were not open but that small little mouth started to draw back as it got bigger and it appeared that he would be crying again. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face froze and he called out, ¡°Someone come!¡± Ru Yi gently pushed open the doors and just walked into the chambers when she heard the Emperor deliberately lower voice with some traces of anxious, ¡°Carry the child to the wet nurse.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi suppressed her laughter and quickly walk over to the side of the bed. When she carried the Prince, Qing Feng who was lying in the bed propped herself to sit up even though she was so tired that she could not open her eyes and murmured, ¡°What is wrong with him¡­¡± ¡°You have not been sleeping well these days. Just get them to carry the baby over when you wake up.¡± Yan Hong Tian waved his hands to Ru Yi to let her carry the child away. Even though the already badly tormented Qing Feng did not say anything and lean again the edge of the bed yawning, seeing her haggard face, Yan Hong Tian softly humph, ¡°Brought trouble for oneself.¡± Qing Feng lazily stretch her back as she criticised in her heart, the child make noises every single night but he still come over every day to rest. She don¡¯t believe that in this entire large residence there was no other rooms. He say that she brought trouble on herself but it did not seem that he was anywhere better. But Qing Feng only dare to swallow down these words, in case someone fly into a rage out of humiliation. After sitting for a while, Qing Feng¡¯s spirits were better and seeing that Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mood was not bad, Qing Feng brightly look towards his direction and smile, ¡°There is something that I want to discuss with you.¡± ¡°Say it then.¡± Rarely seeing her putting in effort to fawn, Yan Hong Tian vaguely guessed what she wanted to say. ¡°After returning to the Palace, I was thinking¡­ To bring up this child myself¡­ Before he is three, can he stay with me in Qing Feng Hall?¡± Qing Feng spoke very carefully, specially that ¡®three¡¯ word, she struggled a lot before finally saying it. ¡°Each Prince would have their own palace after they are born and would not live together with his mother. Do you want to spoil this rule?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows slightly furrowed but he did not get angry. However that cool tone indicated that Qing Feng¡¯s proposal was a wishful thought. Qing Feng had earlier guessed that it would be this outcome but her heart was still very disappointed. She knew finally understood Chen Zhen¡¯s feeling, not to be able to be with one¡¯s child daily was the greatest torment to a mother. Letting out a heavy sigh, Qing Feng replied, ¡°Alright, I will not spoil your rules.¡± So easy to talk to? ¡°What do you want to do again?¡± Qing Feng shrugged, ¡°What can I do?¡± According to his understanding, even though she was not considered someone who would be unscrupulously to reach her goals, but was one that would not give up easily. Yan Hong Tian sat down on the couch and lifted her chin so that she would look directly at his eyes and smiled, ¡°Say it for Zhen to listen, to avoid your shocking actions that would offend the entire society and for Zhen to roughly know how to deal when the Empress Dowager and Empress come looking for trouble.¡± Xiao Yu calculated that Yan Hong Tian would have gotten up at Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) and when she was at the door, she found that it was not closed. When she entered the outer chamber, she was able to hear the Emperor¡¯s voice, with a touch of teasing, coming from inside and look into the room from the screen. The morning sun shone on the two of them sitting on the bed and talking but naturally she was unable to see their expression clearly as it was still dim. However she could hear the rare indulgence and favouring in the Emperor¡¯s voice. Xiao Yu gently smiled and quietly backed out, not forgetting to close the door. Yan Hong Tian himself probably did not notice that he was indulging Qing Feng this much and Qing Feng definitely did not grasp it so she naturally did not feel grateful and directly rolled her eyes at him and push his hands away before she softly humph, ¡°I dare not offend the entire society. It¡¯s just that since the Prince cannot stay over with me then it is alright for me will go over to his residence to stay.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian was dumbfounded. For a concubine to move to live with the price, was something unheard of in the this and the previous dynasties. Was this what she was referring to as not spoiling the rules? Qing Feng thought about it and found that it was a little too much but she was not willing to resign to this unfeeling regulation. After pondering for a long time, she came up with an idea, ¡°If this also does not work then I will go and see him every day at Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) and head back to Qing Feng Hall at Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm). This would be alright then. In your Imperial regulation, there is no rule on how many shichen a mother can see the child for right?¡± ¡°The Prince is your child and even if you are not accompanying him, he is still your child. You don¡¯t need to do everything by yourself.¡± What was the difference with going there at Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) and returning at Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm) and staying there? As someone born in the Imperial family, Yan Hong Tian was used to how mother and son getting along in the Palace and really did not understand Qing Feng¡¯s stubbornness. She did not want her son to become like Yan Hong Tian, so hard to fathom his joy and anger and be so cold and ruthless. She especially did not want him to be like Yan Jing that arrogant and ignorant. She wants to personally accompany, care and teach her child so she had to convince him. ¡°Because¡­ I don¡¯t want in the future, my child to ask me what is the feeling of between a mother and child.¡± Qing Feng know that she had made a risky move and sure enough when she finished, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face immediately sank. These few days that face was filled with smile and now that dark and deep eyes were filled with brutal cold force like an ice knife, slicing her a little at a time. ¡°Your nerve is getting. Bigger. And. Bigger!¡± This was the so called fury of a monarch and she had definitely stepped on his pain. But it was only like that then there would be an opportunity to move him. Qing Feng clench her fist tightly and use the pain that she felt in her palms to ease the fear in her heart, ¡°Yan Hong Tian, I am his mother, I do not want to only see him every day during greetings. I do not want him to be closer to the wet nurse than me and definitely do not want my son to be brought up by mamas and eunuchs!¡± Both of them kept staring at one another without giving in. That pair of black eyes looked into that seemingly placid eyes and say the undercurrent it hid. Staring with such intensity, it would make one forget to breath. Just as Qing Feng was about to suffocate, Yan Hong Tian coldly spit out two words, ¡°One year.¡± What one year? He was saying¡­ The child could stay with her in Qing Feng Hall for one year? Qing Feng¡¯s eyes lit up, he actually agreed? Qing Feng¡¯s face was filled with joy, ¡°Thank¡­¡± Before she could even finish, Yan Hong Tian strode away without even looking at her. When he left, that overbearing pressure was also dispersed and Qing Feng clenched fists also slowly relaxed. She took a long sigh of relief. Whatever it was, one year was also good. Within this one year, she could still find the opportunity to convince him even though it would be difficult. Qing Feng laid on the bed. Even though her body was exhausted, she could not sleep and did not want to move. So she just stayed like that staring at the top of the bed dazing until Ru Yi came in to ask her if she wanted to have lunch, Qing Feng then recovered, afternoon came so quickly. After letting Ru Yi bring a few dishes over, Qing Feng appetited was still not very good and she only ate a few bits before instructing Ru Yi, ¡°Ru Yi, let the wet nurse carry the child over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Knowing that her mistress misses her son, Ru Yi quickly left and in a short while lead a female back. This female was not the wet nurse a few days again. She did not look young, seemingly in her early thirties, with a clean look and very quiet. ¡°Let me carry.¡± Qing Feng stretched her hands out and that female immediately placed the Little Prince from her embrace to Qing Feng¡¯s hands and quietly stepped aside. The little guy slept very peacefully and the light herbal fragrance indicated that he had bathed. Qing Feng sighed. She indeed did not know how to care for a child. The day before she bathed him and that took more than one shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) and he also cried for over one shichen. Seeing this, she only lay down for a while and he had a satiate look and his body was refreshed. Qing Feng found it funny and angry at the same time. Qing Feng wanted to ask the female a few thing and when she look back, she saw her with her head slightly lowered as she stood at ¡°Replying to your Ladyship, this servant¡¯s name is Shen Yao.¡± Quiet with only a few words and was restrain and gentle. Qing Feng took a few more look at her and was thinking of letting her come to Qing Feng Hall to serve after returning to the Palace. As such, she would not be flustered with everything. Qing Feng was thinking about it when Xiao Yu came in carrying two boxes, one big and one small. Qing Feng laughed, ¡°Xiao Yu, what good things are you holding?¡± Placing both boxes gently on the table, Xiao Yu then smiled and replied, ¡°Naturally good stuff. The Prime Minister¡¯s Residence and General¡¯s Residence send the congratulatory gifts over.¡± ¡°Congratulatory gifts?¡± Qing Feng was taken aback and did not react. Xiao Yu placed the two gift boxes in front of Qing Feng and smile, ¡°En, for the Little Prince.¡± The child was only born three four days ago and gifts were send over so hurriedly, it should be her sisters borrowing Lou Xi Yan¡¯s and Su Ling¡¯s name to send it. Ru Yi curiously picked up the white brocade box on top. The box was only palm-size and it was light. The wooden box below was much larger and when she touched it, it did not move. It seems that the thing inside was not light at all. Ru Yi chuckled, ¡°One light and one heavy. Wonder what kind of gifts are they?¡± ¡°Then open it up to see what treasure it is. Zhen is a little curious.¡± A deep rough voice came from outside and Yan Hong Tian tall figure appeared at the door. Qing Feng was apprehensive but Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression had returned to normal and there was a faint smile on his lips, like the morning events did not happen. Qing Feng slightly lowered her head and saw that his shoes were stain a little by mud and there was some yellow bamboo leaves. It turns out that he went to the bamboo forest. ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± ¡°Raise.¡± Yan Hong Tian sat by Qing Feng and Ru Yi picked up the small square box and gently opened it up. There was a slightly larger than a thumb-size jade pendant wrapped in red silk brocade. Ru Yi took the jade pendant out and handed it over to Qing Feng¡¯s hand and praised, ¡°Look at this your Ladyship, this jade pendant is really beautiful. Prime Minister Lou is truly an elegant gentleman.¡± Qing Feng looked at the jade pendant in her hands and there was not the usual carved flowers or auspicious patterns on the jade. It was just a plain and simple piece of oval jade which was very delicate and white. The most special feature is that in this cold start of winter, this jade was warm and when one place on the palm, that warm heat would flow from the up and warm up the heart. Rong San Nuan Jade (literal translation: Melting Mountain Warm Jade)? Yan Hong Tian only took a glance at it and instantly recognised it. According to legends, when a child was young, if they have the Nuan Jade close to them, it would prevent the cold or evil from entering. When Xi Yan was young, his health was not good so that year in order to get him a piece of Rong San Nuan Jade, the Lou family used all their effort and energy. He did not think that he would eventually give it to this child. Ru Yi saw Prime Minister Lou¡¯s gift and was staring curiously at the big heavy wooden box. She smiled, ¡°Wonder what gift did General Su send?¡± Xiao Yu opened the wooden box and saw an golden ornament laying quietly inside, no wonder it was this heavy. Xiao Yu had to use both hands to in order to pick the item up. When she say the shape of the ornament, Xiao Yu could not help but called out lowly, ¡°Ya Zi?!¡± That ornament had a dragon body and a beast (wolf) head, its mouth was biting a treasured sword and it was an awe-inspiring and majestic heavenly animal. Although this may be one of the nine sons of the dragon, it naturally loved to kill and fight thus it was usually fixed on weapons so as to deter the enemy. Qing Feng¡¯s face paled, this gift is obviously not sent by Mo-er, so it was sent by Su Ling. After staying in the Inner Palace during these days, she understood that even though she was favoured, most people still do not take her seriously and waited to see her make a joke of herself and also waited to see how she would end up like without the Emperor¡¯s favour. Now with Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling open declaration of support, even without Yan Hong Tian favour and protection, she would not have a difficult time in the Palace. Qing Feng thank Su Ling in her heart but also started to worry for him. How would Yan Hong Tian see it? Su Ling was had two-thirds of the military power of Qiong Yue under his command and to send this kind of hostile animal as a gift to a Prince¡­ Ru Yi did not understand why Xiao Yu¡¯s and Qing Feng¡¯s expression had become so solemn and the atmosphere of the room was instantly weird. The Emperor only took the golden ornament in his hands and suddenly burst out laughing, ¡°Its indeed a gift from the General¡¯s Residence.¡± Qing Feng was unable to guess if he was so angry that he laughed or was it truly an approval and kept quiet. She slightly look over at Xiao Yu, since Xiao Yu had been by Yan Hong Tian¡¯s side for so many years, she would be able to gauge his intentions. Her face had resume to her usual. Did it mean that Yan Hong Tian was not angry at all? A guard soldier hurriedly ran over and anxiously look into the house. Yan Hong Tian lightly nodded and Xiao Yu walked out the door. The soldier whispered some words and there was a surprised flashed across Xiao Yu¡¯s eyes. Returning back to the house, Xiao Yu half knelt down to whisper a few sentences to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s ear. His sharp brows slightly raise but his black pupils turn cold first before showing some signs of interest. What issue made Yan Hong Tian put on that expression? Xiao Yu just look at her a little, did it mean that whatever thing that had happened was related to her? As Qing Feng was guessing, Yan Hong Tian suddenly got up, ¡°Zhen had been staying in the residence for quite some time and will go directly back to the Palace later. You should prepare in advance. Three days later there will be someone who will pick you back.¡± After leaving that sentence, Yan Hong Tian left again but this time in a more hurried pace. Qing Feng was secretly relieved and felt a sense of loss at the same time. At the end, she had to return. The plum blossom trees outside were started budding and should turn out beautifully. Unfortunately she was not fated to see it this year. As her eyes swept pass the dazzling golden Ya Zi, Qing Feng quietly sighed, this gift is very precious and also a headache. Ming Ze was guarding outside the courtyard and when he saw Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hurried pace, he guessed that the Emperor would probably go out and thus instructed the soldier behind to prepare the carriage. Ming Ze went up and followed behind but Yan Hong Tian took two steps before suddenly stopping. He abruptly turned his head around and that black pair of eyes stared at Ming Ze. Ming Ze was shock but was not terrified and just stood there bowed. ¡°You are called Ming Ze?¡± The deep voice sounding from above his head and Ming Ze was startled before he replied, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Ming Jian¡¯s younger brother?¡± After a brief silence, Ming Ze softly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°From today onwards, protecting Imperial Concubine Qing and the Prince is your responsibility.¡± Chapter 79 Prime Minister Residence Under the thick dark night, there was not a trace of wave on the deep lake and the clear cool moonlight added a sight on the deep plated lake. Two tall figures sat opposite of one another in front of Lan Yue Tower and the stone table was already filled up with vats of wine. The purple-clad male hand his hands on his forehead as his eyes slightly narrowed, which an expression of unable to drink more. But under closer scrutiny, it was not difficult to find a trace of clarity. Seeing that the opposite outstretched hand was about to pick up another vat of wine, the purple clad male finally could not resist to say, ¡°The hour is no longer early, the Emperor still not going back to the Palace?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand stop mid-air as his brows raise, ¡°Is Noble Official is hurrying Zhen like this?¡± ¡°This official don¡¯t dare.¡± Lou Xi Yan said he didn¡¯t dare but he had already place the wine jar under the table, indicating that he did not let him continue to drink. With one hand propped on the leg of the table, Yan Hong Tian cast a sidelong glance at the wine vat under the table and when he reached out, the wine vat was returned to his hands as he sighed, ¡°The Prime Minster who gave a Huan Jade when he gifts would be so petty as to bring Hua Diao Niang to fool Zhen and now even not let drink?¡± ¡°There are only Hua Diao Niang and Xiang Xue Chun kind of light wine in the Prime Minister¡¯s residence. The Palace have plenty varieties of the heavy and matured alcohol that the Emperor wants to drink.¡± He took his cup and poured it a side and Lou Xi Yan did not stop him since there was only one jar left, ¡°Speaking about the Nuan Jade, that is a gift for a nephew, how would Xi Yan dare to neglect?¡± Yan Hong Tian drank his cup of wine with one mouthful and poured it full himself, without forcing Lou Xi Yan to continue drinking. That pair of dark eyes stared at Lou Xi Yan and teased, ¡°Since when have you become your wife¡¯s servant?¡± Lou Xi Yan did not get angry and slightly smile, ¡°Comparing to General So, I am nowhere near.¡± As Yan Hong Tian held the wine cup, the teasing look on his face faded as his brows kitted, ¡°It was indeed unexpected for Su Ling to gift such an thing over.¡± Su Ling was solitary by nature and had never had deep relationships with any minister in court and because there were no females in the Su Family, he did not have any relations in the Inner Palace. At that time, he degreed Qing Mo to Su Ling and its sole purpose was to pull him closer to Lou Xi Yan but did not think that he would sent a ¡°Ya Zi ornament to Qing Feng¡¯s child. This was an obviously indicating to be the support for Qing Feng. For Su Ling to have such a change in mind, what could be the reason? Yan Hong Tian obviously have some worries but Lou Xi Yan instead laughed, ¡°No matter how precious the gift is, General Su will gift to win a beauty¡¯s heart.¡± ¡°Qing Mo?¡± It was really because of that little girl? Thinking of that afternoon when the assassins from Ju Ling Island kidnapped the official and demanded the court to hand over Qing Mo, Su Ling that look of protecting at all cost, Yan Hong Tian suddenly understood a little. He even dared to publicly contradict the Empress and use the entire Su Clan¡¯s reputation to protect Qing Mo, so sending a Ya Zi ornament was really nothing worth to fuss. Qing Mo¡­ That girl look weak and fragile but her skills were not weak. The most peculiar thing was that even the Su Family of military forces also listen to her instruction. As his fingers gently rubbed against the white jade wine cup, Yan Hong Tian smiled, ¡°That female is indeed interesting, no wonder Su Ling treated her like a treasure. Her abilities should not be only like that right?¡± Qing Mo¡¯s specialities were not just what was seen in the afternoon but Lou Xi Yan did not intend to elaborate more and just laughed off the question and asked instead, ¡°The thing that happened the last time, it should not be an accident.¡± For Lou Xi Yan to suddenly change the subject, after so many years of understanding, Yan Hong Tian naturally know which incident he was referring to, ¡°After the rocks rolled down, Ming Jian immediately went up the mountain to investigate and it was indeed someone had loosen the rocks and took the opportunity to create this ¡®accident¡¯. But other than some loosen soil, there was nothing else. To be able to creating such a ruckus, the person(s) would not have been in the residence for a short time but not one person in the entire Imperial Guard noticed.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± It was that efficient? ¡°There was not a little trace at all?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Using his finger, Yan Hong Tian dipped it with a little wine and drew some pattern on the stone table as he replied, ¡°At the other residence, they were very careful and did not leave any trace behind. But there was only one route to Shu Chuan Courtyard so Ming Jian discovered extinguished ashes and nearby there was 3 persons¡¯ footsteps and also discovered a diamond shaped marking.¡± Lou Xi Yan looked down and saw a diamond shaped pattern with two intersecting crosses connecting (++). Usually this was a fixed mark use for liaison so it was definitely not a small-scale organisation. Lou Xi Yan guessed, ¡°The people from Ju Ling Island?¡± ¡°The actions of the people from Ju Ling Island were of a cornered beast that would do anything and held Qing Mo just to strike demands. With regards to Qing Feng¡¯s attack, they would not have a single advantage. Ming Jian had already investigated that symbol and it belonged to Ling Shui Alliance, a Jianghu clan.¡± Ling Shui Alliance? When Lou Xi Yan heard that name, his face stiffen. If Ju Ling Island was a place that only recognise money and not people, then Ling Shui Alliance was much more mysterious. According to Jianghu rumours, Ling Shui Alliance¡¯s leader was as principled as he was evil and prefer to travel alone. They were also paid assassins but most of the times they would be selling Jianghu¡¯s news and would not interfere and make an enemy with the court. Who in the court would be able to make the people from Ling Shui Alliance move? If there was one, then this person had a close relationship to the sect who sell secrets, which meant that his plans would no longer be this simple. Or was it someone who purposely left behind this mark? To divert the attention? With some doubts in his heart, Lou Xi Yan softly said, ¡°This matter must be investigate clearly.¡± ¡°Ming Jian had gone to investigate it.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression was at a rest and so Lou Xi Yan guessed that he had already arranged it earlier on and did not say anything more. Lou Xi Yan waited till he had drank the last sip of wine and just got up to leave before asking him faintly, ¡°That child, how do you prepare to handle?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s stature slightly became sluggish but it was just for a short moment before he behaved like he did not hear Yan Hong Tian¡¯s question and headed towards the courtyard doors. Lou Xi Yan stared blankly as his sharp eyes squinted. Looking at that figure going back in a bit of a hurry, his mouth could not help but slightly raise. What was the meaning of being silent? Since when did the broadly minded master of Qiong Yue escape like this? ***** It was only after Wushi (modern timing: 11 am ¨C 1 pm) and the front of Qing Feng Hall was filled with people. The servants that were serving in the hall were there, which was needless to say. There were also the seven or eight mama and gugu who were sent over by the Empress Dowager to help look after the Prince and even the other concubines and mistresses of different palaces and their eunuchs and palace maids. Fu Ling had been waiting in the at the front of the hall¡¯s door very early and from afar could see a carriage approaching. The carriage was surrounded by eunuchs and mama and there were so Imperial Guards protecting in the front and back. This entourage was no less than an Empress returning back to the Palace. Fu Ling went down the steps with joy as she walked forward to welcome. As the carriage got closer the Imperial Guard who was in front was exceedingly family and upon a closer look, it was actually Ming Ze?! Fu Ling¡¯s heart was distracted, he also followed the Emperor out of the Palace this time? But why was he escorting Mistress back to the Palace? Fu Ling stared at Ming Ze in a dazed for quite a while until the entire entourage stopped in front of Qing Feng Hall before she recovered and stopped staring for fear of being seen by others. Fu Ling picked up her pace and walked to the side of the carriage and softly called, ¡°Mistress.¡± A youthful hand lightly opened the curtain and Ru Yi appeared to answer her with a smile, ¡°Older sister Fu Ling.¡± Fu Ling gently nodded her head and Ru Yi retracted to the carriage and supported Qing Feng out of the carriage in a short while. It was the weather of early winter and she had a large cloak wrapped around her with a red swaddling clothed baby in her arms. She seemed to look like how she was when she left the Palace but it was only a few days, her face a little smoother and rounder. With both Ru Yi¡¯s and Fu Ling¡¯s support, Qing Feng dismounted the carriage easily. Looking at the thinly clad Fu Ling, she quipped, ¡°Why is it that it was only a few days of not seeing, my Fu Ling has become this thin?¡± Fu Ling was slightly stunned. As it turns out this Mistress just came back and started to make fun of her. She secretly rolled her eyes at Qing Feng as Fu Ling softly nagged, ¡°This servant is well and dare not trouble your Ladyship!¡± Knowing that she was a little angry, Qing Feng did not tease her again and instead place the Little Prince in Fu Ling¡¯s arms assuredly so that she can move her hands. Fu Ling gently lifted the corner of the swaddling cloth and saw the little baby¡¯s mouth was slightly open as he was fast asleep. Fu Ling praised in her heart: the Little Prince was so handsome. ¡°This servant greets Imperial Concubine Qing, greets the Little Prince.¡± Qing Feng only just alighted from the carriage and took a few steps when she saw everyone kneeling at Qing Feng Hall¡¯s doors and the greetings were clear, loud and very neatly. Qing Feng found it funny, it was the so called the mother¡¯s position increases due to her son. A fifty over years old mama straightened her body up and solicitously smiled, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing, the Empress Dowager empathised your hard work and specially sent these servants to take care of the Little Prince.¡± She send four or five over to the other residence and now there is another seven or eight person. Just how many people were required to take care of a child? Qing Feng disapprove of it but her expression did not change as she call out, ¡°All raise. Xia Yin, receive the gifts from the different palaces and thank them on behalf of Bengong. Lan-er, bring these mama to the rooms to rest.¡± Xia Yin, who was all along standing behind, did not think that Qing Feng would call her to do things when she come back until she was being tugged by Lan-er. Xia Yin quickly came up with Lan-er to reply, ¡°Yes.¡± The leading mama was not happy and quickly said, ¡°Your Ladyship, the servants are here to serve you and little master¡­¡± Qing Feng suddenly gave an candid smile, ¡°Bengong knows, so these arrangement are made so that you all will stay at Qing Feng Hall and would be more convenient to take care. When your services are needed, naturally Bengong will call for you all. Withdraw.¡± If Qing Feng chase them away, she could vow to die rather than leave but now like this, she was not able to say anything. No matter how reluctant mama¡¯s heart it, she could only consent. Fu Ling was carrying Little Master and followed behind Qing Feng. Maybe it was an illusion but it seemed that Mistress way of doing things seemed to be smoother and evasive, not like before where it was a sharp approach. Maybe it was because she had this Little Prince. After walking to the front of the house, Qing Feng turned around and spoke to Shen Yao, who was following her the past few days, ¡°The Little Prince is asleep, you can go and rest.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± And just like the usual quietly and obediently, Shen Yao withdrew. When she passed Fu Ling, she bowed slightly. Fu Ling turned and looked back, this person should be the wet nurse and seemed to know how to say within one¡¯s role. After three of them entered the house and closed the room doors, Fu Ling then gave a long sigh of relief and exclaimed, ¡°Mistress, you have finally came back.¡± Finally came back? She did not leave more than ten days. Could there be that something had happened again? Qing Feng passed the child to Ru Yi to bring into the inner chambers and suppressed her voice to ask, ¡°What happened? Could it be that something happen to Chen Zhen?¡± ¡°It is not it. Now in the Palace, everyone¡¯s focus is on you and no one would noticed the Cold Palace so she and the child are actually quite good.¡± ¡°What actually happen?¡± Chen Zhen was alright and she had also gave birth to a Prince smoothly. What other situation in the Palace could make Fu Ling this worried? After pulling Qing Feng into the study, Fu Ling then softly replied, ¡°Three days ago, there was a group of Jianghu¡¯s assassins who hid in the Gao Residence and held Gao Daren and his family as hostages to demand the court to hand over Miss Qing or else they would destroy the entire Gao Residence. That Gao Daren is the Empress¡¯s blood uncle.¡± ¡°What?¡± Qing Feng was covered in cold sweat, ¡°Is Mo-er alright?¡± ¡°Rest assure Mistress, General Su used his military power to protect Miss Qing and even¡­ Publicly contradicted the Empress. Even though Gao Daren and family were rescued finally, but Gao Daren¡¯s second wife was still¡­ Killed.¡± Dead? Fortunately Su Ling was there else the Empress would have tear Youngest Sister apart! At this moment, Qing Feng¡¯s impression of Su Ling got much better but she was still lost with this sudden situation, ¡°Mo-er is a weak and fragile girl, how would she get involved with Jianghu¡¯s assassins?¡± Fu Ling shook her head, ¡°This servant is not clear of the details and only know that it was related to one of the bounty hunter by the name of Huan Ao Tian.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s expression was sombre and it seemed that she was more worried than her. Qing Feng¡¯s heart warmed as she pat her hands and smiled, ¡°In any case, Su Ling is true to Mo-er. This is considered a good news and you still frown.¡± Qing Feng had a calm like expression like a boat had reach the harbour but this only made Fu Ling more anxious, ¡°Mistress, General Su this time had completely offended the Empress and the Empress would never take this laying down. Since she is unable to create troubles for Miss Qing and General Su, this debt would land on your head. And now you also have a Prince, in the future¡­¡± ¡°Alright, don¡¯t say more. We will be more careful in the future.¡± Qing Feng suppressed what Fu Ling was going to say because of the ten over guards that send her back to the Palace. There were still three person that did not leave and stood guard outside the doors of the hall. She did not know whether the hearing of these so-called high skilled martial artists was much more extraordinary but it would be better to play safe. Fu Ling followed Qing Feng¡¯s sight and looked through the half opened window that was facing the courtyard doors and her eyes landed on Ming Ze¡¯s tall back. She did not know why but Fu Ling felt guilty and looked away before asking softly, ¡°Mistress, these guards?¡± Qing Feng pushed open the doors and loudly spoke to Ming Ze who was standing outside the courtyard doors, ¡°Imperial Guard Ming, Bengong had already returned to the Palace safely, you can go back to report.¡± Ming Ze still continued to stand outside the hall and replied in a distinctly cool voice, ¡°This guard received Imperial orders to protect the safety of Imperial Concubine Qing and the Prince.¡± Qing Feng and Fu Ling was startled and both of their minds were momentarily blank. Imperial order to protect? Then¡­ Won¡¯t he be in Qing Feng Hall all the time? Chapter 80 For the recent days, because of the unpleased mood of the Empress, everyone was cautious in the entire Yi Lan Palace. Even though it was already time for dinner, the palace maids outside the house was glancing around at one another. Older sister Shui Xin was not around and no one dared to go in to experience bad luck. At this time Yi Yu walked over with a look anxiety and a few palace maids quickly opened a path and quietly pleaded, ¡°Older sister Yi Yue, when you go in please also ask Mistress if she will be taking dinner now.¡± Yi Yue glared at them harshly and carefully walked into the house but dare not enter the inner chambers. She stood behind the parting screen and softly said, ¡°Your Ladyship, Imperial Concubine Qing returned to the Palace today and the Empress Dowager invites you to go together after dinner¡­¡± ¡°Not going! Get lost!¡± Yi Yue¡¯s words were not finished when she heard a crashing sound from the inner chambers and Xin Yue Ning also started to scold. Yi Yue was so scared that her shoulders started the tremble and she quickly withdraw out the house. Listening to Xin Yue Ning¡¯s scolding, the palace maids that were waiting outside the house had ran far away. Yi Yue walked out in a poor condition and just saw Shui Xin carrying a bowl of sweet soup (like dessert) walking over slowly. Yi Yue looked at her with a pitiful and distressed look and Shui Xin smiled before saying, ¡°Reply back to say that her Ladyship has gotten a cold and when her body is feeling better in a while, she will head there.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Listening to Shui Xin¡¯s instruction, Yi Yue gave a sigh of relief and smiled at Shui Xin gratefully before walking out to the courtyard without stopping. Shui Xin entered the inner chambers and saw Xin Yue Ning sitting alone in front of the vanity mirror in a daze and the jade hairpins that were originally on the vanity had already been swiped to the floor. The ten slender fingers were gripping the wooden table legs so hard that there were some scratching sound like she was in a full on rage. Shui Xin place the sweet soup on the table and said like she was not affected by the anger, ¡°Have some lily and white fungus soup.¡± Xin Yue Ning turn her head to the side and snorted, ¡°Not eating. There is no taste to whatever food now.¡± Thinking of the message that the Empress Dowager just passed, the anger that was accumulated for the past few days finally erupted, ¡°Truly anger Bengong to death. Is Su Ling¡¯s working or not, just because of an ugly thing, he would publicly oppose Bengong! From the beginning Bengong did not see anything incorrectly, the females in the Qing family are all evil bewitching demons. If they are not evil bewitching demons then how do they bewitch the Emperor, Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling to do their bidding!¡± ¡°That so call Qing Mo was truly not simple.¡± Shui Xin¡¯s eyes and words had a faint of a praise and Xin Yue Ning natural did not discover it as she was filled with anger, ¡°Which one of the females in the Qing family are simple characters! All because of you. Previously you said that there is blood in Qing Feng¡¯s sedan and she might have miscarriage. At the end the child was delivered safely and it is even a son! Since someone took action last time, then her and her child should be killed. Rather than like now where the Emperor favours her more. Su Ling and Lou Xi Yan must have thought highly that she would give birth to a son and thought that she was entitled to fight with Bengong, that is why they dared to look down at Bengong like this!¡± ¡°It is this servant that did not comprehensively considered everything but mistress should not be this angry. It is nothing wrong for the child to be born.¡± ¡°Nothing wrong?¡± Xin Yue Ning suddenly stood up from her chair and stared at Shui Xin with her eyes on fire, ¡°That is a Prince. Su Ling and Lou Xi Yan keep protecting him and in the future they would definitely support him to be the Crown Prince! Bengong cannot accommodate him!¡± ¡°May your Ladyship be appeased, the position of the Crown Prince would only be Prince Jing¡¯s. Moreover¡­¡± Shui Xin¡¯s voice got lower and that originally gentle and beautiful voice was much colder, ¡°When one loses something that one never gained, the loss would not be antagonising. But if happiness is already in one¡¯s hand but was then seized by another, that would be so painful that one would wish they are dead.¡± Xin Yue Ning pursed her lips and was a little exasperated, ¡°What you said was justified but that child does not make Bengong have a peace of mind!¡± Shui Xin¡¯s familiar cold gaze made Xin Yue Ning happy for a moment and she lowered her voice to ask, ¡°You¡­ Already thought of a solution?¡± Her eyes sharpen and that cold gaze was collected as she smiled. Shui Xin frankly replied, ¡°Rest assured Mistress, this time this servant will think of a sure-fire plan and there will not be any slip-up.¡± There was truly a solution?! Pulling Shui Xin¡¯s arm, Xin Yue Ning asked urgently with full of hope in her eyes, ¡°What is the plan? Quickly speak!¡± ¡°Move the tiger from the mountain (indicating to lure an opponent out of their stronghold).¡± ¡°Move the tiger from the mountain?¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s brows slightly furrowed. How to move? Who was the tiger? Gently turning to her side and removing Xin Yue Ning clutch on her hands without a trace, Shui Xi slightly lowered her head and whispered to Xin Yue Ning¡¯s ears, ¡°In another twenty over days, it would be the Little Prince full month, at that time¡­¡± ***** ¡°Mistress, dinner is ready.¡± Fu Ling was instructing the eunuch to arrange the dishes as she called to the inner chambers softly. After the bumpy travel in the morning and a little rest in the afternoon, the little fellow was crying for milk. When he was just fed, he made some rumblings before turning around and his small little eyes were half closed like he was really sleepy. Qing Feng was unable to help laughing, ¡°Why does he want to sleep again?¡± Shen Yao came forward and softly said, ¡°May your Ladyship have the meal first. This servant will coax the Little Prince to sleep.¡± ¡°Also good.¡± Placing the child in her arms to Shen Yao, Qing Feng walked to the dining hall to eat. Even though the cooks in the other residences have put in all their effort to prepare her diet, it was after all not the Imperial Kitchen, thus there are limitation to the food they were able to make and Qing Feng was also used to those simple dishes. When she walked into the dining room, she saw the large table was filled with different delicacies. Just the soup alone, there were already five or six types and each one was filled with different ingredients and very particular. Qing Feng curiously said, ¡°What is there so many soups? Fu Ling looked at the door and a slightly plump figure was kneeling on the ground and shouted, ¡°This servant greets Imperial Concubine Qing. Long live your Ladyship.¡± Xu Ji? She only came back in the afternoon and he was now here to display his attentiveness, his news was sure fast and accurate. Glancing at him and not calling him to raise, Qing Feng faintly replied, ¡°Why have you come?¡± Xu Ji raised his head and there was still a humble yet fawning smile on his face, ¡°This servant had heard that your Ladyship had returned to the Palace today and specially prepared nourishing and restoring soups but was unsure of what your Ladyship¡¯s taste is, so a few more are prepared.¡± ¡°You are indeed considerate.¡± Hearing the cold and sickly tone of Qing Feng¡¯s voice, Xu Ji did not dare to get up and moved forward on his knees and smiled, ¡°That is natural, your Ladyship¡¯s heal its worth ten thousand of gold. This servant must be dedicated. Moreover in a while, the Empress Dowager and Empress would be coming over to visit you and the Little Prince with other concubines so you need to eat more, to have more energy.¡± The Empress and the Empress Dowager were coming over? Qing Feng was stunned. She was not afraid of the Empress Dowager, not for the monk¡¯s sake but for the Buddha¡¯s (Chinese phrase that means doing out of the consideration for someone else), the little guy was here so the Empress Dowager would not do anything much to her. But the Empress¡­ Is she looking for trouble this time? Qing Feng¡¯s face slightly changed and Xu Ji was secretly pleased and softly said, ¡°The Empress Dowager is now taking her meal and would only come over later. Your Ladyship can dine with a piece of mind.¡± Xu Shu Ping had been by the Empress Dowager¡¯s side for so many years and it was not possible for her to be of use to her only. But if this brother and sister could slightly bend towards her, it would be a good thing. Qing Feng smiled slightly and slightly raised her hand to motion him to get up, ¡°Alright, Bengong has picked up your intentions. Withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± After ensuring that Qing Feng knew of his usefulness, Xu Ji did not stay any longer and greeted before he immediately withdrew. ¡°You can all withdraw.¡± After sending away the eunuchs, Qing Feng immediately called Ru Yi who was standing behind her, ¡°Ru Yi.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Go to Xiao Yu¡¯s to retrieve Ji Pin Liu Yue and go see what the Emperor is doing in passing. If there were no ministers discussing state affairs then go in to give your greetings.¡± Giving the Emperor greetings? Ru Yi was somewhat taken aback. Mistress wants her to go get reinforcements? Understanding the Mistress¡¯s intention, Ru Yi cleverly replied, ¡°This servant will go now.¡± Xin Yue Ning was a narrow-minded person and she and Chen Zhen should not have huge animosity or hatred but all these time she still thought of harming others. This time Su Ling and Mo-er got her maternal uncle¡¯s family involved in such a large issue, she would definitely not let it slide. Qing Feng worriedly look at the little fellow sleeping soundly in the room and her heart tighten, worried that she was unable to protect him. A bowl of hot soup was placed in front of Qing Feng, ¡°Drink a little soup first.¡± Fu Ling gentle voice rang at the side of her ears which made Qing Feng smile pleasantly, fortunately Fu Ling was still here accompanying her. Qing Feng usually did not eat much and with the additional thoughts on other things, she only hastily drank a bowl of soup and nothing else. It was fortunate that the child was well-behaved and kept on sleeping, which did not require Qing Feng be troubled but Ru Yi had gone to Zheng Yang Palace for over one Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) and was still not back. Qing Feng started to feel increasingly ill-at-ease. ¡°Empress Dowager has arrived.¡± ¡°Long live the Empress Dowager.¡± When three quarters of Xu Shi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 pm) came, a voice reported and the servants¡¯ greeting sounded inside Qing Feng Hall. Qing Feng half laid on the bed and did not get of the bed to receive but her heart was curious: Xin Yue Ning actually did not come? ¡°All raise.¡± The Empress Dowager¡¯s pace was very quick and soon entered the house. Qing Feng pretended to be weak as she leaned against Fu Ling and quickly got up, ¡°Empress Dowager, why did you come over, it should be Chenqie who should go over to greet.¡± ¡°Alright, you are still in your confinement period and should rest well. Aijia is here to see the little obedient grandchild.¡± Waving her hands to Qing Feng, Lou Su Xin did not criticize her harshly. Xu Shu Ping who was standing behind Lou Su Xin walk to Qing Feng¡¯s side and greeted before gently carrying the Little Prince from the bed back to Lou Su Xin¡¯s side. When Lou Su Xin saw that fair and plump little obedient grandchild, she was so happy that she only cared about playing and cherishing the grandchild and totally forgot about the few concubines that were following behind. The few of them looked at one another and felt a little awkward. They took a step forward and greeted, ¡°Greeting Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± Qing Feng squinted her eyes as she look and recognised a few of them, one was Concubine Ru, who gave birth to a princess, and the other was Chen Zhen¡¯s younger cousin, Beauty Yu. As long as the Empress was not here, Qing Feng did not mind the rest of them as she smile, ¡°All raise. Fu Ling, serve the tea up.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lou Su Xin was wholeheartedly playing with her little obedient grandchild and Qing Feng normally had no dealings with the few concubines and they had some restrained fear of her in their heart, thus other than words of congratulations, they only sat at the side blankly. Qing Feng sat half leaning the bed and her heart which was hanging the entire evening was about to be place down when a voice came from outside the courtyard reported, ¡°The Emperor has arrived. The Empress has arrived.¡± Qing Feng suddenly sat up, why would they¡­ Come over together? Chapter 81 Qing Feng sat half leaning the bed and her heart which was hanging the entire evening was about to be place down when a voice came from outside the courtyard reported, ¡°The Emperor has arrived. The Empress has arrived.¡± Qing Feng suddenly sat up, why would they¡­ Come over together? ¡°Long live the Emperor. Long live the Empress.¡± Yan Hong Tian and Xin Yue Ning came into the house one after another. Other than the Empress Dowager who was carrying the Little Prince and the slightly stunned Qing Feng who was sitting on the bed motionless, the rest of the concubines and servants all knelt down. Yan Hong Tian crossed the screen and his view met with Qing Feng¡¯s puzzled and slightly surprised eyes. After both of their eyes met for a while, Yan Hong Tian indifferently broke eye contact and said, ¡°All raise.¡± The inner room was originally not that big and now the Emperor and Empress came, it was much more crowded. A few of the concubines that came with the Empress Dowager were sensible enough to get up and retreated to the living room. Yan Hong Tian sat down on the deck chair near the window and drank the tea that was freshly brewed by Fu Ling, portraying a leisurely image. In this room, the only person that Qing Feng was most afraid of was Xin Yue Ning. With her head slightly down while sitting on the bed, Qing Feng looked up and saw Xin Yue Ning putting on a smiling face with a ruddy complexion, like she was not at all ill and that brows were actually a little pleased with herself. When she entered the house, she went to the Empress Dowager and smiled, ¡°Chenqie greets the Empress Dowager.¡± This group of people came in, a moment bowed, a moment greeted, and had somewhat scared the already sleeping little obedient grandchild. Lou Su Xin saw him moving uncomfortably like he was about to wake up and quickly patted and coax him . She did not even gave Xin Yue Ning a look as she reply in a whisper, ¡°Did the Empress said that she is not feeling well and will rest in Yi Lan Palace? Why come over with the Emperor?¡± Xin Yue Ning did not mind the Empress Dowager¡¯s displeasure and still smile and laugh, ¡°Chenqie¡¯s health was not a big matter. Today younger sister Imperial Concubine Qing just returned to the Palace, Chenqie should come over to visit. Thinking that after a short period it would be the Little Prince¡¯s full month and younger sister¡¯s health have yet to recover, these things Chenqie have to manage. Chenqie went over to the Emperor¡¯s to invite him to visit younger sister and the Little Prince and also to consult with the Empress Dowager to discuss about the full month celebration.¡± Originally when there was an arrival of an Imperial child, the Palace was naturally prepared for it but who knew that Qing Feng would give birth prematurely and everyone temporarily panicked. For Xin Yue Ning to be this meticulous, Lou Su Xin could not help but praise and smiled, ¡°It was still the Empress that was thoughtful. The day is no longer far, did the Empress though of how to celebrate the Prince¡¯s full month? Say it out for Aijia to listen.¡± Xin Yue Ning turn back and looked at Qing Feng with a brilliant smile which made Qing Feng¡¯s heart trembled as she saw it. Presumably, Mo-er had brought harm to Xin Yue Ning material uncle¡¯s family and Su Ling publicly refuted her so even if Xin Yue Ning did not glower at her, she should not be that amiable. The more she was like that, the more nervous Qing Feng became. Qing Feng¡¯s face became solemn which made Xin Yue Ning¡¯s heart pleased. Humph! You will suffer more in the future! Turning back to look at the Empress Dowager, Xin Yue Ning put back that radiant smile and replied, ¡°For the Little Prince¡¯s full month banquet, the entire spectacle must be grand and festive. The officials in court must also come and the commoners should also take the opportunity to have a nationwide celebration for three days. Just now the Emperor mentioned that General Su will be heading off to crush the pirates in half a month time so Chenqie thought of why not taking the occasion and hold it with the Little Prince¡¯s full month banquet. As such the scene would be even more lively.¡± Sure enough, it had to do with Su Ling. Qing Feng¡¯s mind concluded that Xin Yue Ning had some conspiracy planned and before the Empress Dowager could say anything, she immediately replied, ¡°This is not right. General Su will be taking the troops to suppress the pirates and it is a major event for Qiong Yue. How can it be held together with a small child¡¯s full month celebration? Afraid that this would cause the soldiers to be dissatisfied.¡± As she had expected Qing Feng would have said as such, Xin Yue Ning chuckled and walked over to the bed and grabbed Qing Feng¡¯s hand to pat a little and laughed loudly, ¡°Younger sister remarks is incorrect. The Emperor is happy to have a prince and this is a thing to be celebrated. The pirates have been pushing the borders and Qiong Yue¡¯s auspicious omen of the Little Prince is born, for General Su to besiege the pirates now, it would definitely be a victory. For it to be held with the Prince¡¯s full month banquet, first to celebrate the Prince¡¯s full month and also to boost the army¡¯s morale, it would indeed be the best of both worlds. Moreover, younger sister have not seen your own sisters for a long time and can take the opportunity to let Prime Minister Lou and General Su to bring them in the Palace. At that time all you three sisters can catch up and they can also take a look at the Little Prince. Why is younger sister hesitating?¡± Xin Yue Ning said it reasonably and Qing Feng actually should not have any hesitation but she felt that things was not as simple as it it but she was unable to tell at this moment what was wrong with it. Qing Feng was silent but Lou Su Xin was instead extremely satisfied, ¡°Aijia finds that the Empress¡¯s idea is not bad.¡± ¡°The Empress Dowager also felt that it is good? This is great.¡± Loosening Qing Feng¡¯s hand, Xin Yue Ning happily turned around and look at Yan Hong Tian, who had been drinking tea the entire night, to ask, ¡°What is the Emperor¡¯s thoughts?¡± Yan Hong Tian did not even look up before he casually replied, ¡°Then just follow the Empress¡¯s wishes to hold it.¡± ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face was filled with happiness but Qing Feng¡¯s heart sank. Did they already discussed it? No wonder they came together, it was indeed an affectionate husband and wife! Her heart could not get away from the nervousness and Qing Feng stared at Yan Hong Tian fiercely. She did not think that Yan Hong Tian, who was looking down at the cup in his hand, would suddenly look up and their line of sight crossed. Qing Feng was stunned and at that moment she panicked but after realising that she did not do anything wrong, she stared back. Yan Hong Tian raised his brows slightly and the faint smile, but not a smile, expression in his dark eyes made Qing Feng inexplicably irritated. Seeing the two persons flirting with their eyes, Xin Yue Ning jubilant mood went down to rock bottom. Xin Yue Ning coughed once and took a few steps forward and block their line of slight before asking in a reluctant laugh, ¡°After the Little Prince is a full month old, he should be moved to his own palace and should now start to pack else when the time comes, it would be a rush. Not sure the Emperor had bestowed which palace for the Little Prince to live?¡± When the topic of her child was made, Qing Feng¡¯s nerves once again tighten and after some thought, she carefully replied, ¡°The Emperor has been busy with state affairs and have yet to bestow.¡± ¡°Like this¡­¡± Xin Yue Ning glance at the little baby soundly sleeping and pretended to ponder about it for a while before saying, ¡°Why not choose Chu Xiu Palace? It is near to Qing Feng Hall and in the future would facilitate the Prince to come over to greet. Does younger sister like it?¡± Yan Hong Tian had agreed that she would be able to have her child by her side till a full year old and now with regards to the Prince moving out after the full month, he did not say a word about it. Was he backing out of it? Qing Feng was somewhat flustered and took several deep breaths before she could calmly reply, ¡°The Empress already said that the place is good, naturally Chenqie would like it. But the Empress should not be troubled with the arrangement of the Palaces. After a few days when the weather is much better, Chenqie will send someone to take care of it, after all it would need to wait for the child to be a full age before moving in.¡± Xin Yue Ning¡¯s face sank and she urgently continued, ¡°For what reason?¡± Yan Hong Tian did not really speak for the entire night and no one could figure out the look on his face. But now he did not even lift his head up, seemingly to let her self-destruct. Qing Feng clenched her teeth secretly. Good, since you were not bothered by it then don¡¯t blame me! Qing Feng slowly lift her head up and put on a little sadness on her face before sighing and said, ¡°On the second day after the child is born, there was a physiognomist (person who read face and tell the fortune) who came to the other residence and read the fortune of the child. He said that since the Little Prince was a pre-mature baby, he has a deficiency of Yin energy and should remain by the mother¡¯s side for a year so as to protect his safety.¡± Concerning about the Little Prince¡¯s safety, Lou Su Xin anxiously said, ¡°There was such a thing?¡± Xin Yue Ning knitted her brows, ¡°The Little Prince¡¯s life is noble and if the fortune for the Little Prince was to be told, then it should be done by the enlightened monks from Yu Quan Temple. How can anyone believe the physiognomists from Jianghu.¡± Qing Feng gave a weak pretence smile and sighed, ¡°Chenqie is slow-witted and naturally do not know if the depths of the physiognomist skills but the Emperor had a long talk with him and said that the physiognomist could accurately predict life and an expert.¡± Handing the child in her arms to Shen Yao, who was standing at the side quietly, Lou Su Xin worriedly asked, ¡°Emperor, is Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s words are true?¡± Yan Hong Tian finally put the tea down after drinking the entire night and there was an unfathomable flash in his dark eyes before he faintly smiled, ¡°He was indeed an expert!¡± Hearing Yan Hong Tian said that, Qing Feng secretly gave a sigh of relief and at the same time her heart was complaining bitterly. Seeing that smile of his, it meant that he will settle scores at an opportune moment. Lou Su Xin naturally believed Yan Hong Tian and did not hesitate any longer and directly said, ¡°If so, then would rather believe it to be true and to believe otherwise. Since the Emperor and the physiognomist said it as such then let the Prince stay in Qing Feng Hall till he is a year old.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Xin Yue Ning refuses to accept it and wanted to refute but Shui Xin, who was standing by the screen, looked up and shook her head slightly at her. At the same moment of pause, Qing Feng already hurried thanked, ¡°Thanking the Empress Dowager¡¯s grace.¡± At this point, whatever she said would be in vain. Xin Yue Ning tightly clenched her hands, how can she not be mad? When the prince was a month old, he should leave his mother¡¯s side. This it the Palace¡¯s regulation but today Qing Feng had broken it. That year she plead with the Emperor and Empress to let Jing-er say by her side for one more moth but neither of them agreed. Why did the Emperor followed her wishes every single time? The atmosphere in the house became heavier thus the Empress Dowager no longer had any mood and waved her hands before saying, ¡°Alright, the time is no longer early so everyone can leave. Don¡¯t disturb Imperial Concubine Qing and Aijia¡¯s little obedient grandchild¡¯s rest.¡± Finishing she left the house, leaving the roomful of people. ¡°Chenqie will retire.¡± After the Empress Dowager left, the concubines in the living room also hastily retired. Shui Xin walked to Xin Yue Ning¡¯s side and supported her as she said softly, ¡°Mistress, your health just got better and should go back to the palace to rest.¡± As Shui Xin held tightly to her arm, Xin Yue Ning pressed down the hate in her heart, ¡°Younger sister do need to rest well as the leads are the main stars of the full month celebrations.¡± Anyways, Qing Feng would not be complacent for too long so she will just tolerate her today. ¡°Thanking the Empress.¡± The full month banquet was inevitable and what she could only do now was to be very careful with her actions. ¡°Chenqie will retire.¡± After greeting Yan Hong Tian, Xin Yue Ning snorted and ignored Qing Feng to leave with Shui Xin. In a short while, the houseful of people left and Qing Feng took a long breath to only find out that the quietness in the room was somewhat frightening. ¡°Beloved concubine not only know how to fake an Imperial decree and also improved your storytelling skills.¡± The two words ¡®beloved concubine¡¯ made goose bumps rose up all over Qing Feng¡¯s body. This settling of scores at an opportune moment came a tad too soon¡­ Chapter 82 In a short while, the houseful of people left and Qing Feng took a long breath to only find out that the quietness in the room was somewhat frightening. ¡°Beloved concubine not only know how to fake an Imperial decree and also improved your storytelling skills.¡± The two words ¡®beloved concubine¡¯ made goose bumps rose up all over Qing Feng¡¯s body. This settling of scores at an opportune moment came a tad too soon¡­ Qing Feng lightly coughed and quietly looked up and saw Yan Hong Tian¡¯s pair of deep black eyes. Qing Feng deliberated for a period of time before deciding to refuse to acknowledge it, ¡°Chenqie is fearful as passing a fake Imperial decree is a death penalty. The Emperor must not scare Chenqie.¡± She would be fearful? Who was staring at him again? Yan Hong Tian lightly snorted, ¡°You did not?¡± His voice got deeper but that dark eyes had a faint trace of a smile. Evidently Yan Hong Tian did not really want to make things difficult for her so Qing Feng secretly gave a sigh of relieve and smiled, ¡°Of course not. It is the Emperor who promised Chenqie to let Imperial Son to stay by Chenqie¡¯s side for a year and as for the so called fortune, it was just said so that the Empress Dowager and Empress would be able to accept it and so that the Emperor would not be in a difficult position. Since everything was done in accordance to the Emperor¡¯s will, how is it passing a fake Imperial decree?¡± She acted on her own initiative and now it had become for his sake? Yan Hong Tian felt that he could not help to cry or laugh, ¡°Previous you had a razor sharp mouth and now you also learn to shift the blame. Good. Really good!¡± Qing Feng shrugged her shoulders, ¡°The Emperor taught well.¡± If he did not ignore the entire night, she won¡¯t need to weave a story. ¡°Zhen sees that if the child follow you, he would not learn anything good.¡± Eccentric, crafty, bad temper and stubborn. Qing Feng was not afraid of anything as she continued to reply, ¡°The Emperor has flattered.¡± She had already decided that no matter what he say, she would treat it as praises. Yan Hong Tian broke into laughter as Qing Feng sat on the bed with her two legs hanging over the bed and a faint smirk on her face. Both of them, one sitting on the bed, one sitting on the deck chair, spoke some senseless things but it made him want to continue it on. However the reports in the Imperial Study was still waiting for him to be reviewed. Since it was late, Yan Hong Tian got up and said, ¡°You should go to bed early.¡± They were just talking happily and now seeing him turning around to go, Qing Feng blurted, ¡°Just came and now leave?¡± She thought that he would stay tonight and just now gotten Shen Yao to carry the child out. It turned out¡­ That he did not have the intention to stay. The disappointment in Qing Feng¡¯s words made Yan Hong Tian stop and in a rare sight, he explained, ¡°Lately there are more state affairs and there are also reports to be dealt with. You also had a hard day today so rest well.¡± Qiong Yue was a vast place so there were a lot of state affairs to deal with. The most trouble issue that made his head ache recently was still the pirates. Unfortunately Qiong Yue¡¯s navy was not strong and so he sent Su Ling there hoping that he could use his military experience and formidable reputation. If the pirates continue to go rampant, Qiong Yue reputation will go down which would cause a bigger headache for him. ¡°Did you specially come over?¡± Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm) had passed and he still needs to deal with state affairs. Qing Feng thought about what Xiao Yu had mentioned that day that he was usually busy till after Zishi (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am) before he rested. It is indeed hard to be an Emperor. Qing Feng suddenly find that no matter whether it was the Empress Dowager, the Empress or herself, kept bringing the Inner Palace issues to bother him. No wonder he was fed up with it. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows slightly raised and spoke with a deep voice filled with ridicule, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who send someone to invite Zhen over?¡± That girl by the name of Ru Yi actually stood outside the Imperial Study for a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours). ¡°Me?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s face redden but when she thought about him and the Empress coming together, Qing Feng¡¯s heart quickly felt blocked and said sourly, ¡°Isn¡¯t the invitation from the Empress? Chenqie¡¯s face is not that big!¡± When she finish speaking, she saw the corner of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips raised and Qing Feng¡¯s face slightly warmed. Is she¡­ Did this considered as her being jealous? Previously she would never be as such! Qing Feng wanted to defend herself but it seemed that whatever she would say would not sound correct so she kept quiet and did not look at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s quizzical eyes. Seeing that a usually articulate female would also become speechless made Yan Hong Tian laugh out loudly and his mood was very good when he stepped out of Qing Feng Hall. Of course he only cared about making fun of Qing Feng and naturally did not notice that when the other concubines were this jealous previously, he would be impatient and disgusted by it most of the time. Today, however, his mood was exceptionally great that there was a smile on his face all the way back to his palace. ***** Today the person who had the most emotional ups and downs was Xin Yue Ning. When she was on the way to Qing Feng Hall, she was filled with joy as she was waiting for Qing Feng to fall into the trap and not she was so angry that she was grinding her teeth. Xin Yue Ning¡¯s footsteps got faster and her hands was still clutching Shui Xin. The more angry she is, the harder she grasped. Shui Xin frowned and spoke loudly, ¡°All of you withdraw.¡± The few eunuchs and palace maids that were accompanying had long felt that after the Empress left Qing Feng Hall, her mood was very bad and thus they were on tenterhooks for the entire way back. Now hearing Shui Xin¡¯s words, those people were relieved and seeing that the Empress did not refute, they quickly bowed and left. As the footsteps slowly soften, Xin Yue Ning could not hide that anger any longer and turn her head around to stare at Shui Xin angrily, ¡°Why did you stop Bengong just now?!¡± Shui Xin¡¯s head was slightly lowered and thus she was unable to see her expression but her voice sounded as calm as usual, ¡°With regards to the Little Prince¡¯s life, the Empress Dowager would definitely agree to Qing Feng requirements and since the Emperor had already agree to it, your opposition would be useless.¡± Thinking of the Empress Dowagers concern and protection and Yan Hong Tian¡¯s shielding and indulgence, Xin Yue Ning could not control the jealousy in her heart, ¡°Why did everything good go to her only!¡± ¡°The ending result would be the same, why now care about these things with her.¡± Shui Xi¡¯s voice was still soft but her eyes showed a trace of impatience. ¡°But¡­¡± Xin Yue Ning looked around and determining that there was no one around before whispering to Shui Xin¡¯s ears urgently, ¡°Like this, won¡¯t it¡­ Be harder? The child would always be by Qing Feng¡¯s side and the Emperor also sent Imperial Guards to stand guard in Qing Feng Hall. It would be difficult for anyone to get close to the child, how to get rid of him without anyone knowing?!¡± Shui Xin coldly smiled, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me where the child is.¡± Just a few guards would be nothing, she did not even take it to heart. What she felt interesting was that Yan Hong Tian¡¯s attitude. He had set his heart on this child and this was truly interesting. The old man would definitely not be able to sit still. If that child died, would this Emperor, who has been concealing his strength and biding his time, be furious or will continue to play a fool? Zezeze (sound of clucking one¡¯s tongue)¡­ Thinking of it makes her excited. ¡°But¡­¡± Xin Yue Ning felt that this time it would not be successful and wanted to say more when Shui Xin suddenly raised her head and saw in the bloodthirst and excitement in that pair of bright moist eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you find that by letting her child die in her palace, die in her arms, to watch his breath stop would be much more interesting?¡± Interesting¡­ Xin Yue Ning did not know how to describe her feelings. Shui Xin¡¯s smile was like the cold ice that was biting into the skin a little at a time and Xin Yue Ning felt her flesh crawl that she immediate let go of the hand that was grabbing on to Shui Xin¡¯s hand. Even though she refuse to admit it, she felt that facing this side of Shui Xin, she would feel¡­ Afraid. ***** Winter was thicker and the night wind was getting colder. Perhaps the wind was too strong that there was not a trace of clouds in the sky and under the unmasked moon, the pale moonlight coated everything with this luminescent which made everything look colder. Ming Ze folded his arms in front of him as he leaned against the tall wall of the hall door and stared at the bright glaring white moon with his mind empty. Tonight was actually not his duty but because the wife of the guard on duty fainted, so he let him go home. Anyways he was unmarried nor need to worry about anyone, so there was no difference if he were to be on duty or stay at home. Perhaps during his duty, as there is a need for conscientious person, so his heart would not feel empty. ¡°You did not eat anything at night. Eat a little something then.¡± Ming Ze long heard the faltering footsteps behind him and guessed that Fu Ling would have some words to speak to him. But he did not think that she came with a square container of food. Ming Ze brows slightly wrinkled as he replied coldly, ¡°I am on duty.¡± Fu Ling slightly red face stiffen and her hands that was holding the food container tightened. She only replied softly after a long time, ¡°It is already in the middle of the night, no one will know.¡± This time Ming Ze did not even reply and just turned away. Looking at this indifferent figure, Fu Ling was somewhat angry. How can this man unable to recognise her good intention? If he did not helped her before, if she did not see him eat anything since his afternoon duty, he would not have find snacks for him in the middle of the night. Because he was scared others would see it and gossip, she also removed the eunuchs and palace maids on night vigil and do it herself. At the end he did not even say thanks and return with a look at her. The more she thought about it the more grievance she felt. The usually good-natured Fu Ling raged and walked to Ming Ze and threw the snacks to Ming Ze¡¯s arms and did not care if he caught it or not as she coldly said, ¡°Up to you to eat it or not!¡± Ming Ze did not expect that Fu Ling will do that and after he froze for a moment, he quickly caught the falling food containers. Ming Ze caught it embarrassingly that whatever he caught fell out of his hands and onto the floor with a clutter. Fu Ling bent down to pick it up and saw that it was a piece of polished oval jade pendant that was slightly larger than her thumb. What was different from normal pendants was that it was extremely simply decorated and it was tired with an ordinary red string. Only after catching the food containers, Ming Ze then found something feel from his arms and when he saw Fu Ling holding that jade pendant scrutinizing it, Ming Ze panicked and shouted, ¡°Return it back to me!¡± Other than the usual coldness in his voice, it was also mixed with a little anxiousness. Fu Ling was a little stunned. It was only a piece of jade pendant. For him to be this to be that anxious, was it¡­ A gift from a lover? Fu Ling¡¯s hand that was outstretched unknowingly shrank back and when she was caressing it, Fu Ling felt that there was some irregularities at the back of the pendant. When she flip over to the back, she saw two words. Even though the moonlight was bright, the words on the jade pendent was too small so Fu Ling could only see a word ¡°Qi¡± (meaning tall or tall & slim) when her hand suddenly lighten and the jade pendant was back in Ming Ze¡¯s hands. She saw him rushing to put the jade pendant back to his pocket, as if afraid to let anyone see it and when he looked up, that sullen look in his eyes startled Fu Ling speechless for a moment. That pendant was this important? Chapter 83 She saw him rushing to put the jade pendant back to his pocket, as if afraid to let anyone see it and when he looked up, that sullen look in his eyes startled Fu Ling speechless for a moment. That pendant was this important? Two of them remained silent, one was enduring his anger silently, the other was deeply puzzled. At this time, there was a sound of a baby crying that broke the deadlock. Fu Ling recovered and did not look at Ming Ze when she turned and hurried into the house. She looked across the screen and saw Mistress carrying the child up and Fu Ling carried the candlestick and walked into the room before softly speaking, ¡°The Little Prince is awake? This servant will call Shen Yao over.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± Qing Feng cajoled the child as she stopped her, ¡°He drank milk before bedtime and not even a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) has passed since. He should not be hungry. Today the Empress Dowager came and Shen Yao had taken care of him the entire night, so she should presumably be tired.¡± Fu Ling nodded her head and place candlestick on the short stool in front of the window and lit two more candles so that the room would be bright. Qing Feng saw her tidy attire which did not seem like she was awaken by the child and rushed over. She curiously asked, ¡°Why are you on night vigil tonight?¡± Qing Feng Hall¡¯s regulation was to let the lower ranked eunuchs to be on night vigil. If there was an issue then wake the rest up. It was already winter and the nights are cold. Qing Feng wrapped the child securely but she herself only wore an unlined piece. Fu Ling took the cloak by the bed to cover her before replying, ¡°Ru Yi have been accompanying you these few days and must definitely be tired. It would be better for this servant to take up night vigil since you just came back.¡± As the cloak was placed, there was a warmth cosy feeling. That warmth went straight to her heard and Qing Feng held Fu Ling¡¯s hand and exclaimed, ¡°Thank you Fu Ling.¡± Fu Ling blushed and quickly said, ¡°Mistress mustn¡¯t say it like this¡­¡± Actually it wasn¡¯t all because of Mistress that she was taking the night vigil tonight. She had a selfish reason¡­ Qing Feng saw her lowering her head with her face blushed and thought that she was embarrassed by it, so she did not continue speaking. She would remember in her heart of how Fu Ling treated her well. The child still cried nonstop and Qing Feng frowned. Placing him on the bed, she told the still feeling guilty Fu Ling standing her, ¡°It is possible that he has wet himself. Go and bring a soft cloth over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± When Fu Ling brought the soft cloth over, Qing Feng had already undone the swaddling cloth and it was indeed wet. After she removed the wet cloth from him, he immediately stopped crying. Fu Ling smiled, ¡°It was indeed wet. Mistress you are now faster and better than those mama already.¡± ¡°You better not praise me. I learnt from Shen Yao for a few days at the other residence.¡± Initially when she started out she was also flustered and when the baby cry, she would immediately panic. Fu Ling handed the soft cloth to Qing Feng and saw her changing the baby¡¯s diapers smoothly and wrapped the swaddling cloth skilfully before gently holding him in her arms and softly coax him to sleep. Seeing that soft cajoling and smile with that gentle actions, Fu Ling thought of her during the initial meeting and could not help but laugh. After Qing Feng tidied up the child and looked up, Qing Feng saw Fu Ling laughing at her and she was unable to make head or tail of it and thus asked, ¡°Why are you laughing?¡± ¡°Nothing. Previously heard that when a female becomes a mother, she would be different. Indeed it is true.¡± It was only ten over days but she had a total warm motherly look on her now. No longer had that sharp and arrogant image like previous. Qing Feng rolled her eyes and did not bother her loquacious words. Instead she softly said, ¡°Since the Little Prince is born, red eggs should be given to the different palaces within these few days to accompany the good news. Go personally and use this excuse to also take a look at Chen Zhen and child.¡± After she had a child, she could understand Chen Zhen more but because of her current position, it was not convenient for her to go and visit personally. As she glance at the round table outside the screen, it was filled with all the different types of precious tonics that the Empress Dowager send over. Qing Feng also said, ¡°The tonics that the Emperor and Empress Dowager sent over would definitely not be finish by myself. Go and choose the better ones and easy to consume for her too.¡± Fu Ling smiled and nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± After placing the child back on the bed, Qing Feng laid on her side and lightly patted while softly whispering to Fu Ling who was waiting in front of the bed, ¡°He went back to sleep. You should also go and rest.¡± Fu Ling blew out the lit candles and took the candlestick out to the living room. Until the candlelight in the house was extinguished, Ming Ze then recovered his sight from the window. This was the feeling of between a mother and child. Even though it was just a shadow, he could almost the tenderness she had for the child. Qing Feng¡­ Previous it was her Elder Sister, now it was this child. It should be a form of good fortune to be able to have her love. It was only when he looked down did Ming Ze found that he was still holding the food container that Fu Ling had forced upon him and that brows started to frown tightly again. Fu Ling sat at the living room for a while until both person inside were fast asleep before quietly exiting the house. In the silence of the courtyard, there was no longer Ming Ze¡¯s figure but only the food container at the stone table by the large tree. Looking at the ajar doors, it would seemed that he had already gone outside to guard. Fu Ling laughed bitterly, initially she wanted to prepare to let him eat but now she actually chased him out. Walking to the side of the stone table, Fu Ling gently opened the food container and indeed there was no pastry missing at all. Didn¡¯t she expected this earlier on? Why would she still felt this disappointment. That person, was so hard to get along with. ***** Fu Ling had send the red eggs to the Empress Dowager¡¯s and Empress¡¯s palaces and thus the other concubines had heard that the female officer of Imperial Concubine Qing had been personally gifting red eggs, and did not dare to wait for her to go to their palace to gift. They had sent over people to take and before noon came, Fu Ling¡¯s basket of red eggs was almost gone. Fu Ling came to the doors of the Cold Palace and since no one come here at all, the usually not tied doors were now tightly closed and the heavy doors were blocking her line of sight. Fu Ling gently knocked the door but there was no reply. After tapping the doors heavier, she could then hear some footsteps and the doors were gently pushed open. ¡°Fu Ling?¡± When Wu-er saw that it was her, she quickly opened the door and pulled her in as she urgently said, ¡°Come in to speak.¡± Fu Ling followed Wu-er to the courtyard and there was no difference in the courtyard when she last came. It was just that there was a thin blue curtain that was hung in front of the door and windows, so that the sun could still shine into the house but one would not be able to see inside from the outside. In order to protect this hidden Little Prince, Imperial Concubine Hui had gone through great pains. Wu-er parted the curtains and Fu Ling walked into the house. The huge room was rather empty and there was only a simple wooden bed, cushioned by a thin layer of blanket. A thick quilt was placed at the most innermost of the bed and should be where the child slept. A plainly clothed Chen Zhen carried the child and sat on the bed. When she saw her come in, she was first surprise before nodding and smiling at her. After a month, she had gotten thinner but the smiles on her face was significantly more. Fu Ling stepped forward to greet, ¡°Fu Ling greets Imperial Concubine Hui.¡± Chen Zhen smiled, ¡°Sit down, I am no longer Imperial Concubine Hui, just call me Chen Zhen. For you to personally come down, did something happened?¡± Chen Zhen became a little anxious and Fu Ling quickly explained, ¡°Nothing happened. This servant is here today to give out red eggs, so even if others see, it would be alright.¡± Finishing, Fu Ling took the red eggs from the basket and place it on the wooden table in front of the bed. ¡°Red eggs? Qing Feng gave birth?¡± The number of days were not correct. Could it be¡­ A premature birth? ¡°Is she and the child alright?¡± ¡°There was a some mishap but fortunately both mother and child is safe, you need not worry.¡± Mishap? Chen Zhen gently shook her head and her heart sighed but she did not continue asking. Glancing at the five eggs on the table, since odd was for male and even was for female, Qing Feng gave birth to a son. ¡°Yes, these are what Mistress made this servant bring over to enrich your health. It is also convenient to consume it. Just add water and drink it.¡± Finishing, Fu Ling removed part of the cloth under the eggs and place the tonics inside to Wu-er¡¯s hands. ¡°Thank her for me.¡± With only a glance, Chen Zhen already saw a number of expensive medicine to replenish blood and energy. With regards to Qing Feng, she was grateful and other than thanks, she really didn¡¯t know what else to say. ¡°Can this servant see the Little Prince?¡± This was something Mistress stressed her to do this morning when she left. ¡°Of course.¡± When talking about the child, Chen Zhen¡¯s smile got wider and carried the baby higher so that Fu Ling could see clearer. Even though the child was born a month earlier, but perhaps because Imperial Concubine Hui was the only one feeding him and her food was not very good, the child was about the same as her own premature Little Master, thin and small. Fu Ling hesitated for a moment but still asked, ¡°Is a name given yet?¡± When the princes reaches their full month, the Emperor will bestow a name. This child¡­ There was a trace of melancholy across Chen Zhen¡¯s eyes but fortunately it dissipate quickly and she replied with a smile, ¡°There is no formal name yet. His nickname is Han-er.¡± ¡°Han-er.¡± Perhaps he heard someone calling his name, or perhaps he felt that someone had been watching him, the little guy in Chen Zhen¡¯s arms stretched out his little neck and his little eyes were widely open staring at Fu Ling. Being looked so purely by this pair of clear black eyes, Fu Ling felt that her heart soften and smiled, ¡°So adorable.¡± It was almost approaching lunch time so Fu Ling picked up the empty basket and said, ¡°The time is no longer early so this servant will take her leave.¡± Fu Ling walked to the door when she suddenly heard Chen Zhen soft shout, ¡°Fu Ling, wait.¡± When Fu Ling turned around, she only saw Chen Zhen passing the child to Wu-er and crouch beside the bed and flip open the thin quilt to rummage for something under the pillow. After a moment, she found a thing and grip it in her hands. Chen Zhen walked to Fu Ling and took a moment before handing over something, ¡°This¡­ Is something for the child.¡± Fu Ling looked down and saw that it was half a palm-sized bag. The cloth that was used on the bag was not considered good but the embroidery work was considered the best grade. The fire red Qilin seemed to be jumping out of from the cloth and even the small white teeth can be counted on the embroidery. Fu Ling took the little bag and replied, ¡°Rest assure that this servant will definitely hand this over to Mistress.¡± That small little bag was not considered any precious gift but Fu Ling was this solemn and serious which made Chen Zhen embarrassed, ¡°En. You should quickly go back.¡± Fu Ling bowed and Wu-er send her out the door. Walking on the quiet palace road in front of the Cold Palace, Fu Ling¡¯s pace slowed down. Seeing the small bag lying on the basket, she could not help but feel moved. If Imperial Concubine Hui was not banished to the Cold Palace or if Mistress did not come over that night to the Cold Palace, perhaps they would have been foes. But now, both of them could get along calmly. Sometime the way people get along was incredulous. Talking about getting along, Fu Ling could not help but to think about that cold person¡­ Chapter 84 Talking about this topic, Fu Ling could not help but to think about that cold person¡­ She obviously could feel that he was actually not an unfeeling person but why did he put on a cold shoulder constantly. The thing that make other at a loss was, what exactly was he thinking about? Fu Ling was so engrossed in her thoughts that she did not find out that someone was walking towards her and did not also realise that there was a big pair of gardener¡¯s shears by the palace road. These days Ming Jian had been investigating about Ling Shui Alliance and finally found some leads thus at this moment he was rushing over to report to the Emperor before lunch. Initially he had met a few palace maids in the palace roads and he would usually not pay much attention to them but the female walking over was a little weird. Not only was she carrying a large basket, she was walking very slowly even though she used a single hand to carry the basket and thus it was not heavy. If she continued to walk like that, she would probably take half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) to finish walking this not so long palace road. Ming Jian walked nearer and found that it was the female officer from the Qing Feng Palace ¨C Fu Ling. Seeing her like she was thinking about something, Ming Ze did not want to disturb her but if she were to walk so distractedly a few more steps, she would have kicked the sharp shears on the road. Ming Qian thought for a bit and decided to give a warning, ¡°Miss Fu Ling, be careful.¡± The bright and cool male voice sounded by her side which made Fu Ling stunned momentarily. As she looked up, she saw a face with features about a third identical to who she was thinking about and Fu Ling took a few steps back in shock. obviously he had scared her so Ming Jian squatted down to pick up the large shears on the floor and place it by the flowers before smiling, ¡°It would be good not to think about things when walking, else it would not be good to hurt one¡¯s foot.¡± Not mentioning about not looking when walking, he kindly warned her but Fu Ling was rude about it and thus felt very embarrassed thus she quickly bowed, ¡°Many thanks to Commander Ming.¡± Ming Jian lightly laughed, ¡°Miss Fu Ling should not stand in ceremony.¡± As Ming Jian entered the Palace in a hurry, he did not change into his official uniform. The casually dressed him had a white jade hanging from his waist. Fu Ling felt that it was familiar and could not help but to look at it a few times. Ming Jian felt that it was a little strange that Fu Ling did not get up after greeting and when he took a closer look, he was surprise to see her staring at the hems of his clothes. Ming Jian asked curiously, ¡°What is wrong?¡± ¡°This jade pendant¡­¡± And the one that Ming Ze had was very similar. The difference was that Ming Ze¡¯s one was smaller and it was oval in shaped and tied with a red string. Ming Jian¡¯s piece was hung at his waist and had used a dark green silk knot to tie it to his belt which made the jade white like the snow. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it before?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± When Fu Ling¡¯s met Ming Jian¡¯s surprised eyes, she then felt that she had forgotten herself. If she were to say that she did not see before, it would only look suspicious to others. Fu Ling calmed herself down and lightly smiled before she replied, ¡°This was all blame on my tenancy not to look where I walk. Two days ago in Qing Feng Hall, I had accidentally bump onto Guard Ming and he dropped a piece of jade pendant like yours, which I am unsure if it was broken or not. Now that I have seen you carrying it, I then became curious and took a second glance.¡± Fu Ling tried to say it casually as she feared that Ming Jian will sense anything but she did not think that the usually calm and quiet Commander Ming would suddenly stared at her anxiously and said, ¡°Are you saying that, Ming Ze also carried this jade pendent with him?¡± Fu Ling did not know why Ming Jian had such an expression and this time only replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling words just came out when Ming Jian suddenly laughed heartily and seemed to be in a very pleasant mood. Fu Ling wanted to know the origins of the jade pendant and know that it was practically impossible to know it from Ming Ze and since Ming Jian knows about it, she might as well ask, ¡°Not sure if Guard Ming¡¯s jade pendant was broken. Where do you buy this jade pendant? If it was truly broken, it would be idea for me to buy one to apologize to him.¡± Ming Jian¡¯s mood was especially good and he smile while he was shaking his head before explaining, ¡°For the males in the Ming family, the Head of the family would gift a jade pendant to him. All the jade pendant comes from the same piece of jade so this cannot be bought outside.¡± Ming Ze, this kid, even though he refuse to admit it, his heart still cared for his family. So it was not a gift from others¡­ Fu Ling unconsciously sighed in relieve. Thinking about the words behind the jade pendant, Fu Ling curiously asked, ¡°Was there any special meaning to the words carved behind the jade pandent?¡± ¡°At the back of the jade pendant, there are carvings of our ¡®words¡¯.¡± No wonder his jade has the carving of¡­ Qi (means tall)¡­¡± It¡¯s a pity that she did not see the words after that so Fu Ling deliberately only spoke half of it and stopped and Ming Jian indeed straightforwardly continued, ¡°Qi Yu.¡± How can Ming Jian not tell that Fu Ling was digging information from him. His own younger brother¡¯s charm was indeed not small. He was only in Qing Feng Hall for a few days and was able to attract a beauty¡¯s interest. Fu Ling had been in the Palace for many years and with regards on dealing with people, her character was also good. Since she was interested in Ming Ze, Ming Jian generously told her. ¡°Qi Yu¡­¡± Fu Ling repeated the words softly. Fu Ling felt uncomfortable under the smiling bright eyes of Ming Jian¡¯s that she coughed lightly and smiled, ¡°Such a precious jade could not be bought outside so one hope that the jade pendant was not broken. Commander Ming should have things to do so Fu Ling would not continue to bother.¡± It was indeed quick of her to not want the Monk after receiving the alms. Ming Jian laughed in spite of himself but did not make things difficult for her, ¡°Goodbye.¡± Finishing, Ming Jian headed towards the Imperial Study as he did have things to do. Until Ming Jian had walked far, Fu Ling then exhaled in an upset. What was wrong with her today? To be so impatient to know things about him. If Ming Jian go home and tell him¡­ Fu Ling smile bitterly, so shameful! ¡°Qi Yu¡± the two words were repeated in her heart for several times and she suddenly felt that the two words sounded family. Where did she heard it or seen it before? ***** When it almost Wushi (modern timing: 11 am ¨C 1 pm), Qing Feng had just finished feeding the baby when Fu Ling returned. Qing Feng saw her carrying a big basket and curiously asked, ¡°So fast?¡± The Inner Palace was not a small place and each and every small palace needs to be delivered, thus it would take at least two to three shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) to finish and she still need to make a trip to the Cold Palace, unless she had met with some trouble? Afraid that she would get worried, Fu Ling explained, ¡°The mistresses of each palace empathized with this servants hard work so they had sent someone to retrieve them, thus this servant can come back earlier.¡± Fu Ling handed the empty basket over to Ru Yi who was standing at the side and walked over to Qing Feng before whispering, ¡°Mistress, come over here.¡± Qing Feng hand the child over the Shen Yao and both of them walked to the living room. Fu Ling took the small bag from her sleeves and handed it to Qing Feng. As Qing Feng took it, she whispered, ¡°This is?¡± Since Shen Yao was still behind the screen, Fu Ling did not explicitly explain and just replied softly, ¡°She let this servant pass it to you, saying that it is a gift for the Little Prince.¡± Chen Zhen? Qing Feng looked at the small bag in her hands. The needlework was fine and the stitches were very detailed thus the Qilin looked lifelike and had the essence of it. Only Chen Zhen¡¯s skills would it be that realistic. Holding the small bag with her palms, Qing Feng sighed softly, ¡°She is truly considerate.¡± When that little baby was born, she did not gift anything thus by comparison she was not as thoughtful as Chen Zhen. ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling thought of Xiao Liu Zi that she met outside Qing Feng Hall and quickly said, ¡°Lou Furen had sent word that she and Miss Qing would like to visit you together.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s eyes were filled with joy but after some thought, she replied, ¡°No. Let them wait till the baby is a month old then come together with Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling.¡± ¡°Yes. This servant will reply in a moment.¡± Mistress was definitely worried about the Empress making things difficult for her own sisters thus did not allow them to enter the Palace alone. It was really envious to see her caring and loving to her family. Qing Feng only spoke a little with Fu Ling when there was a clear and bright cries coming from the inner chambers. Both of them looked at one another and Qing Feng helplessly smiled and spoke with a hint of pampering, ¡°Why is this little ancestor crying again¡­¡± Even though it sounded like Qing Feng was complaining, her legs immediately headed toward the room. After taking two steps she stopped and passed the small bag to Fu ling, ¡°Help me to keep it well.¡± Finishing, she headed toward the child without pausing her steps. Fu Ling looked at the small bag in her hands and Qing Feng who was carrying the baby with a soft smile, she suddenly felt how nice would it be if the days continued like this. **** Outside the Imperial Study, Gao Jing looked at the two person playing chess difficultly and was secretly lamenting. When the Emperor and Prime Minister Lou plays chess, if it was not of great urgency, one must never disturb them. But just before Prime Minister Lou came, the Emperor specially instructed him that if Commander Ming return, he was to immediately report it up thus placing him in such a dilemma now. When Xiao Yu finished serving the hot tea and came out, she passed Gao Jing and whispered, ¡°Go in to report.¡± Finishing speaking, she walked towards the side hall even before he could speak. Since Xiao Yu let him enter to report, it would seem that the Emperor¡¯s and Prime Minister Lou¡¯s chess game was not at the most critical point. Gao Jing was secretly relief as he immediately entered the hall and spoke softly behind Yan Hong Tian, ¡°Emperor, Commander Ming request an audience.¡± Sure enough, there was no anger in the Emperor¡¯s face as he replied blandly, ¡°Announce.¡± Gao Jing bowed as he exited out the hall and after a short while, Ming Jian quickly walked into the hall and saw the Emperor and Prime Minister Lou playing chess and was also surprise for a moment. Before he could greet, Yan Hong Tian had already asked, ¡°How did the investigation went?¡± Ming Jian faintly felt that the Emperor seemed to be a little impatient. But seeing the black piece in his hands and the firm and steady placement of the chess pieces, it did not seem like it. ¡°Pa¡± sounded as Yan Hong Tian placed the black chess piece in his hand down and produced a clear sharp noise. Ming Jian quickly collected himself and did not dare to speculate about the Emperor¡¯s interest and immediately inform him of everything he had investigated. ¡°In the list of assassins of the Ling Shui Alliance, currently there are three who are in the capital, two male and one female. A few days before the incident, they were spotted near the residence but they all appeared alone and never once appeared together. The two males were cautious and almost stayed indoors all the time but the female often wondered within the city. These two days she was often moving around in the vicinity of the Darens of Ministry of Justice.¡± Ministry of Justice? Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brow slightly narrowed and the chess piece in Lou Xi Yan¡¯s hands also paused for just a little. The subtle facial expressions only lasted for a brief moment and both men focus back on the chess game as usual. Both of them played a few more turns before Yan Hong Tian seemed to remember that Ming Jian was still standing by the side and replied, ¡°Since they are still in the capital then monitor them closely and don¡¯t arouse their suspicions.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Seeing that the Emperor did not have any other orders, Ming Jian was just about to leave when Lou Xi Yan;s muffled voice suddenly sounded, ¡°The Sect Leader of Ling Shui Alliance had been famous in Jianghu since forty years ago and his age should not be average now.¡± It was casually said like a whisper but Ming Jian secretly complained about it. This Prime Minister Daren was obviously saying that Ling Shui Alliance usually only had information in Jianghu but now could grasp the Imperial Court, perhaps the one in charge was substituted and now making him identify who the person was. Even though Ming Jian¡¯s heart darken, he still said clearly, ¡°This official will investigate as soon as possible who exactly did the Ling Shui Alliance collude with and who is the current leader of Ling Shui Alliance.¡± ¡°You can withdraw.¡± Yan Hong Tian wanted to laugh at Ming Jian¡¯s helpless voice and Lou Xi Yan¡¯s leisurely expression and only lightly cough as he supressed his lips to arc but there was still a faint smile in his eyes. ¡°Yes.¡± Ming Jian quickly left, for fear the next moment this seemingly harmless Prime Minister would think about other situation. The room quieten down and it seems to be quieter than usual as both of them held a chess piece. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s black chess piece was already placed down but Lou Xi Yan¡¯s white chess piece was not placed down for a long long time. Yan Hong Tian waited for a long time before finally giving an inaudible sigh and spoke loudly, ¡°Gao Jing, summon for Dan Yu Lan.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lou Xi Yan slowly put down the white chess pieces in his hands and his lowered head finally looked up. With a calm expression and even voice without the usual gentleness, ¡°The matter is not completely clear yet, should he be moved?¡± Yan Hong Tian drew the black chess pieces into the chess boxes and coldly spit out a few words, ¡°It is long enough.¡± Twelve years. He had waited long enough. Chapter 85 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 85 Chapter 85: Stirring (Part 1) Yan Hong Tian drew the black chess pieces into the chess boxes and coldly spit out a few words, ¡°It is long enough.¡± Twelve years. He had waited long enough. This chess game had been played for too long, encompasses too large. One wrong move will throw the entire game. Lou Xi Yan could not help but worry. The Yang family¡¯s defeat was the first step and he had guessed that in recent year, Yan Hong Tian would definitely move against the Xin clan. He did not expect that it would be so soon¡­ ¡°This official Dan Yu Lan greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor.¡± Dan Yu Lan¡¯s arrival broke the silence in the solemn room. ¡°Raise.¡± Dan Yu Lan just stood up when Yan Hong Tian cool voiced questioned lowly, ¡°Regarding the case of the thief and substitution of army rations, it seemed that Beloved Official Dan have not yet close the case till now.¡± ¡°Recently there is an increase in cases and thus had failed to manage it timely. This official have initiated a re-investigation of the case.¡± As Dan Yu Lan replied, he was secretly observing the two person at the table. The chess was played halfway but the Emperor and Prime Minister Lou no longer holding any chess pieces in their hands. This meant that they no longer had any mood to play chess or was it¡­ Before he could have a chance to guess the strange atmosphere between the Emperor and Prime Minister Lou, Yan Hong Tian calm voice sounded again, ¡°Zhen will give you three months. This case must be investigated very thoroughly and clearly.¡± The four words ¡®very thoroughly and clearly¡¯ resounded. Did the Emperor meant to dig out? Dan Yu Lan thought of something and asked, ¡°Does the investigation required to be done in secret?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips arched as he replied, ¡°Up to you.¡± Must investigate secretly! Must dig deep! Dan Yu Lan understood the intention of the Emperor and clasped his hands together to greet, ¡°This official will withdraw.¡± After Dan Yu Lan left, Lou Xi Yan who had already placed the chess piece down, picked the white chess piece up again and place it down onto the board without much thought and seemingly much more relaxed than previous. ¡°I was still wondering if the coastal pirates were that powerful that you need to specially get General Su to place a siege. So it turned out to be a tactic of moving the tiger from the mountain.¡± Yan Hong Tian looked at the chess piece that Lou Xi Yan just placed down, it was not place in the middle of the black pieces to eliminate them but it had firmly blocked the way out of for the black pieces and he was pleased. He knew that Xi Yan would definitely help him. With the same brisk move, he picked up a black piece and place it in the middle of the white pieces to stop their attack. His actions were lethal and the words he said did not disclose anything, ¡°The pirates are indeed powerful. Not only do they rob cargo ships in the sea, they also come ashore to loot and burn down residences. These actions are strange thus only when General Su is in charge will Zhen feel assured.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Lou Xi Yan raise an eyebrow slightly as he softly said an ¡°Oh.¡± As if he had a clear understanding, he exclaimed, ¡°Then it¡¯s this official mistake. It should be a plan to bring down two birds with one stone.¡± Yan Hong Tian stared blankly for a moment before laughing out. The one who knows me, was only Xi Yan. Even though the outcome of the game was unclear, Yan Hong Tian pushed the game to the side and picked the hot tea that Xiao Yu poured and sighed, ¡°Su Ling is brave, fierce and has a perseverance character. However, he is proud and arrogant. Thus when there are disdained things that are needed to be fixed yet would not be easy to drive, Su Ren would be a good candidate.¡± Lou Xi Yan was still holding a chess piece but apparently Yan Hong Tian had no longer any interest in continuing the chess game. Lou Xi Yan calmly responded as usual, ¡°It seems that you have already deployed well and it was me who worry too much.¡± ¡°This Imperial court should be changed else they would have forgotten who is the master of Qiong Yue.¡± The Yang family had been wiped out and the Xin family cannot be remained! It was almost noon when the wind started blowing. The winter should be a cold one this year. ***** Investigation Manor The celebration was over and the difficult and urgent cases were almost finished, thus Cheng Hang and Lu Jin had already rested for quite some days. If there were no major cases in the capital, it would also be time for them to start to head to the other provinces for cases. Both of them had come over to the Investigation Manor early in the morning to discuss about the matter but only knew when they arrived that Daren was summon by the Emperor to the Palace. Thus both of them sat at the mahogany chair in the study in boredom as they waited for Dan Yu Lan to return. Cheng Hang picked up the tea which was already refilled twice and drank it up in one mouthful before he asked with irritation and expectation, ¡°What do you say of why did the Emperor summon Daren to the Palace for? Would there be any major case?¡± Lu Jin was more graceful than him. He took a sip of the hot tea before faintly replied, ¡°When Daren returns, we would know.¡± All the reported cases were reviewed by the Board of Punishment before it was brought up and he did not recall any big case recently. Nonsense! Cheng Hang rolled his eyes at Lu Jin and Lu Jin ignored him as he continued to drink his hot tea. Both of them waited for more than half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) and Cheng Hang started to pace around the study. Just as he was almost out of patience, Dan Yu Lan finally returned. It had already been winter for quite a number of days and the winter wind was starting up. Within the Investigation Manor, there was a few hundred year old trees that were trembling in the strong wind. Dan Yu Lan¡¯s expression was sunken as he walked in the cold slowly thinking. No matter how hard the wind was blowing, he was unmoved. When he finally walked into the study, he did not even see the two of them who were waiting for him inside and walked straight to his desk and sat down in silence for a long time. Both of them looked at one another. Daren was a little strange! Cheng Hang gave a look to Lu Jin and Lu Jin softly called out, ¡°Daren?¡± It was only after Lu Jin called out then Dan Yu Lan recovered himself and stared at both of them for a while before whispering, ¡°Search for all the files relating to the Lin Bo Kang¡¯s the case of the thief and substitution of army rations and read it carefully.¡± Case of the army rations? When both of them returned to the capital, this case has been shelved so they did not understand the case at all but seeing that Dan Daren¡¯s grave tone on the case, both of them dare not take it lightly. ¡°Yes.¡± Both of them rummage for quite some time before Lu Jin found a thin dossier in the pile of file six months ago. As he flip it through, there were some traces of doubt that flashed on Lu Jin¡¯s face but he did not speak as he passed the file to Cheng Hang. After Cheng Hang look at the few piece of report, he muttered, ¡°This time the Emperor summon Dan Daren to the Palace was for the army ration case?¡± Dan Yu Lan picked up the inked dipped brush and seriously wrote something down as he replied, ¡°Three months. The case must be closed by then.¡± And a time limit was also set? This was not common. Cheng Hang flip the file and his brows knitted tightly together and asked curiously, ¡°This case is not a major one. Lin Bo Kang is already dead, the substituted rations were retrieved and Li Ming also admitted that he was the one who killed Lin Bo Kang and confessed that Lin Bo Kang stole the rations so that he could sell it to the southern merchants. At that time the officer presiding the case was the Vice Minister of the Board of Punishment, Wu Shi Gang, who also intercepted the army rations from the southern merchants. Isn¡¯t this case considered closed?¡± ¡°You all should examine it very carefully.¡± Dan Yu Lan did not look up but his voice sounded heavy. Being by Dan Yu Lan¡¯s side for so many years, they did not see him this vexed before. Even it was a case that incurred the Emperor¡¯s wrath, they did not see Daren this worried. Was it that there were hidden stories in the case of the army rations? Two of them look at the two sheets of paper and seriously look through. After the time it takes to burn a stick of incense (modern timing: 15 ¨C 25 mins), both of them could almost memorised the entire file before they placed it down. Cheng Hang propped his chin as he analysed, ¡°Li Ming had been the steward in the Lin family for many years and even if he had whatever hatred for Lin Bo Kang, he obviously know that he would be executed, and he still found need to take the risk to break into the Board of Punishments to kill him. This is somewhat irrational.¡± Lu Jin nodded his head. Before the fragments of information were linked together, he could see some inconsistencies, ¡°With only Li Ming¡¯s strength alone, it is not possible to be able to kill Li Bo Kang in the Board of Punishments. A month ago, there was also a prison brawl in the prison of the Board of Punishment and the one who was injured the worst was Li Ming.¡± When Dan Yu Lan finished writing and heard Lu Jin¡¯s words, he was shocked, ¡°Li Ming is dead?¡± ¡°Rest assure Daren, Li Ming is a key figure in this case. After the brawl the last time, this underling felt something was wrong and had already moved him to the prison where punishments are carried out and specially allocated someone to monitor.¡± At that time, he felt that it was strange and intuitively thought that this person would certainly be a key figure. Its seems that he had done the correct thing that day. ¡°Good.¡± Dan Yu Lan gave a sigh of relief. The prison where punishments are carried out was also the place where criminals are temporarily detained for retrial. The wardens there were also his confidants that had followed him for years thus it was not something that the prison in the Board of Punishments can compared. He was assured that Li Ming was there. Seeing that both of them had finished reading the file, Dan Yu Lan then stood up to say, ¡°Lin Bo Kang is just one of the biggest merchant in the capital and this time if it was not the recommendation from the Daren from Ministry of Appointments, he would not have the opportunity to be able to get this business. Every year the court will release half of the rations from the Imperial Warehouse as army rations and the other half will be bought from the public thus there would already be many opportunities to get rich. For everything to be calculated on his, he cannot be that stupid as to do business the first time with the Imperial Court and also to substitute army rations shoddily? This was something that one can lose their head for.¡± As the fingers lightly tap on the thin file, Cheng Hang drive increased, ¡°If it is said like this, then this case is really hiding something.¡± The more complex the case was the more he like it, there was a sense of challenge! Cheng Hang¡¯s eyes were filled with excitement while Lu Jin shook his head reluctantly. He looked down and glance upon the autopsy examiner¡¯s name, Wang Bing Sheng? It seems to be a low ranked coroner in Ying Tian Residence. Lu Jin picked up the autopsy report and place it in front of Dan Yu Lan to ask, ¡°Lin Bo Kang¡¯s body is still at the Board of Punishment¡¯s coroner. Does Daren want to do the autopsy again?¡± ¡°Not needed. Lou Furen did the autopsy of Lin Bo Kang¡¯s body and I was present that day so it need not be re-examined.¡± When Lu Jin heard that it was Zhuo Qing who did the autopsy, he became happy and asked urgently, ¡°Should Lou Furen be invited over?¡± Lou Furen¡¯s autopsy skill are high and every time she lectures, one would be able to learn a lot. Dan Yu Lan considered for a moment before finally exclaimed, ¡°Now it is no longer like before. She is already the wife of the Prime Minister. If need not to trouble her then do not trouble her.¡± Hang Chen also went up and asked, ¡°How about¡­. Miss Qing?¡± Lu Jin totally conceded to Lou Furen but in contrast, he even admired Qing Mo¡¯s keen and alert way of investigation. When she investigate, she was sharp and her skills were so good that no one was unsatisfied! And she was not yet officially the General¡¯s wife so it was not that unproper. This time Dan Yu Lan immediately shook his head as he smiled bitterly and replied, ¡°The Ao Tian case had nearly cause her death. Till now General Su did not give me a good look.¡± Both of the Qing females¡¯ temperaments were strange and coupled with their husbands who were difficult to deal with, it was no wonder Dan Daren was reluctant to disturb them unless it was the last resort. One of Cheng Hang hands on the edge of the table while the other hand was on Lu Jin shoulder as he curled his lips and said, ¡°Never mind, we will investigate it ourselves. In the past when they were not around, we still solve cases!¡± Dan Yu Lan secretly sighed, if the Qing family sisters were all male and could take up official positions in court, there would certainly be a lot less injustice in the world. It¡¯s a pity¡­ Focusing his mind, Dan Yu Lan lightly coughed and said, ¡°Cheng Hang, go and check up on Li Ming¡¯s life, how his family is now and who did he mix around with. Lu Jin, go and investigate on the ins and outs of the southern group of merchants and¡­¡± Dan Yu Lan picked the just written letter and handed it over to Lu Jin, ¡°Take this to Commander Su and ask him to help do a stocktake of the army rations.¡± Stocktake of the army rations? Could there be¡­ ¡°Yes.¡± Both of them were people of action. When they heard Dan Yu Lan¡¯s orders, they immediately sprang into action. When both of them reached the door, they heard Dan Yu Lan¡¯s voice calling from behind, ¡°Both of you must remember, with regards to the army ration case, it must be investigated in secret!¡± Lu Jin¡¯s heart could not help but jump. It seemed that this case involvement is not small at all! Chapter 86 The winter in the capital of Qiong Yue was not considered chilling but as compared to the year-round spring in Hao Yue, it was indeed much colder. The sun finally came out at noon today so Qing Feng planned to bath the little fellow. Because she was scared that the child would feel cold, the entire house full of people were busy preparing; raising a brazier, heating up water and the sorts. After running around in circles, the little fellow finally finished bathing and rest comfortably in Qing Feng arms. The little eyes kept looking around and when he saw Ru Yi looking at him, that little fellow generously smile at her. Ru Yi was overjoyed and laughed, ¡°Your Ladyship quick look, the Little Prince is smiling!¡± Seeing the spray of water on the floor and the few cloth diapers around, Qing Feng scolded dotingly with a smile, ¡°Of course he laugh, he had made everyone busy.¡± Qing Feng dotted the little fellow¡¯s nose as she speak and he twisted his head to the side and manage to dodge his mother¡¯s hand, which made Qing Feng laugh out. As Qing Feng¡¯s mood got better, Ru Yi started to speak more casually as she crouched by the bed and smiled, ¡°In another two days, it would be the Little Prince full month, at that time the Emperor will bestow a name. Wonder what name will the Emperor choose for the Little Prince. It would be best¡­¡± Just as Ru Yi was excitedly speaking, a slight scold came from behind, ¡°Ru Yi!¡± Ru Yi looked up and saw Fu Ling entering the inner chambers with a unseen cold expression with a tightly knitted brows. Ru Yi finally realised that she had overstepped and quickly lowered her head, ¡°This servant had speak out of turn.¡± Although Qing Feng felt that Ru Yi words were innocuous but Qing Feng would not say anything about Fu Ling scolding her. Firstly, Fu Ling had the highest authority among them and secondly, there should be more discipline among the palace maids so that in the future they would not overstep and give her problems. Qing Feng looked at that serious Fu Ling and asked, ¡°You have been busy the entire morning doing what?¡± ¡°Mistress, now the study is empty and unused. Why not let this servant tidy it up and place a small bedding in the study. The days have become colder and it would be better to have someone in the room to take care of you and little master.¡± Taking care of a child was indeed difficult. After Mistress gave birth, she had mellowed down from previous but she looked worse than before. Originally she did not let them wait on her at night because she did not want to be watched all the time. However now she needs someone to be around to help about so Qing Feng nodded her head and replied, ¡°That is also good. Do accordingly to your intentions then.¡± ¡°Were those paintings kept? Or are there still some on the shelves?¡± Most of the paintings in the study were her pieces and there were masterpieces of her favourite masters. Qing Feng thought for a bit and said, ¡°I will go with you to see.¡± Qing Feng passed the child to Shen Yao to carry and walked into the little study area by the living area with Fu Ling. Fu Ling had earlier tidied the place and the paintings and books were place neatly on the shelves. Qing Feng said, ¡°Pack up the brushes and ink slabs on the table. I will look at these paintings.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng had the habit of painting at any time so the brushes and ink were place on the study table neatly. When Fu Ling was packing the table up, she discovered that some of the ink was not cleaned and poured some water over to clean. At this time Qing Feng, who was standing behind her, suddenly said, ¡°Fu Ling, bring the bamboo painting that is not yet framed over to me.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling looked up and saw a rolled scroll at the end of the table. Perhaps it was because there was water on her hands and she wast momentary distracted, the ink slab fell off her hands and overturned on the paper by the side, leaving traces of dark and shallow ink. Fu Ling lowly called out, ¡°How terrible!¡± Qing Feng turn back and saw Fu Ling was busy tidying up. As she flip to the paper that Fu Ling pick up, there was a mark that was left on the paper. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes brighten as she excitedly said, ¡°Fu Ling, grind the ink.¡± Mistress suddenly had the mood to paint? Accustomed to the Qing Feng¡¯s passion for painting, Fu Ling shook her head and concentrated to grind the ink. Qing Feng pack up the paper that was splashed with in and took out a clean sheet of paper to place it in the middle of the table. As if she had thought of something, she suddenly shouted to the room, ¡°Ru Yi, bring a brazier into the study.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi¡¯s voice came from within the room. Fu Ling brought the ink to where Qing Feng¡¯s hands could reach and said, ¡°Mistress, it is grinded.¡± Qing Feng glanced at it before replying, ¡°The ink is not enough. Grind more.¡± Not enough? Fu Ling was puzzled, usually when painting, these amount of ink would be more than enough. Even though she was curious, Fu Ling did not continue asking and continue to grind more ink. Just now the Little Prince was taking a bath so there was already lit charcoals. Hearing Qing Feng¡¯s orders, Ru Yi quickly brought a brazier into the study, ¡°Your Ladyship, the brazier is brought over. Where shall it be placed?¡± Qing Feng pointed at the front of the table and replied, ¡°Put it here.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi placed the brazier down and increase the heat from the charcoal. In a short time, the entire study was warm and toasty. Seeing that the ink has been grinded and the paper was ready, Qing Feng faced towards the inside of the room and shouted, ¡°Shen Yao, carry the child over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Shen Yao carried the child into the study. It was rare that the little fellow was not asleep after bathing and when he was brought into a new room, his eyes were glancing around. Ru Yi finally guessed what her Ladyship wanted to do, it was definitely to do a painting of the Little Prince! Guessing her Mistress¡¯s intention, Ru Yi immediately pull out a chair and place it in front of the table so that Shen Yao can sit down as she was carrying the Prince so that her Ladyship can concentrate on painting. Who knew that when Ru Yi moved the chair over, Qing Feng instead said, ¡°Shen Yao, carry the child over to the table. Ru Yi, make sure his hands and feet are exposed.¡± Ru Yi was at a loss, Fu Ling also did not know what was going on and Shen Yao was as quiet as usual but they all saw Qing Feng excited look. Just as Ru Yi exposed the child¡¯s little hands out from the thick padded jacket, Qing Feng picked up the largest brush from the table and filled it up with ink before grabbing on the child¡¯s little hand and painted onto it. Ru Yi was surprised, ¡°Mistress, this is¡­¡± Feeling a cooling and soft sensation, that little guy took his hand back and giggled. After difficultly coating both hands with ink, Qing Feng called out, ¡°Fu Ling, bring the paper over.¡± It was only then that Fu Ling recovered and placed a clean paper on the study table. Qing Feng gently grabbed the child¡¯s ink-stained hands and stamped onto it. A small hand print was left on the paper. In the large paper, that little handprint seemed so small that Ru Yi cannot help but exclaimed, ¡°This little handprints are really cute!¡± As his hands was being grabbed by someone, that little fellow was not happy and began to struggle which made Qing Feng¡¯s hands filled with ink. Using the brush to slowly paint, it would seem that the little guy had ran out of patience and would cry so Qing Feng simply place the child¡¯s little feet and lightly made it step into the ink slab. Quickly the feet became back which made the little fellow stunned. Qing Feng took the opportunity to place his feet onto the paper but perhaps he felt that the ink was very refreshing, not only did he step on a footprint, he also shook his feet. Thus that perfect footprint became a mess of black ink. The group of people were busying around for quite a while and all they got was a piece of ghostly talisman, making a few of them laugh out. Qing Feng found it funny as she scolded, ¡°This little boy is really not obedient!¡± Seeing the messy ink glob on the paper, Qing Feng felt a little dishearten and said, ¡°Print another one.¡± There was still a little ink on the child¡¯s hands and feet and this time Qing Feng dare not let him put his feet in the ink slab. Changing to a new piece of paper, she looked at her own black hands, Qing Feng could only tell Ru Yi, ¡°Ru Yi, grab on his hands and feet to print another piece.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± With both hands and feet firmly caught, this little fellow was unable to do anything bad and could only neatly print two hand and footprints on the paper. Ru Yi released the child¡¯s little feet and took a deep breath and smiled, ¡°This print is perfect!¡± ¡°The water is here.¡± Fu Ling went out of the house sometime before and now led two palace maids in with two basins of hot water in. This pair of mother and son played so happily and did not see what climate it was now. Fu Ling did not say anything but when Qing Feng saw the dark fingers of hers and her son¡¯s, she shrunk her shoulders and fawningly laughed, ¡°Fu Ling is indeed considerate.¡± It was indeed that both mother¡¯s and son¡¯s hearts beat together. Just as Qing Feng finish talking, that little fellow shook his two little hands and giggled twice. Fu Ling was between laughter and tears, ¡°Alright, quick give him a wash and do not catch a cold.¡± Ru Yi and Shen Yao quickly washed the hands and legs for the child and Fu Ling stepped back. When she look back, Qing Feng had already finished cleaning her hands and was looking entranced at the two pieces of paper with hand and footprints in her hands. Fu Ling walked over and pointed at the perfectly printed paper and whispered in her hear, ¡°Why not¡­ Gift this piece to the Emperor.¡± As her thoughts were seen by others and was even spoken out, even it was done by someone close to her, Qing Feng¡¯s face redden and she lightly coughed and stared at Fu Ling. Qing Feng pretended as it was something minor and replied, ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Fu Ling cannot help but laughed, she was already a mother and she was this awkward. Hearing Fu Ling¡¯s laughter, Qing Feng¡¯s face got redder and Fu Ling quickly rolled the painting and exited, just in case someone¡¯s embarrassment became anger. Just as Fu Ling walked to the middle of the courtyard, a sudden burst of cold wind blew and changed the form the soft paper in her hands. As Fu Ling protected the painting in her arms, she shouted, ¡°Lan-er, bring a tube for the paintings over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The wind kept blowing and the painting had long distorted so much that it would not fit into the tube. Fu Ling walked to the corner of the courtyard¡¯s door where the wind was much smaller. Fu Ling unfolded the paper and wanted to reroll them but even though the wind was smaller, the thin paper still kept shaking. The paper was already wrinkled by the wind and it would be difficult to straighten it. When Fu ling was thinking if she should call someone to help, a large hand reached over and helped her to pull the end of the paper. Fu Ling looked up and saw that the owner of the hand was the man that was purposely avoiding her for these past few days. He still had that cool expression on and did not glance at her at all but his eyes were staring at that the hand and footprints on the paper. Fu Ling did not know why but her heart started to involuntarily jump quicker. After freezing for a long time, she finally squeezed out a sentence, ¡°Thank you.¡± Ming Ze did not reply to her words and waited till she roll the paintings up before taking his hands back and walked out of the courtyard. Is this also considered as him helping her? But why was he this indifferent? He¡­ Was like this? Or¡­ Did she think too much? In order to print the child¡¯s hands and feet, Qing Feng¡¯s dress was also soiled with ink. Just as she finished changing, Ru Yi came in and said softly, ¡°Your Ladyship, Beauty Yu is here.¡± What was she doing here? She did not have any interaction with her at all. Chapter 87 ¡°Your Ladyship, Beauty Yu is here.¡± What was she doing here? She did not have any interaction with her at all. Qing Feng let Shen Yao carry the baby into the inner chambers before ordering Fu Ling to bring the person in. ¡°May Imperial Concubine Qing have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± Yu Yue Ying was clad in a light yellow robe and her soft voice sounded somewhat sheepishly. The appearance of a female that entered the Inner Palace would naturally not be bad but it was a pity that her demeanour was somewhat petty. Qing Feng smiled and replied, ¡°Don¡¯t stand on ceremony. Do sit.¡± Yu Yue Ying was seated a chair by the side and the palace maids served refreshments. Qing Feng only cared drinking and did not speak. Yu Yue Ying nervously took a wooden box from her waiting maid and gently opened it. There was a red satin pouch sitting in it. Yu Yue Ying got up and took a step forward before softly saying, ¡°This is Yue Ying¡¯s self-embroidered sachet for the Little Prince. Hoping that heavens would bless the Prince with peace and fortune.¡± Ru Yi went forward to take the wooden box and brought it to Qing Feng. Qing Feng took a glance at it, the fabric was the most expensive red satin and the embroidery was not bad. Qing Feng slightly nodded, ¡°Thank you.¡± Both were little pouch but this did not have the luck of being of Qing Feng¡¯s liking. She only slightly waved her hands and Ru Yi closed the wooden box and withdraw. The living room suddenly quieten down. If it was before, Qing Feng still had the leisure to play with the concubines in the Inner Palace but now she only want to accompany her son. As Yu Yue Ying almost tore her handkerchief by wringing it but still did not say a single word, Qing Feng patience finally ran out, ¡°Is there something the matter for Beauty Yu to come here today?¡± Yu Yue Ying¡¯s shoulders shook a bit and it would seem that she was scared of Qing Feng. Qing Feng slightly frowned and was about to call someone to send her away when Yu Yue Ying finally spoke, ¡°Yue Ying is here today to disturb your Ladyship to seek a request.¡± ¡°There is no harm in saying what one thinks.¡± Qing Feng also wanted to know why she had come over. ¡°Imperial Concubine Hui¡­¡± After Yu Yue Ying said those words, she felt that it was inappropriate and only continued after some thoughts, ¡°Yue Ying knows that Chen Zhen had made mistakes that the Emperor punished her to reflect in the Cold Palace. But she is after all my older cousin and had taken care of me previously. Now seeing her suffer, I really want to help her but during the times that I had gone to the Cold Palace, I was being blocked by Wu-er at the door, saying that the concubines in the Inner Palace cannot go near to the Cold Palace and scared that it would implicate me. Yue Ying is not afraid of being implicated and only hope to see her. For the period that she is in the Cold Palace, there was no news of her at all. I am truly afraid that something would have happened to her.¡± Saying that, Yu Yue Ying suddenly ¡®thump¡¯ down on the floors kneeling and tears that were welling flowed out, ¡°Begging Imperial Concubine Qing to allow Yue Ying to visit her. Begging of you!¡± The person kneeling on the ground spoke sincerely and was like a pear blossom bathed in the rain (aka weeping beauty) but Qing Feng¡¯s expression got darker and her originally warm voice became cold, ¡°Bengong and Chen Zhen initially had some friendly relations but when she perform witchcraft the last time, it almost implicated Bengong to be misunderstood by other and now you come to beg Bengong. If Bengong permitted it, won¡¯t others think that Bengong is still involved with Chen Zhen. Not only that, issues regarding the Inner Palace should naturally be decided by the Empress. Bengong will not help you in this matter, go and beg the Empress.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Yu Yue Ying wanted to beg her but Qing Feng had already gotten up and said coldly, ¡°Ru Yi, send the guest out.¡± Ru Yi, who was standing by the door, walked up to Yu Yue Ning. She was not as polite as Fu Ling and just pulled Yu Yue Ying up and said, ¡°Beauty Yu, please.¡± In the time where they were pulling and dragging, Qing Feng had already went in to the inner chambers. Yu Yue Ying quietly stared at the cold back and her tears fell after a long time before she bowed and left the living room. When Ru Yi came back from sending the person out, she saw Qing Feng coming out from the inner chambers again and was standing by the wide open window with the cold wind blowing till her hair were dancing. The bright eyes had seen the long withered begonia. Ever since her delivery, she had never seen that cold look return on her face. Ru Yu shivered unconsciously and that made her recover to her senses. She quickly went over to close the window and urgently said, ¡°Your Ladyship is still in confinement thus health is still weak and mustn¡¯t have wind blowing.¡± ¡°Send someone to follow her.¡± Chen Zhen had block her at the door, it did not matter it was out of mistrust or protection of Yu Yue Ying, Qing Feng did not want to investigate or guess. The most important thing to her was not to let anyone know of the existence of the child in the Cold Palace! Once the matter was leak out, she would be burnt by it. After the low voice sounded from her back, Ru Yi¡¯s heard trembled a little and she immediately replied. ¡°Yes.¡± These matters were used to be managed by Fu Ling. She knew that she would never replace Fu Ling in her Ladyship¡¯s heart but if there was a chance to climb, she would not let it go. ***** The residence of the Senior Imperial Censor Xin Sui, needless to say, covered a large area. Each of the sons of the Xin family had that own courtyard and usually would not interact with one another. This day, Xin Yi Heng was in the study room reading when a large roar sounded from outside the door. ¡°Xin Yi Heng!¡± As the roar faded, Xin Fu Cheng sturdy figure appeared in his study and there was a light intention to attack in his sneer. Xin Yi Heng raised his head slightly and glance at him, ¡°Second elder brother is here. What a rare guest.¡± He then lowered his head to continue reading, excluding an wave of arrogance. Seeing himself being ignored, Xin Fu Cheng got angry and slam his hand down on the book that Xin Yi Heng was holding as he yelled, ¡°Regarding the matter with Li Ming, I said that I will follow up on it but you insisted on showing off your ability in front of father, saying that since I am in the Board of Punishments, it would not be ideal to directly intervene in the matter so you will follow up instead. And what is the result?!¡± Pushing away Xin Fu Cheng¡¯s that was pressing on the book, Xin Yi Heng impatiently replied, ¡°At the end he also died.¡± ¡°Dead?¡± Xin Fu Cheng scoffed and said in a gloating manner, ¡°Li Ming is not only alive and is also held in the prison where punishment is served!¡± When Xin Fu Cheng finished speaking, he got his wish in seeing Xin Yi Heng¡¯s face turning pale. ¡°Not possible!¡± He had clearly arrange the matter properly. Li Ming was seriously injured and was not sent back to the prison in the Board of Punishments. How¡­ How would he still be alive. ¡°Not possible? Go and check yourself.¡± Seeing the rarely panicked Xin Yi Heng, Xin Fu Chen could finally blow off some steam, he proudly spoke, ¡°You really did a good thing. The things done are not even done efficiently.¡± Xin Fu Cheng said it with certainty so he must have check things out before he came over. Li Ming was unexpectedly alive. If the army ration case was investigated again, he would be the key witness. Even though he may not know much, but it would be hard for Dan Yu Lan not to follow on¡­ At that time, how would he explain it to father? Xin Yi Heng really became anxious and tugged on Xin Fu Cheng¡¯s sleeves as he quickly asked, ¡°Second elder brother, Dan Yu Lan held him where punishment is served. Does this meant that he will be reinvestigating the case?¡± Xin Fu Cheng¡¯s face was filled with disdain. A youngster was truly young. Just a small matter and he panicked till like this. Smacking Xin Yi Heng¡¯s hand away, Xin Fu Cheng replied, ¡°Panic for what. It should not be that. Board of Punishments had not heard of anything about a retrial.¡± If it was not for a retrial, why would Li Ming be locked up in the prison where punishment was served? Why would he receive the news of Li Ming¡¯s death? The more he thought about it, the more it sounds fishy. Xin Yi Heng urgently spoke, ¡°This matter cannot be taken lightly. It would be ideal to discuss with father before the next course of action.¡± ¡°Coward.¡± Xin Fu Cheng pointed at Xin Yi Heng and laughed as he scolded, ¡°If father is disturb by the matter, won¡¯t you appear to be more incompetent?¡± On normal days he had tolerated Xin Yi Heng¡¯s temper, how would he vent it out if he did not take the advantage of taunting him today. Xin Yi Heng¡¯s eyes darken as he bit down his teeth. He then slam his hand on the large desk and his face was full of remorse, ¡°Second elder brother¡¯s lecture is correct! If it was not Eldest brother who let this younger brother snatch it to do, how would I dare to ¡°What? It¡¯s him?¡± Xin Fu Cheng, who was initially rejoicing in other¡¯s misfortune, immediately flew into a rage, ¡°I should have guessed earlier that he was the one causing it!¡± Even though Xin Fu Cheng was not ranked senior among siblings but was given birth by the legal wife and thus think too much of himself and did not always get along with Eldest brother. Xin Yi Heng saw that he was hooked and quickly continued, ¡°Second elder brother, you must find a way to help me. In the future, I will always listen to you. When this matter is successfully concluded, you mustn¡¯t forget to put a word for me in front of father.¡± Xin Fu Cheng was naturally got angry easily and seeing that Xin Yi Heng took a lower stance, he thought that even though Xin Yi Heng was the youngest son, he was favoured all the time. If in the future he would to stand on his side, he would have a better chance when dealing with Xin Ruo Zheng. As he calculated that, Xin Fu Cheng patted Xin Yi Heng¡¯s shoulders forcefully and laughed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will take charge in this. As an elder brother, I would not make things difficult for you.¡± ¡°Thanking second elder brother.¡± Xin Yi Cheng responded back with a bow and smile with Xin Fu Cheng. Xin Fu Cheng had a scheme and Xin Yi Heng was not a fool. The case of the army ration was a thorn in their father¡¯s heart. If this matter was screwed up, the least were to happen was a scolding. Since Xin Fu Cheng gave himself in a silver platter, he cannot blame him at all. ***** In the Imperial Study, Yan Hong Tian was reviewing memorandums and Xiao Yu was by the side brewing tea. The did not like to place braziers in the hall thus once winter comes, the Imperial Study will be icy cold and freshly brewed tea would cool down quickly. Xiao Yu can only wait by the side to change his tea for him. After changing the third cup, Yan Hong Tian did not drink a sip of it. Xiao Yu secretly sighed. To sit like that the entire day would not be good for the body. Xiao Yu looked up and gave Gao Jing a look. Gao Jing quickly nodded his head and Xiao Yu rolled her eyes. As she carried a new brew of hot tea and snacks over to Yan Hong Tian, she said softly, ¡°Emperor, please have some snacks.¡± Yan Hong Tian nodded his head lightly and that made Xiao Yu and Gao Jing relieved. Seeing that the Emperor was about to have snacks and wanted to let him rest longer, Gao Jing quickly took out the thing that Fu Ling had sent over, ¡°Emperor, this is sent over by Miss Fu Ling.¡± Yan Hong Tian took a glance and saw a painting tube. Guessing that it should be a new painting that Qing Feng had done, Yan Hong Tian casually said, ¡°Open it up to see.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Gao Jing took the paper out and unroll it gently¡­ Yan Hong Tian took a sip of tea and looked over before he was stunned for a moment. What¡­ Was that? In the two Chi (1 chi = 1 foot = 1/3 meter) of paper, there was a dark print of a pair of hand and footprints. Yan Hong Tian stared at the paper for quite some time before speaking in a very light voice, ¡°Bring¡­ It over.¡± Gao Jing carefully place the paper on the table and Yan Hong Tian stared at the small handprints for quite a while. Suddenly he stretched out his hand and place it beside the small handprints. One large. One small. Such a stark contrast. Yan Hong Tian could not help but laugh out. The small little handprints were only a third of his palm. Yan Hong Tian picked up the painting to compare and there was a trace of smile on his lips. Xiao Yu and Gao Jing looked at one another as they secretly admire, other than reviewing reports, there was no other matters that could attract the attention of the Emperor for such a long time. Imperial Concubine Qing only used a few small footprints to easily achieve it. Seeing the creases on the paper, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows wrinkled, ¡°Gao Jing, get it framed up immediately.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± When Gao Jing place the painting into the painting tube, Yan Hong Tian said, ¡°Wait. Get the best technical expert to do it. Don¡¯t spoil it.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Seeing the Emperor this excited, Xiao Yu smiled, ¡°Emperor, tonight¡¯s dinner should be located in¡­¡± Qing Feng Hall? Before Xiao Yu could finish, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s deep voice interrupted her words, ¡°Located in Zhen Yang Palace.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Xiao Yu shrugged. It seems that she had invited a snub. Yan Hong Tian picked up the memorandum and there was no traces of excitement. Just as she thought that it was her illusion, Yan Hong Tian suddenly called out lowly, ¡°Xiao Yu.¡± ¡°This servant is here.¡± After waiting for a long time, Yan Hong Tian did not speak. Xiao Yu curiously looked up and saw Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes still staring at the reports and only asked after a long time, ¡°That¡­ Ji Pin Liu Yue is really that nice to drink?¡± What? Xiao Yu took a while to react to it and she thought that the Emperor was deep in concentration. Actually his heard was still thinking about Imperial Concubine Qing. Seeing the Emperor putting on a look of seriousness, Xiao Yu wanted to laugh but dare not laugh out. She lightly coughed and replied, ¡°This servant will brew a cup now. The Emperor can try it.¡± Even the blind could see Xiao Yu¡¯s shaking shoulders and it made Yan Hong Tian feel a little embarrassed. His voice lowered a lot, ¡°Brew it.¡± He had indeed not seen her and the child for a long time. Once the full month feast was over, he would go visit both mother and son. Yan Hong Tian put in great effort to concentrate on the memorandums but his eyes unconsciously stared at his own large hands. As it turns out a child¡¯s hands was really so small. The next time he want to compare them. Chapter 88 Today it was the day of the full month of Qiong Yue¡¯s Third Prince thus there were decorations everywhere and was especially lively. The heavens was kind that although it was cold for quite some days, early this morning, the warm light shone on the earth through the white paper on the window into the house, bringing warmth to the room. Qing Feng gently opened the door and took a deep breath. She had been stifled in this house for an entire month that she felt so stuff up. If it wasn¡¯t the little fellow who gave her trouble all day, she cannot think of how she would felt if she stayed in the house for an entire month. Qing Feng was about to carry the child to walk around the shade under the big tree when she felt wind rush. Ru Yi rushed over from the outside and said, ¡°Your Ladyship, the Empress Dowager sent someone to convey to you to bring the Little Prince to Dong Sheng Palace at Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 am). Qing Feng who was still smiling immediately stopped. The officer of Rites had already came over seven or eight days before to inform on today¡¯s schedule. At that time, it was just listening and she was almost dead of boredom. Thinking that the rest of the day would be this tired, Qing Feng could only howl in grief in her heart. Seeing Qing Feng frowning, Ru Yi thought that she had timed it too early and quickly explained, ¡°Because the abbot of Yu Quan Temple has specially wanted to pray for the Little Prince. After the blessing ceremony, it is still required to go to the Imperial Mausoleum to pray and there is still the banquet at night¡­¡± Ru Yi did not finish when Qing Feng waved her hands and feebly replied, ¡°I know¡­¡± Knowing that her Mistress was always afraid of these tedious rituals and explanations, Fu Ling smiled, ¡°The rules of the Palace is like that. It would be fine after today.¡± Qing Feng would not believe Fu Ling¡¯s words of comfort. If one were to live in the Palace, one would need to adapt oneself to it. ¡°Alright.¡± Qing Feng lamented loudly and gave a look of resign as she carried the tightly and warmly wrapped little guy. She forced a smile, ¡°Come on my obedient son. Let¡¯s us suffer today.¡± Naturally the little fellow did not know what Qing Feng was talking about, only that his mother carried him and he immediately grinned. This smile instantly erased the boredom in Qing Feng¡¯s heart. Gently patting the little fellow¡¯s head, the edges of Qing Feng¡¯s lips also flew up. Taking advantage of Qing Feng¡¯s mood turning well, Ru Yi quickly reminded, ¡°Your Ladyship, it is almost time.¡± The Little Prince was her Ladyship¡¯s happy pill, no matter what troubles her, as long as the Little Prince smiles, her Ladyship would immediately cheer up. When Qing Feng carried the child to the door, she suddenly remembered something and said to Fu Ling who was behind her, ¡°Go and pass a message to the Prime Minister¡¯s residence to my Eldest Sister. Say that there are a lot of events in the Palace today and don¡¯t let her or Youngest Sister come to Qing Feng Hall to look for me. After this busy period is over, I will receive them in the Palace for a gathering.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng walked out of the door of the hall when an Imperial Guard stood by the door. Qing Feng¡¯s heart slightly jump a beat as she looked over to discover that that person was not Ming Ze. Was he transferred away? Or was it¡­ Qing Feng was secretly guessing when the old mama, who was sent over by the Empress Dowager to pick her up, was impatient, ¡°Your Ladyship, it would not be good to miss the auspicious time.¡± Never mind. If he left then he has left. After putting down her chaotic thoughts, Qing Feng carried the baby and heading to the direction of Dong Sheng Palace. ***** Qing Feng thought that during the blessing ceremony and the ceremony for the ancestors, she would be able to see Yan Hong Tian but at the end he did not appear at all. After that she heard Fu Ling explained then she only knew that Qiong Yue regulation was as such. When a Prince had reached to his full month, it was always the Empress Dowager that would preside over the blessing ceremony and other matter. Qing Feng did not know why there was an indescribable feeling in her heart, maybe it was disappointment. As the long and lengthy ceremony dragged on, the adults were very tired and the little child was already fast asleep due to exhaustion. After the entourage of people came back from praying the ancestors and just returned to the Empress Dowager¡¯s Dong Sheng Palace for some tea, Xiao Yu¡¯s pretty figure appeared in the hall. In the living room with a house full of mistresses, Xiao Yu greeted every single one with detailed and reasonable manner. From the elegant way it was done, it was better than a lady in a noble family. Qing Feng especially like Xiao Yi, the Empress Dowager seemed to be satisfied and only the Empress¡¯s face had a look of unconcern, it would seem that she usually do not see her. After the greetings was completed, Xiao Yu said softly, ¡°Empress Dowager, the hundreds of officials and wives are already in the Imperial Gardens. The Emperor let this servant come here to invite you, Empress and Imperial Concubine to Zhen Yan Palace, so as to go to the banquet together.¡± ¡°Good.¡± It could be seen that Lou Su Xin¡¯s mood was extremely good today. Even though it was a tiring day, she was still full of energy, ¡°Empress and Imperial Concubine Qing, follow Aijia over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng sighed in her heart, she did not know how late will it be before she could rest in this large banquet for hundreds of officials. The only consolation and good thing was that she would be able to see Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister. An entourage of people walked to Zhen Yang Palace. Perhaps Yan Hong Tian had heart the report and came out at the same time. After not seeing for many days, he seemed to be thinner. It was almost the twelfth lunar month but he still clad in that dark black robes, not losing the airs of a monarch and was even more refine and superior. ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± ¡°Dispense the ceremony.¡± Yan Hong Tian slightly raised his hands and walked to the Empress Dowager¡¯s side and smiled, ¡°Imperial Mother, it is almost time. Let¡¯s go.¡± The child today was being carried by the wet nurse trusted by the Empress Dowager all the time. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sight swept over the child¡¯s little face and finally landed on that little clenched fist. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sharp brows raised and his lips unconsciously hook up slightly. Previously he did not notice but now he noticed that that hand was really small. Although Yan Hong Tian only took a quick glance that even Qing Feng may not have noticed, but it did not escape the eyes of Xin Yue Ning, the person who was always concerned about him and was his wife for ten over years. When Jing-er was little, the Emperor never look at him with this type of eyes. She previously thought that the Emperor did not like children but now it seems that it was not the case. No way. This child cannot stay! Because of Jing-er position as the Crown Prince, she was more determined to take the next course of action. ***** The officials and family members were invited for the banquet today thus it was not possible to fit everyone in a normal palace. As the winter in Qiong Yue was not considered cold, the full month banquet was held in the Imperial Gardens. There was no more green or red colours in spring or autumn but it was not desolate as there were lush clumps of evergreens which added a lot of vitality into the winter. There were many people here tonight, almost all officials from the third rank and above were present and they had brought their wives and daughter. As far as the eye can see, it was only people that were seen with beautiful robes and toasting to one another. Gu Yun and Su Ling was arranged to be at the right of the main seat, facing Lou Xi Yan and Zhuo Qing. Both men nodded their heads in understanding before looking away while Gu Yun and Qing Feng had a look of boredom on their face. ¡°The Emperor has arrived.¡± From afar there was a shrill cry from a eunuch and silence fell over the garden. Gu Yun squinted her eyes as she look and saw Yan Hong Tian walking with a well maintained middle-aged female clad with jewels and had an air of arrogance. The Empress and Qing Feng walked behind them. To be able to push the Empress back in line, that middle-aged female must be official main Empress Dowager, Lou Su Xin, that Su Ling had mentioned. (FYI¡­ There is always an official/main and side/secondary position. Official/main position is for the official wives while side/secondary position meant that they are the concubine. In this case it meant that Lou Su Xin was the official wife and Empress of the late Emperor. And it also meant that Xin Yue Ning & her son are in the official/main position, while Qing Feng & her son are in a side/secondary position. Usually¡­ USUALLY, the oldest or the official/main Prince can inherit the throne as they are considered the ¡®legitimate¡¯ line. If there is no surviving eldest Prince from the main/official position, then the throne is up for grabs.) ¡°Long live the Emperor. Long live the Empress Dowager. May the Empress and Imperial Concubine Qing have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± As Yan Hong Tian walked to the main seat, the organised and loud voice gave Gu Yun a shock. There were at least a few hundred of people in this garden, to be able to actually greet in unison, it would mean that they were trained on it on normal days. ¡°All raise.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mood was especially great as he waved his hands and sat down on the main seat. ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± Everyone went to their respective seats and Gu Yun looked towards Qing Feng. The Empress Dowager and the Empress was sitting to the left and right of the Emperor respectively and she could only sit by the side of the Empress. The child was held by the wet nurse but was not sat behind her but by the Empress Dowager¡¯s side. The Empress Dowager kept teasing the child frequently and Qing Feng could only watch from afar. Originally the intention for entering the Palace today was to look at the child and chat with Qing Feng but now it would seem that it was not possible. ¡°It¡¯s the Prince¡¯s full month today and a banquet is hosted for the officials. May all the officials dispense on ceremony and accompany Zhen to drink this cup.¡± Yan Hong Tian lifted his cub and everyone followed to cry out their toast, ¡°May the Emperor be filled with exultation, may the Imperial Concubine Qing filled with exultation and may the Third Prince have innumerable fortune.¡± As her child was not by her side, Qing Feng was very much idle and her gaze fell onto the crowd. Eldest Sister and Lou Xi Yan was whispering and as they were newlyweds, it was a very sweet sight. Qing Feng look at the other pair and saw Su Ling was as usual, drinking quietly and alone while Youngest Sister had propped up her chin as she stared at a direction in a daze. Following Youngest Sister¡¯s line of sight, it was a scene of a lake. Under the light of the lanterns by the lakeside, the water surface was sparkling as the palace maids at the lakeside placed little paper boats by their feet. There was a small candle in the middle of the small boat as it was floating on the lake. As the little paper boats floated on the lake, the candle flickered making it look beautiful. Qing Feng smiled, with this kind of beautiful scene, no wonder Youngest Sister was not interested in anything else. Qing Feng¡¯s sight was not met by both sisters but she felt her heart warm. Seeing them living in bliss made her happier than anything else. Qing Feng was immersed in her own mind when she suddenly heard Yan Hong Tian exclaimed in his hearty voice, ¡°Recently there are pirates on rampant in the East Sea and General Su will be bringing the army to wipe them out. Zhen will take the opportunity in today¡¯s banquet to bid farewell to General Su. Till when General Su come back in triumph, Zhen will throw a celebration for the General.¡± After a night of silence, Su Ling stood up and faintly replied, ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± ¡°Wishing that General Su will return earlier victoriously.¡± The voices of well-wishes came from all sides but everyone¡¯s attention was focused on the petite female beside General Su. All the officials are aware that General Su did not indulge in the opposite gender and that female sat by his side. General Su did not portray any expression of irritation and also took the initiative to pick the dishes for her. That female also had scars on her cheeks and should be one of the Qing family¡¯s sisters. This three sisters were not simple. Qing Ling was already the Prime Minister¡¯s Furen, Qing Feng was bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine Qing and now had a Prince and this youngest sister would most likely be the General¡¯s Furen in the future. The hundreds of official had a small abacus (ancient calculator) in their heart and seeing that the three Qing family sisters appearing on the same banquet, that abacus had already rang loudly. ¡°Miss Qing would presumably follow the army to battle during General Su¡¯s expedition. It is really enviable for such marital harmony.¡± It was fairly enjoyable in the banquet, thus when a clear female voice suddenly sounded, everyone was slightly stunned and looked at one another but did not say anything. Since ancient times there was no basis for a wife to follow her husband to battle but the person who spoke was the Empress. The officials who were just toasting quieten and sat down as they waited and observed. With a cup of wine in his hands, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes had a strong interest on Su Ling¡¯s slightly changed expression and Qing Mo whose head was lowered. Zhuo Qing and Lou Xi Yan exchanged a looked and each look was filled with thoughts. In this group of people, the person whose facial expression changed drastically was not the parties involved but Qing Feng, who was standing behind the Empress. Youngest Sister was weak since childhood, how would it be possible to travel with the army into battle. For the Empress to suddenly speak those words, she must have ill intentions. The open air garden was unusually quiet as Lou Su Xin said accusingly, ¡°This is absurd. The Empress words are scandalous. How can a female follow the army to battle.¡± Xin Yue Ning did not only not stop but she continued speaking, ¡°Imperial Mother, the Emperor had already promised to bestow marriage between General Su and Miss Qing. For the General¡¯s Furen to follow the army to battle and face the enemy together, it would definitely be a deed to be told.¡± When the words were spoken, the entire venue of officials were secretly surprise and Qing Feng was also jump in fright. So Yan Hong Tian had already bestowed marriage for Youngest Sister and Su Ling! This was really great. Since the Emperor had already bestow marriage, even if they are not married yet, Youngest Sister is the future General¡¯s Furen and the Empress should not be able to make things too difficult for her. Lou Su Xin had a face of displeasure as she looked towards Yan Hong Tian and asked, ¡°Emperor, what is the matter about a marriage bestowment?¡± Su Ling was a high ranking official with a large military power and if a marriage was bestowed, it should be bestowed to a Princess (of the Imperial lineage) or Princess (of a prince) and not a female from a foreign nation. Yan Hong Tian slightly lifted the wine cup and the eunuch standing behind immediately came forward to pour more wine. Lightly swirling the golden liquid in the cup, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°Su Ling and Qing Mo have an affinity with one another and the Su family elders look favourably on it. Since General Su is the country¡¯s pillars, his marriage should naturally be bestowed by Zhen.¡± Su family elders was actually satisfied with her? Lou Su Xin finally look directly that the female who kept her head down throughout while standing beside Su Ling. She was too thin and she had two scars on her cheeks like her sisters. It was good that she was quiet and delicate. Since the Su family elders acknowledge this kind of daughter-in-law, she had nothing else to say. Recovering her sight, Lou Su Xin arrogantly said, ¡°Even if it is the General¡¯s Furen, since ancient times there was no precedent of a wife will follow her husband to battle. If she go, does it meant that all the wives of men in army can go? It would simply be chaos if the physically weak females go.¡± Xin Yue Ning leaned forward and pretended to be mysterious as she smiled, ¡°Imperial Mother may not know that Miss Qing is different from normal females.¡± Lou Su Xin frowned, ¡°How different is she?¡± So thin and skinny. Not even better compared to Qing Ling and Qing Feng! ¡°Not only Miss Qing is familiar with the art of war, her martial arts skills are high. Not only will she not hinder General Su, she would be able to give the General a helping hand. The last time if it was not Miss Qing¡¯s rescue, Gao Daren would not be able to escape from danger.¡± Turning back, Xin Yue Ning artificially pat on Qing Feng¡¯s hand and pretended to complain, ¡°Younger sister is at fault. If your own youngest sister is that capable, why not explain it earlier.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s face got paler. Sure enough it was about the matter on Gao Hong Jian. The Empress has always been narrow-minded and she had already tried her best not to let Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister enter the Palace. She thought it was possible to avoid it and did not think that the Empress would mention it during the banquet. Qing Feng forced herself to calm down to reply, ¡°Older sister is too flattering, Qing Mo is hyperactive during childhood but did not have martial arts. Some flowering punches and kicks are not considered any martial skills at all. With regards to the art of war, she would not understand. Perhaps it¡¯s her like of chess that she mention about the military verbally. She is still young and do not know of the etiquette. May the Empress Dowager and older sister not take offense of it.¡± Xin Yue Ning softly coughed once and said, ¡°Younger sister is exceedingly modest. Bengong had seen Miss Qing¡¯s abilities and the Emperor too witness it. Is younger sister saying that Bengong and the Emperor had seen wrongly?¡± Qing Mo has a timid character, her body was also not very good and did not have any martial arts training at all. Seeing her Youngest Sister so scared that she dare not lift her head up, there was a wave of anger that was raised in Qing Feng¡¯s chest that the sentence, ¡°Chenqie don¡¯t dare¡± was said between gritted teeth. Lou Su Xin waved her hands as both of them interacted with one another with hidden speech and impatiently said, ¡°Alright. A female should be composing poetry, painting, playing chess and practising Qin. How to compete against men in brandishing swords and fights.¡± Qing Feng was secretly relieved as she thought that the matter has ended. Who knew that Xin Yue Ning was steadfast and refused to let Qing Mo go and gently fondle Lou Su Xin and fawned her, ¡°Imperial Mother, Miss Qing is a female that is better than a man, else how did General Su view her favourable and have deep-rooted feelings for? Today is a joyous day and also the full month of the Third Prince, why not let Miss Qing present a performance to Imperial Mother?¡± Female that was better than a man? Lou Su Xin looked again at that thin figure but she still did not believe it. Seeing the Empress putting her in such high esteem, she replied in accordance to her, ¡°Alright, Aijia would also want to know how a female is better than their counterparts.¡± After getting the Empress Dowager¡¯s approval and seeing that the Emperor did not have any intention to stop it, Xin Yue Ning started to smile arrogantly, ¡°Chenqie also heard that Miss Qing¡¯s fighting technique is so amazing that seven or eight muscular guys would not be able to get near her.¡± ¡°Is it true?¡± Lou Su Xin curiously said, ¡°Then Aijia would want to see it!¡± ¡°Someone come.¡± Xin Yue Ning call out lightly and eight burly guards stepped forward. For these eight person, a man would not be able to withstand the punches from them, let alone a female. The Empress was clearly out to get Youngest Sister¡¯s life! Qing Feng did not care about anything else and walked to the Empress Dowager and half knelt to plead, ¡°Empress Dowager, Mo-er is only a young girl, how would she withstand such a spar.¡± At this time, Lou Su Xin also had some hesitation but before she could speak, Xin Yue Ning had already stepped forward and pull Qing Feng up from her arms and consoled, ¡°Younger sister had worried too much. See how unperturbed Miss Qing is, you as an elder sister should not be this modest.¡± Qing Mo kept her head down, thus to Qing Feng, she must have been frightened but to Zhuo Qing, Yun should have other plans so she did not speak even though Qing Feng kept giving her looks to help her, Zhuo Qing only shook her head lightly, hoping she can calm down. Zhuo Qing was aware of Gu Yun¡¯s capabilities but Qing Feng did not know. Seeing that Eldest Sister refused to save Youngest Sister, Qing Feng could only bite her tongue and see help from Yan Hong Tian. Throwing Xin Yue Ning¡¯s hands aside, Qing Feng walked to Yan Hong Tian and took a deep breath before she knelt down, ¡°Emperor -¡± Unfortunately when she just open her mouth to speak, Yan Hong Tian had already grabbed her arm with one hand and held on to her waist with the other to lift her up, ¡°Zhen also want to see a female exceeding her counterparts.¡± He wanted even more to know how much and to what degree would Su Ling do for Qing Feng and what other unknown abilities that skinny female had. The eight burly guards walked to the center of empty space in the middle of the banquet and each one of them seemed to have strength to break a human arm. When the eight of them looked over at Qing Mo, Qing Feng¡¯s heart almost jump right out but her waist was tightly held on by Yan Hong Tian, restricting her from moving. Unless she die, no one can touch Mo-er. Qing Feng did not care about the pain at her waist and desperately struggled when Yan Hong Tian calm voice sounded by her ear, ¡°As long as Zhen is here, nothing will happen to her. You need not worry.¡± Qing Feng was surprised for a moment. What was the meaning of his words? Just as Qing Feng wanted to inquire, Su Ling suddenly got up but his wrist was pulled down by the slightly cool hand of the figure beside him. Su Ling look towards Gu Yun who was quiet all the time beside him and saw that she got up slowly to stand by his side and slowly lifted her head up. The petite figure stood beside Su Ling and she got more prominent. With a sober face, the two scars not only made her look hideous but also make one feel pitiful. The Empress to actually let this kind of young female to compete against these eight brawny males, was just too vicious. It was common for the women in the Inner Palace to fight but to use other¡¯s younger sister to vent her anger was indeed excessive. After Lou Su Xin saw clearly Gu Yun thin body, she also determined that she cannot compete with the eight brawny opponents and just as she wanted to cancel the competition, she saw a pair of firm eyes that should not be on a weak female. When she looks at you, one would feel a surge of vigour from the heart and make one unconsciously scared. A female should not have such eyes. Gu Yun¡¯s cool eyes swept across the eight person not far away as an ironic smile appear on her lips. She looked towards the different expressions near the main seat and broke into a smile, ¡°As what my Elder Sister said, Qing Mo do not have any teacher and playing with style without any substance. Only managed to save Gao Daren the last time because the Su army is a well-trained troop and Su Ling was providing guidance. Would never dare to claim to be better than male counterparts.¡± Qing Feng was secretly relieved, it seemed that Youngest Sister was living in the General¡¯s residence well. At least over this one year, she can be eloquent in front of so many people. Gu Yu¡¯s humility however gave Su Ling a bad feeling, and sure enough, Gu Yun changed the subject and looked into Yan Hong Tian¡¯s inscrutable eyes and asked with a slight provocation, ¡°But Qing Mo have the intention to follow the army expedition. If today I am able to prove that I am not a physically weak female, will the Emperor grant Qing Mo to follow?¡± Yan Hong Tian laughed readily, ¡°If you can win these knife welding guards, Zhen will approve of you following the army expedition!¡± She was not physically weak but it was not possible to win the eight guards. If he remembered correctly, she had a life threatening injury a month ago and most of the Imperial Physicians in the Palace was invited over by Lou Xi Yan. Recovering from a serious injury and coupled with the power disparity between the genders, even if she could win, it would not be any harm to let her go. What a crafty argument. It meant that if all eight of them was defeated, she would still lose? Gu Yu smiled indifferently, ¡°That¡¯s settled then?¡± ¡°A monarch¡¯s words are not jokes!¡± Gu Yun was filled with confidence and walk up to the middle of the empty space. Standing by the side of the eight guards, the thin figure of hers could only reach to their chest. Gu Yun nodded calmly to them with an outstanding demeanour. The eight of them was somewhat embarrassed and the crowd of officials started discussing. This need not even to compete. If each one of them throw a punch, would this little lady have any life left? Gu Yun stood across them but was not in a hurry to start. She turned around to face the man sitting at the main seat to say, ¡°As today is the full month of the Third Prince and there are so many Furens and Misses on site, it would be ugly to have fights and loss of lives. Moreover if eight of them come on together, it would not be very fair and if they come up individually, it would be a waste of time. I have a better way to test that not only all eight of them will able to be tested at one time and also prove that I am not a week female without strength to even truss a chicken.¡± With a hand clutching on the continuously struggling Qing Feng and the other hand holding a cup of wine, Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°How would you like to compete?¡± Pointing to the lanterns floating afar at the lake, Gu Yun replied, ¡°The floating lanterns on the lake are so beautiful. It would be better that the eight guards and I compete in archery skills. I would be in a team and the eight of them would be in a team. Taking the main seat as the midpoint and order others to put one hundred floating lanterns into the lake from the right and left. The overall timeline is a quarter stick of incense. When the time reaches, whichever side have lesser lanterns lit will considered the winner. What does the Emperor think about it?¡± ¡°Eight of them together? You are sure.¡± He had seen her archery skills during the rescue of Gao Hong Jian and his family and there was nothing to compete. But she actually spoke such conceited nonsense to compete one against eight? This pike up Yan Hong Tian¡¯s interest. He did not believe that a person would be able to use a bow and arrow to such extreme proportions. Qing Feng¡¯s hanging heart was still dangling without a moment of peace. It was difficult to turn the fight into an archery competition so even if she misses the shot, she would not be harmed but why did she say to compete one against eight? She did not understand this Youngest Sister of hers anymore. Her insolent proclamations indeed evoked the curiosity in Yan Hong Tian and Gu Yun knew that he would definitely agree and thus continued to reply, ¡°Of course sure. But I am used in using the crossbow. The difference in length of the crossbow and bow can be easily differentiated, making the outcome easier to see. Would the Emperor loan the crossbow that Su Ling sent in today for it?¡± The small crossbow that Su Ling sent over do reduce the effort required for a female. Yan Hong Tian did not think more and spoke frankly, ¡°Someone come and bring the crossbow from the study.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The guard who received the order immediately ran towards the direction of the Imperial Study. The atmosphere in this Imperial Gardens could only be describe as so tense that a sword can cut through. Everyone were waiting quietly to see what happen next. Shui Xin had been standing behind the Empress and her eyes were on that skinny female. She had often heard the name Qing Mo but only saw this person the first time today. She seem to be a skinny young female but to have such an imposing manner and capabilities, one indeed cannot judge by appearances. Among the three Qing family sisters, the person that one should be fearful of was her. Seeing the confident of a victory look, Shui Xin guessed that the outcome should not be beyond her expectation. Shui Xin nodded her head slightly at the eunuch behind her. That eunuch understood and slowly stepped back before running into the depths of the Inner Palace. Chapter 89 It was boisterous in the Imperial Gardens tonight due to the banquet and in contrast, the courtyards of the Inner Palace were much quieter. Ming Ze stood with his back again Qing Feng Hall¡¯s main doors and stared at the still bright moon with a cold look but there was a hint of ridicule in his eyes. In the Little Prince¡¯s full month banquet, the Commander of the Imperial Guards would had deployed them early on thus Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s and the Prince¡¯s safety and protection naturally need not require him to worry about. Ming Ze stood that upright for don¡¯t know how long when suddenly an extremely fast black shadow fleet pass from the short shrubs. ¡°Who is it?¡± This black shadow was extremely fast as when Ming Ze looked around alertly, other than the noise from the distance, the rest of the place was quiet as though as no one was there. Just as Ming Ze suspect that he was too uptight when that black shadow flew by. It seems that it was heading to the depths of the Inner Palace. Ming Ze was secretly shocked. This person was actually hidden at the short shrubs all the time but he did not feel his presence at all. This person¡¯s martial arts skills were immeasurability high! Ming Ze did not think too much and gave chase. After a few take off and landings, he could still see the black clad figure but when Ming Ze chased till near the Empress Dowager¡¯s Dong Sheng Palace, there was no more traces of the black clad figure. Ming Ze calmed down and thought about it. Today it was the Little Prince full month banquet, thus the Palace would be heavily guarded. This person actually could move freely throughout the Palace and his martial arts skills were higher than him, thus if the black clad person wants to avoid him, it would not be difficult. Why would he attract his attention and let him chase him all the way? Could it be¡­ That the person in black was here to distract him?! Damn it. Did he fell into the tactic of moving the tiger away from the mountain? Ming Ze had a bad premonition in his heart and dared not stop any longer. He turned around and rush back to Qing Feng Hall. When Ming Ze reached the doors of Qing Feng Hall, he saw that the main doors were closed and took a breath to leap over the wall lightly and landing just inside of the door. The inside of the hall was as quiet as he had left it and there was only a female standing in the middle of the courtyard with some small clothing in her hands and a look of shock. At this moment the person that was standing in the courtyard was Shen Yao. After finally recovering herself, Shen Yao timidly asked, ¡°Imperial Guard Ming, what is the matter with you, did something happened?¡± After verifying that there was no black-cladded persons within Qing Feng Hall, Ming Ze stared at Shen Yao and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Why are you here?¡± As a wet nurse, shouldn¡¯t she be by the Prince¡¯s side all the time? Under Ming Ze¡¯s cold intense watch, Shen Yao took a step back in fright and quickly explained, ¡°This servant did not feel good and since the Empress Dowager had sent over two wet nurse, her Ladyship let this servant rest in the house. This servant stayed in the house in the afternoon and it was the palace maid, Hong-er, who brought food to the room for this servant to eat. You probably was only on duty at night and did not know about it.¡± Seeing that her breath was slightly chaotic when she was rushing to speak, it did not seem that she was lying. Ming Ze did not continue pressing on why she would appear at the courtyard now and ask softly, ¡°Did you discover anyone or hear anything just now?¡± Shen Yao thought for a bit and shook her head before replying, ¡°No. This servant was sleeping in the room all this time and when the body turn for the good, thought about the Little Prince¡¯s clothes that was drying in the courtyard was not kept, thus came out to bring the clothes in. Then you came back when the clothes were brought down. This servant did not see anyone else and did not hear any sound.¡± There was nothing? Who exactly was that black cladded person? Why did he trespass the Inner Palace at night? The confrontation tonight was him accidentally disclosed his whereabouts or was it intentional? Shen Yao saw that Ming Ze did not speak for a long time and the coldness in his eyes also increased, she quickly softly said, ¡°This servant will retire.¡± And quickly returned to the inside of the house hugging the clothes she was holding. Ming Ze paid special attention to Shen Yao¡¯s breathing and pace. It seemed like she was not a person who knows martial arts. For her to appear in the courtyard now, was it truly just a coincidence? The doubts in his mind increased and Ming Ze¡¯s eyes unconsciously looked towards the room where Qing Feng stayed in. Should he the matter be brought to her? ***** ¡°The incense has gone out.¡± The eunuch¡¯s cries rang and Gu Yun immediately stopped even though she had three more arrows in her short crossbow. Even it was so, the left side of the lake surface was obviously dimmer which indicated who the winner was. ¡°There are still twenty-eight left on the left side.¡± ¡°There are still forty-one left on the right side.¡± The results are obvious. Gu Yun not only won the eight guards but also won by a large margin. With the short bow in her hand, Gu Yun look back towards Yan Hong Tian, seating at the main seat who was staring at her deeply with slightly narrowed eyes, and laughed, ¡°Emperor, this means I have won over the eight of them correct?¡± In the large garden, not only the hundreds of officials were surprised but stared with admiration at the lean figure standing by the lakeside in the breeze, even the Empress Dowager smiled in satisfaction, ¡°Indeed a female better than the male counterparts!¡± Xin Yue Ning teeth was clenched so tight. Even though what was done today was in accordance with Shui Xin¡¯s arrangement, but she was mad that this ugly female was under the spotlight! Seeing the interest growing in Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes, Xin Yue Ning urgently said, ¡°Emperor, the weapon she use is different from the guards, thus doesn¡¯t it seemed opportunistic and unfair?¡± If it wasn¡¯t that weird crossbow, she would not have won so easily. Fair? She was to talk to her about fairness? Glancing at the brawny man standing beside her with arms thicker than her thighs, Gu Yun laughed sarcastically, ¡°To do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools. Even on the battlefield, it is not possible for the Empress to request the enemy to use the same weapon as you right? I only choose what was favourable for myself only. Not only that, in the beginning, it was agreed that the competition was about who can sink the most number of floating lanterns and that would be the winner. It did not indicate what weapons me or the guards would be using. Or was it under the eyes of the Empress, having eight brawny guys to defeat me, a female, is considered fair?¡± When the words were spoken, the hundreds of official were immediately sent abuzz. When they look up, the eight brawny guards were standing by Gu Yun and she was almost drowned beside them. With such poor contrast between them, the word fairness immediately had become a joke. Xin Yue Ning was very embarrassed and there was still anger in her heart but she dare not throw a temper. The extraordinary splendour of Gu Yun did not escape Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes. Yan Hong Tian suddenly laughed and exclaimed, ¡°With regards to the wipe out of the pirates in the East Sea, Zhen appoint Qing Mo as an Military Counsellor to follow the army in the expedition.¡± ¡°Emperor!¡± Hundreds of sitting officials gasped together. It was still alright for Qing Mo to follow the army but to go as far as to appoint her as a Military Counsellor? This was indeed ridiculous. Since ancient times, there was no basis for a female to be a Military Counsellor! The hundreds of official opposed and questioned but Yan Hong Tian was already accustomed to it and majestically said, ¡°A monarch¡¯s words are not jokes.¡± The words of a monarch¡¯s words were not jokes shut everyone up. The words that the Emperor said, how can it be a trifling matter? Gu Yun magnanimously replied, ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± Thus Gu Yun not only could follow the army expedition but also had a title of a Military Counsellor to go along with it. After that, there was still eating and drinking in the Palace banquet but the hearts¡¯ of the hundreds of officials were secretly observing. The Emperor¡¯s face is inscrutable, the Empress was livid but she restrained her emotions, General Su seemed to be filled with anger but unable to vent it out and the youngest daughter of the Qing family who was just in the spotlight was very calm. But the most puzzling to everyone was that of Imperial Concubine Qing¨C She gave birth to a Prince for the Emperor and her blood sisters did not fall short and obtained Prime Minister Lou¡¯s and General Su¡¯s favour and sits as their official wife. To have a Prince and both Lou and Su families as support, in future at the Inner Palace, afraid that even the Empress Dowager and Empress have to restrain with her but why did she have an expression of dire and fear? In such a not so harmonious atmosphere, the banquet ended with Empress Dowager¡¯s excuse of ¡°the Little Prince is tired¡±. Yan Hong Tian took the lead to get up but saw Qing Feng still staring blankly while she was sitting on the stool. As his eyes stared down, he noticed that that two hands were tightly grasping one another and was slightly shivering. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows frowned and he walked over to her. With one hand holding her chin, he lifted her head up and asked softly, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Qing Feng seemed to have suffered a great shock and jumped up. That pair of large frightened eyes stared at Yan Hong Tian. Yan Hong Tian was surprised, what was the matter with her? Wasn¡¯t Qing Mo unscathed at the end of it? It would forever require courage to be able to look at Yan Hong Tian directly and now she did not have it. Qing Feng finally recovered herself from the scrutinising pair of black eyes and took a step back struggling. She avoided Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand and replied softly, ¡°It is tiring today. I¡­ I want to go back to rest.¡± Finishing Qing Feng hastily bowed and let Ru Yi carry the child from the old mama and with Fu Ling¡¯s support, headed towards the direction of Qing Feng Hall. Seeing that seemingly elegant, but in reality panicked, back view, Yan Hong Tian was filled with interest that there was a rare smile appeared on his lips. What exactly made his usually fearless beloved concubine become so fearful? Along the way back, Qing Feng¡¯s hands was gripping Fu Ling¡¯s arms tightly. The strength was so large that Fu Ling could only repress the pain back by biting her tongue. As the entourage reached Qing Feng Hall, Qing Fell pulled Fu Ling and caught a hold of Ru Yi and the three of them entered the house. Qing Feng then tightly closed the door and leaned against the wooden door. Under the dim light, they could not see her expression but could hear the sounds of her gasps. Fu Ling went forward to support her and anxiously said, ¡°Mistress, what is wrong? Where do you feel uncomfortable?¡± After a while, when Qing Feng manage to settle down her mind, she whispered, ¡°Ru Yi, carry the baby into the room and take good care of him.¡± Ru Yi naturally could tell that Qing Feng was being strange but as long as Fu Ling was here, it would not be her turn to accompany. Ru Yi replied obediently, ¡°Yes.¡± And carried the baby into the inner chambers. After a short while, lit two lamps swiftly. With the candlelight shining through the screen and into the living area, Fu Ling finally could see Qing Feng¡¯s expression. She stood up straight but the strength seemed to be supported by the door and her eyes were closed while her hands were hanging at the side of her body. At this moment, as compared to when she just entered, she seemed to be calmer. ¡°Mistress¡­¡± ¡°Let me calm down a bit.¡± The slightly hoarse voice made Fu Ling swallowed down all her questions and she could only accompany her quietly at the side. Qing Feng find that her mind was very confused, with everything that happened during the evening, she was clueless. What actually happen in the entire year? She need not believe what others were saying but today, she herself saw it with her own eyes that Youngest Sister had a valiant style and could have the capability to beat eight. How was this the naturally coward and weak Youngest Sister of hers?! Thinking back to the few meetups with Eldest Sister¡¯s and Youngest Sister¡¯s, their speech, their characters, their facial expressions, their¡­ A nameless fear invaded her heart, were they the sisters that grew up together and got along with her for tens of years? The doubts that she dare not share with anyone keep popping up and she could not settle her heart down in any moment if these doubts were not answered! ¡°Fu Ling!¡± Qing Feng suddenly screamed and Fu Ling who was standing by her side quickly responded, ¡°This servant is here.¡± ¡°Help me!¡± What? Before Fu Ling can react, Qing Feng suddenly grabbed onto her hand, pull her to her side and whispered to her ears, ¡°Help me¡­ Help me investigate¡­¡± Fu Ling could not hear what Qing Feng was saying due to her supressed trembling voice and could only question, ¡°Investigate what?¡± ¡°Investigate¡­ Qing Ling and Qing Mo! Exhaust all contacts and channels to investigate. I want to know everything that they did after they reach Qiong Yue! The more detailed it is the better!¡± Investigate Miss Qing and Lou Furen?! Fu Ling had never imagine that Mistress¡¯s fear and panic was related to investigating her own sisters. Why was this so? ¡°Must be quick! The soonest!¡± She really cannot wait, she want to know the truth! Fu Ling had never seen Qing Feng like that and had a belly full of questions but did not know if it was the correct time to ask. She supported her to the wooden chair by the side before consoling her, ¡°Alright. This servant will do it immediately, you mustn¡¯t be anxious.¡± Seeing her sitting quietly on the chair, Fu Ling gently gave a sigh of relief and quietly exited. Qing Feng felt as though all the energy in her body had been siphoned off and her hands tightly wring round her arms. She suddenly felt so cold, as if the cold was borne from her heart. If they were truly not Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister¡­ No. It would not be. It was not possible¡­ Father, mother, Feng-er was very fearful¡­ Chapter 90 ¡°With the acceptance of the Mandate of Heavens, the Emperor has decreed that Imperial Concubine Qing from the family Qing, has respectful, harmonious and respectful virtues and is warm, charming, and virtuous. Zhen is comforted that the Imperial ancestral are pleased and she had gave birth to a son. Today, my son is full month old, the name: Zhi and Chu Xiu Palace are bestowed upon him. By the Emperor himself.¡± In the third quarter of Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11am), the morning court has ended and the Imperial Decree was immediately sent into Qing Feng Hall. As the eunuch from Imperial household affairs read out the Imperial Decree in his sharp voice, the main mistress just froze there motionless as she knelt on the floor, unsure if she was overjoyed or was not even listening. Ru Yi knelt behind Qing Feng and hearing not a single movement for quite some time, she quietly looked up and saw her own Mistress staring at the floor and not the Imperial Decree or thanking for the honour. The steward gonggong from the Imperial household affairs held the decree out but did not dare to call her and gave a perplexed look on how to proceed. Ru Yi tookd a small step forward and softly advised, ¡°Your Ladyship?¡± Qing Feng was slightly startled and quickly recovered to her senses and took a while before speaking, ¡°Thanking the grace of the Emperor. May the Emperor long live.¡± Qing Feng replied dispiritedly but fortunately she had said her thanks. Wu Gonggong gave a sigh of relief in his hard and quickly passed the decree to Qing Feng¡¯s hands and knelt down to greet, ¡°Congratulations to Imperial Concubine Qing. Congratulations to Prince Zhi.¡± Ru Yi supported Qing Feng to the living area to sit down at the main seat. Qing Feng placed the Imperial decree casually by the side table and coldly said, ¡°All withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± After giving a bow, Wu Rong immediately exited the house. He has been working in the Palace for almost all his life and had served many mistresses but this Imperial Concubine Qing was the most bizarre one he had seen. Today it¡¯s the big day of the Emperor¡¯s bestowment but she had a cold and lethargic expression. It would seem that this was a Mistress that was hard to serve. When the roomful of people withdrew, only Shen Yao was left in the inner chambers coaxing the Little Prince. Qing Feng was still uncommunicative and just sat that with a unusual cool expression. Her Ladyship had sat overnight, was she not tired? Seeing the Imperial Decree on the side table, Ru Yi lightly smiled and said, ¡°Your Ladyship, the word ¡®Zhi¡¯ that the Emperor bestowed is good. It must be meant ¡®true love¡¯ (pronounce as Zhi Ai)!¡± Qing Feng¡¯s dark expressing eyes slightly raised and her lips slightly arched but it was not like a normal smile. Thinking back on the past few days, he did not even come over to take a glance at both mother and son. True love? Why be so pretentious. Zhi¡­ It also has the meaning of ¡°seizing¡±, who really knew what his heart was thinking. The most difficult thing to guess was a monarch¡¯s mind and now she did not want to guess. She was waiting. Waitng for Fu Ling to give her an answer. ¡°Your Ladyship¡­¡± ¡°Bengong wants some peace. You go in and take care of the Little Prince.¡± Ru Yi still wanted to say more things to make her happier a little but Qing Feng¡¯s cold voice interrupted her words, so Ru Yi can only quietly retreated back to the inner chambers. When she just entered, she saw Shen Yao feeding the Little Price. As Ru Yi was still an unmarried young lady, she immediately turn her face the other side and naturally did not see Shen Yao placing something quietly back to her sleeves. Qing Feng never knew that the greatest suffering in the world was actually waiting. Facing with the eagerness to know the answer yet also scared, as the time pass, she felt more fear. Not even that night in the Imperial Prisons or the attempted suicide at the ruined temple had she felt that life was so difficult. ¡°Mistress? Mistress¡­¡± As the soft voice floated into her ears, Qing Feng¡¯s head snapped up and it was only then that she found Fu Ling standing by her side, looking at her with concern. She had waited for an entire night and it was for Fu Ling to return. At this moment she was standing in front of her, but Qing Feng was afraid and grabbed Fu Ling¡¯s palms for a while before she finally asked, ¡°How was it?¡± Ice cold hands and pale white face. Mistress looked so haggard that it was evident that she was up awake all night in fear. She still could not understand why Mistress would want to investigate her own sisters. Even if it was to investigate, why would it be such urgent and in a state of panic? Fu Ling did not reply for a long time and Qing Feng got anxious, ¡°Was it checked out or not?¡± Qing Feng looked like she was nearing a fainting spell but was still pressing urgently about it. Fu Ling swallowed her words of rests and nodded helplessly. ¡°Will speak in your room.¡± Qing Feng grabbed Fu Ling¡¯s hands and rush to the side wing of the side courtyard. When the doors were just closed, Qing Feng impatiently asked, ¡°How was the investigation?¡± Fu Ling closed the door properly and supported Qing Feng to sit on the chair. She did not keep her waiting and told her from how Qing Ling enter the Prime Minister¡¯s residence to how she performed autopsy in the great hall and how she help Dan Yu Lan to break the cold case of the lost gold, to the case of the missing heart in the female corpse. Fu Ling carefully said everything she had investigated, ¡°When Lou Furen initially reached Qiong Yue, before she entered the Prime Minister¡¯s residence, she was kidnapped by the villagers and then¡­¡± In the timespan of a night, Fu Ling could only investigate this much and it was already not easy. Qing Feng was most concerned about one thing. ¡°She¡­ Truly did an autopsy¡­ In the Grand Hall?¡± ¡°Yes. This servant found the palace maids and eunuchs who were at the great hall holding up the curtains at the event. From their words, Lou Furen was at the great hall¡­ Performing the autopsy for the Princess of Northern Qi.¡± ¡°Was it what they have personally witnessed? Dan Yu Lan did not step forward to help at all?¡± Qing Feng asked quickly and anxiously which can be seen as aggressive. Fu Ling saw Qing Feng grasping the arms of the wooden chair and felt that it was not quite right but dared not hid anything from her, ¡°They witness it themselves. This servant also interviewed them individually and the details of it matched up. Dan Daren only stood by the side and did not say anything or step up to help.¡± It was indeed true? She had heard earlier that Eldest Sister performed an autopsy in the great hall but she never once believed it and always thought that it was Dan Yu Lan who let Eldest Sister to put up a show of doing it but not actually doing it so as to appease the Prince of Northern Qi. So it was just her who was kept in the dark. Taking a deep breath, Qing Feng cautiously asked, ¡°Qing Mo¡­ How about Qing Mo?¡± ¡°The General¡¯s residence is very strict and impartial. Miss Qing also rarely go out of the residence and make contact with others, so it was not easy to investigate. It was fortunate that Miss Qing¡¯s reputation in the Su family army is high and according to the commander of guards of the General¡¯s residence, when Miss Qing entered the residence, she had a competition with General Su Yu on training of the new recruits and came out victorious.¡± Training the troops? Since when did Mo-er know how to train the troops? Recalling the beautiful archery skills of Qing Mo, Qing Feng only felt her head buzzing. If it was autopsy, it could be explained that Eldest Sister was born intelligence, read up in medical books and was self-taught. But martial arts skills were not possible to excel overnight right? If this Qing Mo knows martial arts, then she was definitely not her Mo-er! After deliberating over, Qing Feng then asked in a trembling voice, ¡°In the hearts of everyone in the General¡¯s residence, how is her¡­ Martial arts skills?¡± Mistress was indeed a good elder sister. She must be worried about her own Youngest Sister being wronged in General¡¯s residence. Fu Ling smiled, ¡°Miss Qing¡¯s martial arts skills naturally is not comparable with General Su Ling, but it was difficult to find an opponent in the General¡¯s residence. It was said that General Su Yu had also lost to her before.¡± After investigating for the entire night, she had to admit that the famous reputation of the three sisters of the Qing family that spread to the six nations was indeed well-deserved. Fu Ling was sincerely praising but the colour of Qing Feng¡¯s face was getting paler as she spoke. Actually this result had been swirling in her mind since last night but she kept telling herself that it was absolutely impossible. Now that Fu Ling told her that Eldest Sister could perform autopsies and Youngest Sister had martial arts skills, were these versions of them still her sisters? If they were not, who exactly were they? Who?! ¡°Mistress?!¡± The energy in Qing Feng¡¯s body seemed to have left and Fu Ling had to support the fallen her. At this time Ru Yi¡¯s voice suddenly sounded, ¡°Your Ladyship¡­¡± After no response after a long time, Ru Yi raised her voice louder, ¡°Older sister Fu Ling, are you in?¡± Fu Ling was supporting Qing Feng and cannot go out to open the door. As the door was locked just now, Fu Ling could only shout her reply back, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Prince Zhi seem to be in some discomfort and his entire body is burning up¡­¡± ¡°My child¡­¡± Qing Feng who was leaning in Fu Ling arms suddenly sat up straight and quickly got up. She rushed to the door to open and urgently spoke, ¡°What is wrong with him?¡± Ru Yi jumped in shock and very quickly replied, ¡°Prince Zhi seemed to be sick as his body is hot. Please quickly go and see.¡± Qing Feng anxiously ran back to the house. Just as she pushed open the doors, she heard the child crying out. Qing Feng took the child from Shen Yao¡¯s hands as her heart ached. The little fellow body was already burning up, in addition to how he was crying, his entire face turned red. Qing Feng placed her face against the child¡¯s little head and felt a surge of heat hitting her. ¡°Why is it so hot? Wasn¡¯t he alright just now?!¡± Since last night, she kept thinking about the matter on Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister and only carried the child just now. This was all because of her not taking care of the child. A night of torment and including the remorse she felt now, tears finally welled in her eyes. Seeing her like this, Ru Yi and Shen Yao was shocked that they got down to their knees, ¡°This servant deserves dead. The Little Prince was almost asleep but don¡¯t know why he suddenly cried. This servant only then touched his forehead and discovered that his body was burning up.¡± Fu Ling lightly took the child¡¯s pulse and found that the pulse was a little strange. However a child¡¯s pulse was normally relatively weak and Fu Ling did not take the pulse of a child before and can only comfortingly say, ¡°Mistress need not worry so much. It could be that a cold was caught during the full month celebration and would not be serious.¡± Fu Ling was a female medical attendant. If she say it was not a problem then it should be fine. Qing Feng¡¯s heart quickly calmed down and she asked, ¡°Are the Imperial Physicians called in?¡± ¡°Lan-er had already gone to invite. This servant will go and take a look.¡± Ru Yi quickly got up and exited. It seems that it was not enough to only invite Imperial Physician Lin and should also invite Imperial Physician Wang. If anything happen to the Little Prince, all of their heads would not be enough. After carrying the child and coaxing a while, it seems that even though his body was quite hot, it was good that he was not crying. Qing Feng¡¯s perturbed heart at least settled down a little. As if suddenly thought of something, Qing Feng softly called out, ¡°Fu Ling¡­¡± Fu Ling bend down and Qing Feng whispered into her ear, ¡°Go and invite my Eldest Sister over. Go do it now.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling quickly nodded. Lou Furen can perform autopsies, perhaps her medical skills area also very high. ¡°Wait.¡± Just as Fu Ling was about to exit, Qing Feng said, ¡°Just say that I miss her a lot and ask her to enter the Palace. Do not tell her about the Little Prince¡¯s fever.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Why not tell Lou Furen? Since last night till today, Fu Ling had a belly full of questions but seeing Mistress¡¯s nervous attitude, she would not get any answers. With her son in her arms, Qing Feng look at that quiet but reddish little face as she listened to his slightly fast breathing and the slightly panicky heart since yesterday night seemed to slowly calmed down. Even though others were filled with certainty, she still dare not and did not want to believe Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister was as what they said. So¡­ She must test it out to be satisfied! Chapter 91 It had long past the time for the changing of guards, but Ming Ze was still waiting outside Qing Feng Hall. The more he thought about the black cladded person, the more he felt that it was not right but he did not caught him and there was nothing abnormal in Qing Feng Hall thus he did not report it up. He had waited overnight, just to tell her to be careful but the more he stood outside the hall, the more ridiculous he felt. As only a bodyguard, how could he speak privately to her Ladyship? Better forget it! Ming Ze straightened up and was just about to leave when a familiar light blue-clad figure quickly walked out. Ming Ze called out without much thought, ¡°Wait.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s footsteps paused and asked unsurely, ¡°You called me?¡± What expression was this? Ming Ze was complaining in his heart if his call for her deserved such a surprise look, but he still maintained a cold look, ¡°Last night, I discovered that there were black-clad persons around. You should let her¡­ Imperial Concubine Qing be more careful.¡± When Fu Ling heard the words black-clad persons, she got shocked and did not pay attention to the ¡®her¡¯ that Ming Ze softly said. She anxiously asked, ¡°Did he broke into Qing Feng Hall?¡± ¡°No.¡± It seemed that he did not catch him if he were to subtly remind her like that. It would seem that the black-clad person know who and where to go clearly. ¡°I understand, I will be careful.¡± Remembering Mistress¡¯s instruction, Fu Ling was afraid that she would leave the Palace late so she gave a bow and smiled at him after she spoke and quickly left. Ming Ze¡¯s brows slightly knitted. Fu Ling¡¯s smile was gentle like the spring breeze and anyone would feel very comfortable but he could not forget that absolutely beautiful but in a sorry state smile in that rainy night. ***** The child¡¯s body temperature seems to be getting higher and higher as Qing Feng held him as she anxiously paced around the room. At this time Ru Yi lead the two Imperial Physician, Wang Zhi Yang and Lin Feng, quickly in. The two of them immediately knelt and gave their greetings when they entered, ¡°Greeting Imperial Concubine Qing, long live your¡­¡± Qing Feng was not bothered by these formalities at such a time and urgently said, ¡°Alright, dispense the ceremony. Quickly diagnose and treat the Prince. His body is so hot like it is burning up.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng gently put the child down on the big bed and watched as the two Imperial Physicians took his pulse individually. She really wanted to know the child¡¯s condition but dare not interrupt the Imperial Physicians. Her eyes kept looking at the child and the Imperial Physician back and forth that if the physician gave a frown, it would enough for her to jump out of her skin. Finally, Wang Zhi Yan kept his medical tools and left the edge of the bed. Qing Feng quickly asked, ¡°Imperial Physician Wang, how is the prince?¡± ¡°May your Ladyship be assured. Prince Zhi was a preterm baby and his body is naturally weak. This time he should have caught a pathogenic bacteria influence and the heat was not fully emitted thus the fever came strongly and fiercely. This official will brew a few doses of medicine for Prince Zhi to use. It ought to be fine.¡± Ought to be? Qing Feng was still not assured and turned around to ask Lin Feng who was still taking the pulse, ¡°Imperial Physician Lin?¡± Wang Zhi Yang was the Emperor¡¯s personal physician and was the personally taught disciple of old Imperial Physician Huang. Lin Feng naturally did not refute his diagnosis and the Little Prince¡¯s pulse was strong. It was only a persistent high fever and since Imperial Physician Wang said that it was of no matter, it would be of no matter. Lin Feng withdrew his hands and echoed, ¡°As per Imperial Physician Wang said, your Ladyship need not be too worried.¡± Qing Feng gave a gentle sigh of relief, ¡°Ru Yi, go with the Imperial Physician to retrieve the medication.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± After receiving the assurances from the two Imperial Physicians, Qing Feng¡¯s hanging heart could finally rest a little. She sat down to rest and carried her son in her arms. Qing Feng stared at his red little face and did not even think about anything and just quietly looked at him. ¡°Your Ladyship¡­ Your Ladyship?¡± Qing Feng did not know how long had passed when that voice called her a few times. She looked up with a stunned look and saw Shen Yao pointed outside the screen. It was then when Qing Feng found out that two persons had been standing outside since don¡¯t know when. Both of them waited for quite some time but she did not reply. Fu Ling¡¯s soft voice floated from the other side of the screen, ¡°Mistress, Lou Furen is here.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s body could not help but shivered, no longer did she have the joy and anticipation of seeing her family. Now she felt that her heart was pounding and she was so nervous and uneasy. Qing Feng took a deep breath quietly before replying, ¡°Come in.¡± When Zhuo Qing entered the inner chambers, she felt that Qing Feng was a little strange. She just sat on the bed staring at her and her face was so white as she never seen her before. Comparing the full month banquet yesterday, her expression was like she was in a trance and looked very haggard. Even though her current situation seems bad, she was still carrying the child in her arms, Zhuo Qing shook her head and advised, ¡°Taking care of children is very tiring, you must pay attention to your health.¡± Eldest Sister¡¯s unique clear voice sounded in her ears and Qing Feng¡¯s eyes turned red. She quickly bowed her hand and covered emotional waves that she felt and softly replied, ¡°En. Last night the child was making a fuss, thus I did not sleep well.¡± Taking care of a baby was truly not an easy thing to do. Zhuo Qing only took it as Qing Feng was so tired and lethargic and did not dig any further on her strange behaviour today. When she looked up again, Qing Feng was much calmer and turned to Fu Ling and Shen Yao to speak, ¡°You all can withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Both of them followed the instruction and withdraw. Zhuo Qing looked at the baby in Qing Feng¡¯s embrace, the child¡¯s eyes were closed but the small eyebrows were wrinkled and both little hands were clenched into fists, moving from time to time. Zhuo Qing smiled, ¡°There are a little of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s shadow in this child.¡± Qing Feng did not continue on her words and was silent before she suddenly said, ¡°Let you carry a while.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Zhuo Qing did not think more about it and carried the child over. In her view, children were crossbreds of Angels and Demons, they would appear to be cute but they can torment others a lot. When she took the child over, Zhuo Qing felt that he was soft but very quickly she could feel that there was something wrong with the child. Through the thick clothing, she was able to feel a wave of heat. Zhuo Qing look at the little fellow in her arms, just now she thought that the child¡¯s complexion was reddish but now when she look closely, the redness on the child¡¯s cheeks and forehead was not normal. Zhuo Qing¡¯s hand reached for the forehead of the child and said, ¡°He is running a fever.¡± Fever? Qing Feng guessed that she wanted to talk about the child¡¯s fever and plainly replied, ¡°En.¡± ¡°Have you called upon the Imperial Physician to take a look?¡± ¡°The Imperial Physician said that it is common for babies to have fever and it was not serious.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s tone did not seem to be serious which made Zhuo Qing frown, ¡°Although it is common for babies to have fever, it is also very dangerous. If his temperature soar rapidly in a short time span this would cause cramps. He is also a preterm baby and his resistance is originally weak, you mustn¡¯t take it lightly.¡± Zhuo Qing placed the child flat on the bed and gently untuck the tightly bound clothes. The child¡¯s neck was much redder than his face and there were some red spots. The child was able to breathe through the nose without the assistance of the mouth and Zhuo Qing bend down to ear the child¡¯s chest for a while. There were not much noise in the lungs so it seems that it was not a fever caused by the common cold and seems to be caused by inflammation. ¡°Then what should I do?¡± As Qing Feng asked, she carefully watched her. Qing Feng did not miss any single action or any single expression. Zhuo Qing did a preliminary examination and thought that there was a possibility of an inflamed tonsil that caused the high fever but since there were so many Imperial Physicians in the Palace looking after, the child should not be in any danger and so she casually said some common knowledge on children¡¯s fever, ¡°Get rid of all the braziers in the house and don¡¯t shut the windows too tightly. Also let him drink more water. When a child have a fever, even if it subsides in the afternoon, it would easily go back up at night. You all have to be troubled a little more and pay him more attention. If the temperature at night was too high then use warm water on his head, neck, armpits, palms and soles. Remember not to use too cooling water.¡± When Zhuo Qing finish speaking, she was almost done with her check. As she fasten the child¡¯s clothes, she asked, ¡°Did you remember it?¡± After a while, Qing Feng still did not reply to her. Zhuo Qing looked over strangely and saw Qing Feng still staring at her, with her gaze much more focused than when she just entered as if she was able to see through her. Zhuo Qing did not say anything and just let her continue staring but that pair of eyes started to well up a little. Zhuo Qing was surprised for a moment and asked in concern, ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± They grew up together since young and there was nothing they couldn¡¯t talk about. They were very close with one another. Perhaps others would need to verify the word on her chest to prove that she was not Qing Ling but she didn¡¯t need to. No matter how exquisite the tattoo was, if mother could do it, there would be someone else who was be able to do it. But there was many things that cannot be forged. Every tiny mole on Eldest Sister¡¯s face, every laugh lines, to the curves of her nails and palms, she was very clear about. Qing Feng was very sure that the person standing in front of her was her Eldest Sister! But she was no longer smiling gently, excluding the slightest of warmth from her eyes. Now this person, speaks frankly and straightforwardly and her expressions were cool. That kind of feeling was like¡­ Was like in this body, it was holding another person. The familiar voice still sounded by her ears but Qing Feng felt that the person in front of her and the memory of her Eldest Sister had overlapped but that cool eyes made them different. Like she was asking herself and was also seemingly asking the person in front of her, Qing Feng whispered, ¡°Why are you different from before?¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s brows slightly knitted, she seemed to know the root of Qing Feng¡¯s strange behaviour today. After some thought, Zhuo Qing calmly replied, ¡°I really don¡¯t know how Qing Ling previously was like. I am sorry for making you disappointed and doubtful.¡± Couldn¡¯t remember? Just forget due to amnesia? Can all her changes be explained with amnesia? If it was not amnesia, how could this person face her that calmly? Qing Feng did not want to think or scrutinise. Qing Feng just look straight into this strange yet familiar female and asked seriously, ¡°I only want to know, if you exactly¡­ My Eldest Sister or not¡­¡± That pair of eyes was anxious and in panic and at the same time was especially clear. Zhuo Qing knew that this time Qing Feng had rejected all deception. Actually she had never wanted to deceive Qing Feng but in the past she did not know how to talk about the subject and how to explain it. Since she had felt it now, won¡¯t today be a good opportunity to be frank? Qing Feng waited with bated breath, ¡°I¡­¡± Zhuo Qing just said a word when a burst of cries sounded from a distance, ¡°Fire! Fire!¡± The sudden incident from outside interrupted Zhuo Qing words. Qing Fend did not know if it was disappointment or¡­ Rejoice? Because at this moment she was worried that if this person said ¡°I am not¡±, what should she do then?! ¡°Mistress!¡± The tightly closed doors were pushed open by Fu Ling with a flustered look. Without waiting for Qing Feng to reply, she had already headed to her side and softly said, ¡°The Cold Palace caught fire!¡± Chapter 92 ¡°Mistress!¡± The tightly closed doors were pushed open by Fu Ling with a flustered look. Without waiting for Qing Feng to reply, she had already headed to her side and softly said, ¡°The Cold Palace caught fire!¡± Caught fire? Qing Feng blanked out for a moment and thought about the person staying in the Cold Palace and her heart was taken aback. She immediately stood up and after thinking for a moment, she called out loudly, ¡°Someone come! Someone come!¡± ¡°Your Ladyship?¡± Lan-er whispering voice could be heard from the outside. ¡°Lan-er and Shen Yao, come over here.¡± ¡°Servants are here.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s tone was impatient and thus both of them dare not delay and ran into the room. They only saw the Little Prince was placed on the bed and before both of them could understand what was going on, they heard her Ladyship instructing them to ¡°Take good care of the Prince.¡± After that she walked out towards the courtyard and Fu Ling also hurriedly followed. Qing Feng walked away frantically, like she had forgotten the existence of Zhuo Qing. It was only a fire at the Cold Palace, why was Qing Feng this anxious? She was so anxious that she would rush there even when the child was running a fever. Zhuo Qing found it very strange and decided to follow along to take a look. Qing Feng walked very quickly and Zhuo Qing had to jog to barely catch up. From not far away, they could see the smoke and the pungent smell gradually filled up the air. As the noises of people voices get louder, Zhuo Qing guessed that the Cold Palace was near. The weird thing was that Qing Feng who was rushing all the way suddenly slowed down her pace and seemingly like she was in a casual stroll. Zhuo Qing did not make any noise and also quietly followed. Seeing that it had gotten noisier in front, Qing Feng spoke, ¡°Shouting for what?¡± The smooth voice had a tad of impatience and a little laziness, in short, not at all an anxious tone. Zhuo Qing¡¯s eyes slightly narrowed as she observed Qing Feng and watching the overall situation. There was a lot of smoke but there was not wave of heat. It could be estimated that the fire was not big or it had been extinguished. Hearing the female¡¯s voice, one eunuch jogged over and had wanted to scold the person but once he saw clearing the incoming person, that eunuch¡¯s expression slightly changed before he immediately knelt down to greet, ¡°Long live Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± Qing Feng took a glance at him and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Replying to your Ladyship, this servant is the Steward eunuch of the Imperial Household, Zhang Shun An.¡± ¡°Get up. This Cold Palace is in fine condition. How did it caught fire?¡± ¡°It is dry during the winter and usually no one manages the Cold Palace. There is a possibility of an unknown spark that lighted the fire. But your Ladyship need not worry as the fire did not grow big and reckoned had been extinguished.¡± At this moment the smoke had dissipated a little and Qing Feng looked over. Other than the eunuchs and palace maids fighting the fire, she did not see anyone else. Where was Chen Zhen? Qing Feng was very worried but she spoke with an unforgiving tone, ¡°How about the person in the Cold Palace? Burned to death?¡± All the people who extinguished the fire stood at the side blankly. At that time they only cared about extinguishing the fire and since there were no people of importance in the Cold Palace, who would bother about it. Now that Qing Feng asked, no one could answer. Zhang Shun An¡¯s cold sweat kept flowing and just as he wanted to send someone to the Cold Palace to check, a dishevelled and filled with ashes female suddenly took a step forward and replied, ¡°My mistress is sick and is currently in bedridden in the house.¡± Qing Feng squinted her eyes slightly before she was able to clearly see the person covered in black. It was actually Wu-er?! As her heart got more worried and yet her face must be void of any reaction, Qing Feng coldly laughed and sneered, ¡°Sick? What kind of illness can be this serious. Bengong want to go in and see.¡± ¡°Your Ladyship, the smoke here is just too much, you are of noble and precious status, it would be ideal¡­¡± Zhang Shun An quickly went up to dissuade but Qing Feng did not even bothered with him the slightest bit and just walked into the Cold Palace. Zhang Shun An wanted to chase after her but was stopped outside the doors by Fu Ling. Zhang Shun An did not dare to speak more but his heart could not help by sigh. Forget it. The relationship between concubines were like beating a drowning dog. He had seen many of such instances. Qing Feng went into the Cold Palace and Fu Ling diligently guarded by the main doors and it seems that no one else can think of entering. Zhuo Qing walked to the surrounding wall around the Cold Palace and her gaze landed on a few charred marks on the ground before she frowned uncontrollably. It was about the same when she came in the last time and the house was empty. She looked around but did not see Chen Zhen¡¯s shadow at all. Qing Feng started to get anxious and called out loudly, ¡°Chen Zhen?¡± ¡°Chen Zhen?¡± Qing Feng called out a few times and the curtain of the room at the northern side moved a little. Qing Feng looked over and Chen Zhen came out from it at the same time. That curtain was not big, if one do not give it a closer look, one will ignore it. ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Chen Zhen apparently did not expect that the person who came was actually Qing Feng. Qing Feng sized her appearance up and found that she look a little haggard, the panic expression on her face was waning and there was nothing the matter with her body. Recovering her side, Qing Feng whispered, ¡°The child?¡± Chen Zhen hesitated for a moment before replying, ¡°In here.¡± Finishing, she turn around and open the curtains to entire the room. Qing Feng quicken her steps to follow. The little area was empty and there was only an old wooden box place by the window. In the northern area there was a large window and the window paper was long spoilt thus the wind kept entering, making it very cold. But this air was much more refreshing than outside. Chen Zhen glanced at Qing Feng and was a bit hesitant but finally still gently open that unlatched wooden box. A skinny small child was lying quietly on a pile of clothes sleeping. That small thin body was almost completely covered by the clothing, leaving the small little face exposed. Qing Feng frowned, ¡°Why is the child place in the closet?¡± A flash of pain appeared on Chen Zhen¡¯s face as she bowed her head and replied, ¡°There were fire outside and I was worried that someone will come in and see him, so¡­¡± There was such a huge smoke just now¡­ Qing Feng asked, ¡°Did the child cry or not?¡± ¡°In the beginning when there was a huge and thick smoke, he cried for a while but his cries were naturally not loud. After that, I carried him to the window and he stopped crying.¡± Seeing Qing Feng¡¯s frown got tighter, Chen Zhen quickly said, ¡°He really only cried for a short while! Those people were busy firefighting and should not have heard it.¡± What if someone heard the cries of the child and this reached to the ears of the Empress¡­ Chen Zhen was very keen and once she saw Qing Feng¡¯s face slightly changed, she immediately guessed her thoughts and spoke urgently, ¡°You cannot take the child away!¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Chen Zhen did not wait for Qing Feng to continue and strode to the front of the wooden box before pushing Qing Feng back two steps. That originally gentle face was not full of fierceness, ¡°Only if I die, you can take him away.¡± Such decisive words made Qing Feng swallow all the things she wanted to say. How she not know that a child was the extended meat from the mother? Thinking of her child at the house, Qing Feng¡¯s heart soften and she sighed before replying, ¡°Never mind. You take good care of him. I will let Imperial Physician Lin to take the pulse of both you and the child.¡± Qing Feng did not forcefully bring the child away and that made Chen Zhen feel a little surprise. She finally gave a sigh of relief, ¡°Thank you Qing Feng.¡± Qing Feng shook her head. What was there to thank? There were still unknown things that would happen later. Qing Feng did not say in the room for long and when she came out, the smoke that was raised after the fire was extinguished was gone, leaving stains of water and a thick smell of smoke. Qing Feng loudly spoke, ¡°Someone come and summon for Imperial Physician Lin, after all she was once also the Emperor¡¯s woman.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Zhang Shun An gave a look and the eunuch behind him immediate ran toward the Medical Courtyard. Qing Feng was about to say something to Fu Ling when she saw Zhuo Qing crouching beside one of the pile of ashes, looking at don¡¯t know what, when she turned her head. When did she followed over here? Qing Feng¡¯s slightly frown as she walked behind her and asked, ¡°What is wrong?¡± There was a half-burnt branch in Zhuo Qing¡¯s hands and she gently parted the ashes with her feet. Without looking up, she whispered her reply, ¡°There are not only one origin point of fire. This fire was purposely set up by someone. This kind of fire would not be big but the smoke would be powerful.¡± Qing Feng quickly glance around the surroundings as her brows tighten. There were several piles of ashes by the wall of the Cold Palace and it looked not natural. It seems that the arsonist did not necessarily want to burn down the Cold Palace. But what he did was to focus the attention to the Cold Palace or was it to go against Chen Zhen? Or was it that the child had been exposed? Qing Feng¡¯s heart started to feel confused as she looked at Eldest Sister¡¯s sober profile. That pair of eyes were calm and clear, which made her heart more chaotic. Qing Feng secretly took a deep breath before continue asking, ¡°What else can you see?¡± Releasing the branches from her hands, Zhuo Qing stood up and patted the ashes from her hands before replying, ¡°Nothing else.¡± The arson¡¯s approach was not clever but because so many people came over to put the fire out, many traces had been destroyed thus she helpless to it. If Gu Yun was here, she should be able to see more clues than her. Unfortunately, the Su Army was very strict and had left the capital this morning to lay siege on the pirates. Qing Feng was somewhat disappointed but at the same time felt a little peace of mind. As her mind kept turning around a thousand time, she did not know what to say in a moment. Finally she opened her mouth and said a sentence, ¡°It is no longer early, you should go back first.¡± Zhuo Qing nodded her head and smiled before replying, ¡°Alright. If you have thought about anything to ask, then look for me.¡± Even though there were hidden meaning behind Zhuo Qing¡¯s words, she still smiled so magnanimously that Qing Feng¡¯s heart was inexplicably settled a little. Qing Feng turned around and called, ¡°Fu Ling¡­¡± ¡°Let her stay behind to help you. I have entered and exited the Imperial Palace for a few times and can make my way out myself.¡± Qing Feng thought of the many things that require Fu Ling to settle in the aftermath of the fire in the Cold Palace and did not insist on it. Zhuo Qing waved her hands and turn around to leave. That lean figure walked away quickly, strongly yet agile. Qing Feng stared at that back view, entranced. Eldest Sister, was it you? Was it you? ¡°Mistress¡­¡± There were still a lot of people surrounding the door of the Cold Palace and Fu Ling gently called her Mistress. Qing Feng recovered herself from the trance and when she thought about the mother and son in the Cold Palace, her headache returned. ¡°Zhang Gonggong.¡± ¡°This servant is here.¡± Zhang Shun An quickly stood forward. Qing Feng coldly said, ¡°The Emperor is working hard on current affairs, the Empress Dowager is getting older and the Empress¡¯s health is also not good, so don¡¯t bother them with this kind of complicated chores. You all as servants should share these concerns from the masters.¡± Zhang Shun An was of course not a stupid person, he understood the meaning in his heart and replied, ¡°Your Ladyship has correctly disciplined.¡± ¡°Alright. What should be clean-up must be cleaned up. Those that do not have anything to do should return.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± It was also not convenient for her to stay here any longer. She gave Fu Ling a look and Fu Ling nodded her head lightly before Qing Feng turned to leave. ¡°Escorting your Ladyship. Long live your Ladyship.¡± Qing Feng need not need to turn around to know that there was a floor of kneeling people behind her, greeting loudly and orderly. She was instead felt exhausted and wanted to return back to her son¡¯s side. Chapter 93 ¡°Xiao Yu.¡± The low voice suddenly rang out in the big hall which made Xiao Yu, who was staring at the withered leaves outside the window, feel a moment of loss. The palace maid standing behind her pointed towards the direction of the Emperor and Xiao Yu quickly replied. ¡°This servant is here.¡± ¡°Tonight¡¯s dinner will be at Qing Feng Hall.¡± Yan Hong Tian was still looking down at the memorandums but there was a hint of pleasure in his deep voice. Xiao Yu gave an knowing smile and replied, ¡°Yes.¡± After that it was followed but another long silence. One could only hear the rustle of the wind outside and the flipping of memorandums. Xiao Yu looked at the sky and softly reminded, ¡°Emperor, it is almost Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm).¡± ¡°En.¡± After finishing the batch of memorandums on hand, Yan Hong Tian stood up. He had not gone to see them for quite some days and according to Qing Feng¡¯s temperament, even if her lips did not say it, her heart would not be comfortable. Thinking of the look that she would most likely give it to him, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mood went up. The severe winter was almost here and soon it would be night, thus it was very cold outside. Xiao Yu brought the robe to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s side when Gao Jing walked in quickly, ¡°Emperor, Dan Daren request an audience.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sharp brows slightly wrinkled. The hand that was holding on his robes paused for a moment before he sat back down and replied, ¡°Announce.¡± ¡°Greeting the Emperor. Long live the Emperor.¡± Dan Yu Lan had a stern expression on his face and a look of concern on his brows as he was carrying a report in his hands. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes swept to his hand with the report and asked as he drank the hot tea with a cold tone, ¡°What is it that requires an audience?¡± ¡°Regarding¡­ The case of the army rations.¡± Finishing, Dan Yu Lan did not speak more and handed the report to Gao Jing, which Gao Jing then presented it to Yan Hong Tian. ¡°Commander Su had already did a stocktake of the military granaries and the details are indicated in the report. In the case on Lin Bo Kang conspiring with the southern merchants, the southwest area belonged to the Lin family. They have all along been earning their livelihood through trafficking cloth and food and most of the food were sold at areas with famine or to neighboring small countries. There are at least millions of silver that were entered their accounts and is considered to be quite powerful in the south.¡± As Dan Yu Lan spoke, he was observing the Emperor¡¯s expression. As Yan Hong Tian flip the pages of the report, there was not any changes on his face as he stared at the report with his bottomless dark eyes. ¡°Leave the report and withdraw first. Tomorrow morning after the morning court, then come over with Su Ren to the Imperial Study.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Dan Yu Lan¡¯s thoughts turned, surprised that why did the Emperor not ask more about the case? That report clearly recorded the shortages and grain varieties of the various military granaries. After the inventory audit, many of the granaries had shortages and most of the newly enlisted soldiers were even supplied with rice from the lowest grade. As most of the soldiers were children of poor families, they were happy to be able to eat from the army rations and naturally would not care about the quality of rice. If it was not because of the investigation, no one would have probably noticed about it. When Su Ren handed the report over to him, he who was usually good-natured was also jumping in rage and the Emperor actually did not raise any difficult question. This case on the army rations was instructed by the Emperor to dig deep but to dig into how deep, he was unable to guess. Dan Yu Lan had withdrew earlier on but Yan Hong Tian sat before the case and did not get up again. Xiao Yu and Gao Jing, who wait by the Emperor¡¯s side for many years, naturally knew that at this time the Emperor¡¯s heart was not as calm as how he looks. Seeing as the skies grew darker, both of them looked at one another but no one dared to go up to remind. This time Yan Hong Tian sat down for more than two shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) and Xiao Yu had already reheating the soup for four or five time. She bit the bullet and walked to the side of the table to cautiously say, ¡°Emperor, please have some Ginseng soup.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes slightly raise and that gaze was as sharp and cold as a knife. Xiao Yu was so scared that she shivered and some of the soup spilled onto the tray. The spoon fell off the bowl and onto the tray with a ¡®clink¡¯ and the sound resonated in the quiet hall. At the same time Yan Hong Tian also recovered from his thoughts. Seeing Xiao Yu kneeling on the ground stunned, Yan Hong Tian then flung the report in his hands aside and softly spoke to Xiao Yu, ¡°Get up.¡± As he said, he also picked up the bowl of Ginseng soup to drink. Xiao Yu slightly looked up and when she saw Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face was as per usual, she then stood up and stand by the side. As he was drinking the warm Ginseng soup, Yan Hong Tian then remember that he said that he would be going to Qing Feng Hall for a meal tonight. He looked over and saw that the skies had already turned dark. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s sharp brows once again frowned. Xiao Yu thoughts were clear and when she saw the Emperor frowning as he held the bowl of soup while looking out, she understood his thoughts. She softly spoke, ¡°This servant had earlier informed Qing Feng Hall to say that the Emperor will not be going over for the meal.¡± Yan Hong Tian gave a low ¡°En¡± sound as he drained the bowl of soup before he picked up that small report. The Emperor had already been in the Imperial Study for the entire day settling national affairs and if he continued on, they did not know what time it would be. Xiao Yu thought a while and said, ¡°But¡­ Prince Zhi seems to have caught a fever. In the afternoon Imperial Physician Wang and Imperial Physician Lin went over to provide diagnosis and treatment.¡± Sure enough before Xiao Yu¡¯s finished talking, Yan Hong Tian immediately turn around and asked her, ¡°How was it?¡± ¡°It is not of a serious matter.¡± ¡°What is the shichen now?¡± ¡°Third quarter of Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm)¡± Yan Hong Tian suddenly got up and Xiao Yu seemed to know that he would be going out as she immediately picked up the robe that was placed at the side for him to wear. Yan Hong Tian slightly arranged the robe and strode out of the Imperial Study. Hao Jing followed right behind Yan Hong Tian and as he left, he gave a thumbs up to Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu rolled her eyes at him but she was secretly relieved. It was another night. Ming Ze was used to doing night duty and like to be on duty at night as it was quiet. But after he discovered the appearance of the black cladded person, he was particularly vigilant. Every little wind or movement of leaves would peak his attention. Just like now, in the quietness of the palace road, there seems to be someone walking quickly in the dark. Ming Ze lowly called out, ¡°Who is it?¡± Seeing that there was no answer from the oncoming person, Ming Ze¡¯s hand grasped on the sword on his waist. As the shadow gradually approached, it was as if there was two person coming over. Ming Ze squinted his eyes to look and with the not fairly bright moonlight, he finally saw clearly that the person was actually¡­ The Emperor? It was almost midnight, why did the Emperor come over at such a time and did not let anyone announce? Ming Ze had doubts in his mind but he did not speak and just half knelt on the floor to greet. Yan Hong Tian was very satisfied with his vigilance and only slightly raise his hand. Without saying anything, he enter Qing Feng Hall. The winter nights were just too cold and seeing that the night was late, the eunuch that was on vigil sat on the edge of the stone steps as he leaned against the railings to shelter against the wind. When he heard footsteps in the courtyard, he looked over. That one looked scared him so much that he quickly knelt down on the floor, ¡°Em¡­ Emperor!¡± Once he thought that he did not inform that the Emperor had arrive, the eunuch quickly wanted to call out. ¡°Withdraw.¡± The deep voice sounded from behind and the eunuch withdrew his hands and quickly retreated down the stone steps. Fu Ling was on night vigil tonight and after investigating the entire of last night with the things she needs to do in the day, she herself was exhausted. The noises outside the door was soft and she was not able to hear it until there was knocks on the door before Fu Ling was awakened. Fu Ling was puzzled for a while but she still quickly opened the door. When she opened the door, the person in black robes standing outside was the Emperor. Fu Ling could not help but be surprised, ¡°Emper¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian shook his head and Fu Ling immediately became silent. There was only a small oil lamp that was lit in the living area of the room. As the light was very weak, Fu Ling quickly lit the lamps and when she look back, Yan Hong Tian had entered the inner chambers. When Fu Ling brought the oil lamp to the side of the screen, she saw the Emperor standing by the bed looking at the one big and one small figures. Fu Ling thought a bit and at the end did not entered. She just placed the lamp on the small stool at the side of the screen and quietly withdrew. The bed was large and wide but this mother and side was by each other side tightly together. Qing Feng slept on the outside, on her side as one of her hands lightly rested on the child¡¯s feet. The little fellow was wrapped tightly and only his face was exposed. That two little hands was at the side of his face and as he slept, his head was face towards the direction of his mother. Yan Hong Tian was staring on the two person laying on the bed and a wave of warm currently gradually flowed throughout his heart. Yan Hong Tian sat down at the edge of the bed and gently touched the little fellow¡¯s forehead. It was a little warm but the temperature was not considered high. It was just that he had walked all the way over and his hand was too cold thus when he just touched, the little fellow on the bed shivered and that two hands that nested on his chest unconsciously moved. Looking at that light movements of the small clenched fist, Yan Hong Tian could not help but to think of that small little hand and footprints painting in the Imperial Study. He had a thought and gently grabbed that little hands in his palm to compare. His little palm was not even as long as his finger. The corner of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips unconsciously lifted as he held that little hands in his palm. It was warm and incredibly soft. Yan Hong Tian was immersed in this moment when the little fellow seemed impatient and moved even in his sleep. Yan Hong Tian was afraid to wake him up and had to let go. He helped to tuck him up and that little fellow¡¯s little hand waved twice in the air before he stopped. Yan Hong actually felt a little relieved when that happen. Yan Hong Tian looked down at the female sleeping beside him. He had came here for a while but she still slept deeply without sensing at all. Under the warm candlelight, the colour of her face was not very good. The dark circles under her eyes were very loud that even though she was sleeping, one could sense that she was exhausted. Yan Hong Tian gently tucked the hairs that covered her face to the back of her ears. As she laid sleeping at her side, the two scars on her face was directly facing him. Usually when she was angry or laughing, Yan Hong Tian did not care about these two scars but now when she was quietly sleeping, that two scars looked particularly ferocious, damaging Qing Feng¡¯s perfectly alluring face. Staring at the two unsightly scars, he could not help but sigh. This woman was truly vicious. She was not even lenient on herself and would rather die than to beg for mercy. But to her sisters and son, she showed thousands types of tenderness. He did not want to admit but had to admit that this version of her made him feel fascinated and he wanted her tenderness in the palm of his hands. Fu Ling thought that the Emperor would rest here tonight and did not think that after a little over half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours), the Emperor came out and Fu Ling rushed forward. ¡°What had happened?¡± The Emperor was slightly indignant but every word that was said was very soft, like he was afraid of waking the person inside. But from Fu Ling¡¯s ears, her heart could not help but shivered uncontrollably and she replied with great difficulty, ¡°It seems that Prince Zhi caught a cold during the full month yesterday and started to run a fever today. The Imperial Physicians had come over to review and said that it was not a serious problem. Mistress have been taking care of the Prince and afraid was.. Tired out.¡± ¡°Take great care.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Until Yan Hong Tian¡¯s figure disappeared from the house, Fu Ling then dare to look up. Quietly entering the inner chambers, she noticed that Mistress and the Little Prince was sleeping soundly with an additional blanket over them. Fu Ling smiled, the future days should be better than before. Chapter 94 The fire incident in the Cold Palace passed just like this and it made Qing Feng feel that something was amiss. But because it was this calm and also coupled with child¡¯s fever which was not recovering, it took up most of her energy and could only watch and observe on other matters. Usually Wang Zhi Yang would come over at Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11am) to check on the condition but today he came before Sishi and also brought along a male who was slightly older than him. The male had a shrivelled figure and the most eye-catching feature was the goatee. Qing Feng took a look at him and asked, ¡°Imperial Physician Wang, this is?¡± Wang Zhi Yang quickly replied, ¡°Imperial Physician Hu and this official are the prot¨¦g¨¦s of Old Imperial Physician Huang and he had been waiting on the West Empress Dowager. Yesterday he returned to the Palace to retrieve some herbs and this official specifically invite him over to diagnose and treat the Little Prince.¡± ¡°May your Ladyship have thousands of fortune.¡± That Imperial Physician Hu greeted and stepped aside quietly but his eyes was staring at the Prince on the bed. Qing Feng had an uncomfortable feeling with his stare so she casually asked, ¡°How is the West Empress Dowager doing?¡± ¡°The Empress Dowager is well.¡± As that Imperial Physician Hu replied, his eyes was still on the Prince until he was at the front of the bed to take his pulse. Qing Feng look at his serious expression and furrowed brows, and her heart started to worry as she asked, ¡°The Prince¡¯s fever have been coming back repeatedly for five to six days already. Why is there still no improvements?¡± Imperial Physician Hu slowly took his hand back and the worried expression retreated as he replied, ¡°Sickness comes like a landslide, but goes away slowly like spinning silk. The winter weather is filled with cold winds and the Prince¡¯s constitution is weak, thus in the beginning strong medication are not used. But your Ladyship need not worry, yesterday Imperial Physician Wang and this official had discussed and after another two more herbs in, it would definitely cure the illness.¡± Definitely cure the illness? So confident? Qing Feng gave him a second look before replying, ¡°Thanking Imperial Physician for your trouble.¡± Both of them pick up their tools and withdrew. Qing Feng thought that the so called medication will be send over quickly but who knew that she waited till it¡¯s time for lunch and Ru Yi who went to collect the medication had yet to return. Qing Feng had been carrying the child all the time thus her hands were a little time. She gently put the child on the bed and lay on her side to pat as she yawned. When Fu Ling entered the inner chambers, she saw Qing Feng that exhausted look and could not help but smile. Mistress had been sleeping very late these few night and wake up easily when there were any small movements or sound. She would naturally not admit it but Fu Ling knew that she was afraid that she would missed the Emperor if he came over at night like the last time. Walking to Qing Feng¡¯s side to help massaging her shoulders, Fu Ling smiled, ¡°You are also tired these few days, why not rest a while after lunch?¡± The soft strength on her shoulders was indeed very comfortable. Qing Feng nodded her head gently and looked over. Qing Feng did not know where did Shen Yao who was in the room the entire morning had went and softly said, ¡°Go and call Shen Yao over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling went one round the courtyard and did not see Shen Yao. She walked to the front of her room and found that the doors were locked. Just as she was about to go to another place to look for her, she saw some figure movements. The servants room were naturally unlike the mistresses¡¯ house, there were no screens or curtains inside and was only separated by a thin window paper, thus she was able to roughly see the inside. Fu Ling leaned over and squinted her eyes to look. She saw a female sitting in front of the bed and untied her top. Fu Ling¡¯s face redden as she felt that her actions were like peeking on others changing. Fu Ling took a step back and lightly coughed before calling out, ¡°Shen Yao?¡± ¡°Kuang dang.¡± A sound sounded from the inside. It was really very soft and Fu Ling wanted to ask what had fallen off when the door was opened gently. Shen Yao had some panic on her face and her clothes were not buttoned up yet. Fu Ling guessed that she was scared by her when she was changing her clothes and smiled apologetically, ¡°Prince Zhi is hungry so Mistress request you to go over.¡± ¡°Yes. Will go at once.¡± Shen Yao nodded her head and her facial expression had restored to normal. Xu Ji was very dedicated and detailed on Qing Feng meals and prepared many nutritious soups for the body. After Qing Feng finished her lunch, she felt that her body was warm even though she was a little tired. When they returned to the inner chambers, Shen Yao had finished feeding the child. This child had been sick for the past few days and also ate much lesser. His face looked waned which made Qing Feng¡¯s heart ache as she look at the little fellow¡¯s cheeks. At this time, Ru Yi finally came back. Qing Feng frowned, ¡°Why so long?¡± Ru Yi felt a little wronged as she took out the bowl of medicine and replied, ¡°Imperial Physician Hu took half a sichen (1 sichen = 2 hours) to dispense the medication, that is why¡­¡± Qing Feng took the bowl of medication over and noticed that today¡¯s medicine was much lesser than usual. In the white porcelain bowl, the concoction only filled half of it and it was black in colour but did not emit any special smell. Qing Feng stared at the medication without speaking and Ru Yi quickly explained, ¡°Imperial Physician Hu explained that it is enough for the first day.¡± Qing Feng seemed to be thinking about something and only asked after a long time, ¡°Fu Ling, do you know this Imperial Physician Hu?¡± ¡°Yes. When this servant enter the Palace, he was an Imperial Physician in the Palace and his medical skills was also exceptional. Originally he was a specified physician for the Emperor but a few years ago he suffered from a serious illness and thus did not regularly move around in the Palace. Did not think that he had gone to wait on the West Empress Dowager.¡± From Fu Ling¡¯s words of recommendation of this Imperial Physician Hu, Qing Feng nodded her head before feeding the child medication in small mouthfuls. Perhaps he had just been fed and also drank the medication, in a short while, the little fellow fell asleep. Qing Feng also felt a little tired, so she slept with the child for a little. When she woke, the little fellow beside her was still sleeping quietly. Qing Feng gently touched his forehead and when she felt that the temperature had gone down quite a lot, Qing Feng was silently relieved. Fu Ling saw her awake and went over to help her up. Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Today he is actually well-behave.¡± Seeing that her mood was finally good, Fu Ling smiled and said, ¡°It must be that Imperial Physician¡¯s medication is effective.¡± ¡°I hope so. These few days he was tormented enough so let him sleep well for a while. I have not been reading for quite some time. I want to go to the study to take a look.¡± Fu Ling put on the cloak on her, even though the study was not far from the inner chambers and separated by the folding screens, they could still see the little child on the bed. There was a little cot in the study, for Fu Ling and the others to sleep when they were on night vigil. Qing Feng leaned on the soft couch as she flip through the book. She was holding the records of the Grand Tutor Yu of the previous dynasty. Qing Feng was so enthralled by it that she did not know how long has passed. Fu Ling carried a bowl of porridge over and gently called out by her ears, ¡°Mistress, do drink some bird¡¯s nest porridge.¡± ¡°En?¡± After recovering to her senses, she had almost read finish the entire book. Qing Feng took two mouthful from the porridge before realising that she felt quite hungry. She looked towards the inner chambers that was still so quiet and smiled, ¡°The Prince¡¯s nap is long enough and since he have not eaten for almost half a day, he should be hungry. Go and take a look at him. If he is awake, carry him out.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling walked into the inner chambers and after a while Qing Feng could hear a shout coming from inside, ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°Mis¡­ Mistress¡­ Mistress!¡± Fu Ling¡¯s panicked voice had some sobbing tones which made Qing Feng¡¯s heart sink. She ran to the inner chambers and only saw Fu Ling half kneeing in front of the bed as one of her hands held the child¡¯s wrist with a face full of horror. ¡°How could it be like this?¡± Seeing the dark purple and blackened face, Qing Feng¡¯s feet became weak as she stumble to the front of the bed and almost crawled to the child. Qing Feng grabbed the child¡¯s little hand and the cold temperature of it was like an icy knife stabbing straight to the heart. ¡°How could it be like this?!¡± Qing Feng grabbed the child¡¯s other soft wrist and was actually afraid to touch his face. Her head was buzzing with pain when suddenly she appeared to have remembered something and shouted loudly, ¡°Imperial Physician! Imperial Physician!¡± Qing Feng suddenly got up and ran out but her weak steps made her stumble and she almost fell a couple of times. Fu Ling finally recovered her senses and supported Qing Feng as she quickly said, ¡°Be careful Mistress. You accompany the Prince, this servant will get Ru Yi to invite the Imperial Physician.¡± After helping Qing Feng back to the bed, Fu Ling turned and ran out of the house. In a short while, the entire outside of the house was in chaos but Qing Feng could not hear any noise at all as she was staring at the motionless person on the bed. This time she dared not even touch and only huddled by the bed while whispering, ¡°My son¡­ My son, don¡¯t frighten your mother¡­¡± When Fu Ling returned to the inner chambers, she saw Qing Feng staring foolishly at the Little Prince as she was muttering with a trembling voice. She was unsure what she was saying. Fu Ling squatted down and softly called, ¡°Mistress¡­¡± Qing Feng immediately turned around and grabbed her hands like it was the life-saving raft, ¡°Fu Ling. Fu Ling, he is ignoring me. His hands are so cold! What do I do? What to do?¡± Qing Feng stared straight at her and kept repeating ¡°What to do¡±, that empty look in her eyes made Fu Ling feel cold from her hands to her feet. She just checked the Prince¡¯s pulse, he was already¡­ But she dared not say anything and could only comfort, ¡°It¡¯s alright. The Imperial Physician¡­ The Imperial Physician will arrive soon. The Little Prince¡­ He will be fine.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s voice was shaking like autumn leaves and her words was unable to achieve any comforting effect. At this time a calm and indifferent expression flashed across her face as if that firm and sharp look could placate her. Qing Feng quickly said, ¡°You go. Go and find my Elder Sister! Quickly go!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling quickly nodded. After Fu Ling left, a cold air was emitted from Qing Feng¡¯s heart, making her whole body cold. ¡°My son¡­¡± Qing Feng trembling hand reached out and held onto that small hands. Previously when she stretched her hands over, he would definitely open up his fingers and grabbed onto one of her fingers before giggling. He also liked to grab onto her hair. He actually had strength in his arms and would at times hurt her as he grab. When he saw her frowning, he would then giggle again¡­ ¡°My son¡­¡± Qing Feng held on tightly to that small cold hands. No matter how she hold on, he was still this cold. Why was he this cold? If he got colder, he would catch a cold! Qing Feng suddenly shouted out, ¡°Someone come! Someone come! Go bring the brazier over. Quick. The more the better.¡± Lan-er and Xia Yin was standing by the door and when they saw Qing Feng call out crazily, Xia Yin was so scared that she dare not go closer. Lan-er¡¯s legs was shaking horrendously and she only dare to reply from afar, ¡°This servant¡­ This servant will go prepare now¡­¡± In a short while, the small inner chambers had five or six braziers but Qing Feng still screamed that it was not enough. Fu Ling and Ru Yi was not here and Lan-er did not dare to say more, thus she could only bring more brazier inside. Finally Ru Yi led Imperial Physician Wang and Imperial Physician Hu in. When he entered the inner chambers and saw Qing Feng in front of the bed while holding the child¡¯s hand, Wang Zhi Yang¡¯s heart immediately had a bad feeling. When Qing Feng heard noises behind her and saw Wang Zhi Yang, her eyes suddenly shone as she anxiously said, ¡°Imperial Physician Wang, quickly take a look at the Pring. He¡­ He fell asleep¡­ He¡­¡± As Qing Feng continued speaking, her voice became softer, as if she was afraid of waking up the person on the bed. ¡°Yes. Yes.¡± Wang Zhi Yang quickly came to the front of the bed and saw the shade of dark purple on the child. He was so shocked that the tools in his hands fell onto the floor and scattered all over the ground. Wang Zhi Yang¡¯s hands trembled as he checked the child¡¯s pulse and breath. At this moment the inner chambers was very hot but Wang Zhi Yan¡¯s cold sweat kept flowing out. When Imperial Physician Hu saw his facial expression, he stepped forward to look. After he saw clearly the child¡¯s face, his facial expression turned white and it seemed to be in more panic than Wang Zhi Yang. He took a few sudden steps back and almost fell onto the ground while continuously repeating, ¡°How could it be like this? How is it possible!¡± Qing Feng dared not ask at all and only stared at him hopefully. Wang Zhi Yang did not dare to look at Qing Feng and took two steps back before plopping onto his knees. After a long time then he said tremblingly, ¡°The Prince¡­ The Prince¡­ Has come to a premature end!¡± When Wang Zhi Yang¡¯s words were spoken, the roomful of servants gasped and fell onto their knees. Qing Feng was the only one that was standing stiffly and there was only the crackling sound of the burning charcoal heard. After a long while, Qing Feng moved and walked like a ghost over to the bed to gently cup the child¡¯s face and softly said, ¡°My son, don¡¯t be afraid. Your mother is by your side. Are you cold?¡± ¡°Where is the brazier? Quickly bring the brazier over.¡± ¡°Your Ladyship¡­ The Prince is already¡­¡± Qing Feng turned her head suddenly as her eyes were filled with ice. When that cold sharp look shot over, Ru Yi immediately stop her mouth and dare not speak more. She quickly moved two brazier to the bedside. When she slightly looked up, she saw Qing Feng gently place the Prince¡¯s hands in her palms and softly said, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, it would not be cold in a short while.¡± Ru Yi¡¯s hands that was holding the brazier shivered and her entire body was covered with goosebumps! The others dare not even breathe. Chapter 95 Zhuo Qing followed Fu Ling and rushed into Qing Feng Hall. When they pushed the door to enter, they saw a group of people kneeling at the inner chambers. When they approached near the screen, a wave of heat hit them. Qing Feng then found out that there was actually seven to eight brazier in the room, making the air steam and Qing Feng was kneeling in front of the bed motionless. Zhuo Qing¡¯s brows wrinkled and her face turn cold. She walked to the window and opened the tightly closed frames. The cold wind hit her face and broke the burning sensation of the heat. Zhuo Qing walked to Qing Feng and saw the silent and unbreathing child. Her heart burst with irritation as she faced the entire floor of kneeling people, ¡°Everyone leave and bring the braziers out.¡± The servants in Qing Feng Hall all raised their head and Fu Ling nodded her head slightly before all of them dared to move the braziers out. The two Imperial Physicians also left the house quivering. Zhuo Qing squatted down and called, ¡°Qing Feng?¡± Qing Feng was still staring blankly at the child on the bed and was deaf to any other sounds. Zhuo Qing lacked of a better option and could only give a sigh. She grabbed onto Qing Feng¡¯s shoulder to turn her to face her and coldly said, ¡°Qing Feng, wake up!¡± After a long time, Qing Feng then gently replied, ¡°Eldest Sister?¡± Her naturally fair skin seems greyer and that clear eyes had become chaotic. Zhuo Qing softly replied, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± ¡°He¡­ He fell asleep¡­¡± The low and soft murmuring that Zhuo Qing heard made her heart ached, she soften her voice, ¡°I know. You go over there and let me take a look at him alright?¡± Qing Feng was somewhat taken aback and somewhat at a loss as she nodded. ¡°Fu Ling.¡± Qing Feng gave a look and Fu Ling immediately approached and supported the already weakened Qing Feng. She initially wanted to help her to the chair outside to rest but Qing Feng sat down on the head of the bed and Fu Ling could only stand at the side to accompany her. The child was quietly lying on the bed and his face, eyes and lips were all purple grey in colour. Zhuo Qing gently opened the child¡¯s mouth and could see the swelling in his throat. It seemed that the cause of death was respiratory failure. Zhuo Qing picked the child up a little and found that the body was showing slight signs of livor mortis. Zhuo Qing frowned. Even though the temperature in the room was way high and would have moved the livor mortis of the body earlier, but this¡­ Was too fast. Zhuo Qing rolled the child over and took a closer observation as her brows tightened. A normal livor mortis should be dark purple and red in colour but this child¡¯s livor mortis was greyish in colour, could it be that¡­ Zhuo Qing softly called, ¡°Fu Ling.¡± Fu Ling look at Qing Feng sitting quietly beside her, without saying anything or moving, and walked to Zhuo Qing¡¯s side assured. ¡°Who was taking care of the child in the afternoon?¡± ¡°It is this servant.¡± As Zhuo Qing was continuingly checking the child¡¯s body for any external injuries, she was also calmly asking, ¡°Did you hear if the child had any shortness of breath or cries?¡± Fu Ling thought a little and replied, ¡°No. The Little Prince drank milk this afternoon and also the medicine that the Imperial Physician had prepared. He then fell asleep very quickly and was all the while quiet.¡± Medicine? Zhuo Qing looked up and asked, ¡°Where is the medicine?¡± ¡°It has been finished.¡± The medicine dosage was small today and she saw Mistress feeding the Prince. ¡°The medicine dregs?¡± Medicine dregs? Fu Ling understood the meaning of Zhuo Qing¡¯s intention and immediately said, ¡°This servant will go and find it now.¡± Fu Ling took two steps and looked back at Qing Feng who was sitting at the foot of the bed with sluggish eyes and she could not help but got worried. Fu Ling instructed Ru Yi to take good care of Qing Feng before running towards the Medical Court. Zhuo Qing held the child¡¯s hand to check. All ten fingers were relaxed and there was no signs of injuries. The child¡¯s hand was hanging at his sides naturally from the beginning and there was no external injuries on the face or body. According to Fu Ling¡¯s words, she did not hear the child¡¯s cries and this was not quite right. Whether it was a poison or a respiratory failure caused by his illness, death would be very painful and the child would have been struggling and crying loudly but not be so peaceful. At this moment Zhuo Qing¡¯s head started to hurt. This incident is very suspicious and in order to figure out the child¡¯s death, performing an autopsy was the only way to confirm if the child¡¯s death was caused by a respiratory failure from his illness or by consumption of poison, so as to unlock the mystery of such a peaceful death. But to perform the autopsy¡­ Zhuo Qing turned and looked at Qing Feng. She had a lifeless expression but her eyes did not leave the child on the bed for a moment. Just as Zhuo Qing was at an awkward position, the many calls of arrival sounded with chaotic footsteps came from outside the courtyard¡ª ¡°The Emperor has arrived!¡± ¡°The Empress Dowager has arrived!¡± ¡°The Empress has arrived!¡± They were here and she would definitely not have any opportunity to access to the child. Zhuo Qing instructed the palace maid beside her, ¡°Go and get me a clean silk handkerchief now.¡± Ru Yi froze for a moment before immediately took a small silk handkerchief from the small cabinet behind her and passed it to Zhuo Qing. Zhuo Qing quickly opened the child¡¯s mouth and pushed the handkerchief into the child¡¯s mouth to retrieve the child¡¯s saliva and oral tissues. With the fastest speed, she took it out and folded it before placing it in her belt. Just as she finished her actions, a large group of people entered. Zhuo Qing took a step back and walked to Qing Feng¡¯s side. Zhuo Qing was afraid that Qing Feng would suddenly become provocative when there was so many people suddenly entering but who knew that she leaned a little against her as her eyes still continued to stare unblinkingly at the child on the bed and turned a deaf ear to the group of people entering. Qing Feng being like this¡­ Was not quite right. Zhuo Qing was worried Qing Feng¡¯s mental state and wanted to give her a check but a sorrowful voice came from behind, ¡°Where is Aijia¡¯s obedient grandchild?¡± Zhuo Qing looked over and saw the Empress Dowager, with the helping arm of the Empress, stumbled all the way to the bed side to look at the silent and breathless child on the bed and the usually proud Lou Shu Xin actually started to cry bitterly. ¡°How could this have happen? Empress Dowager, please restrain your grief and be careful of your body! This child is born under an ill star¡­¡± As Xin Yue Ning was consoling, she started to also get choked up. Zhuo Qing slightly frown and suddenly felt a pair of sharp eyes landed on herself. Zhuo Qing did not hesitate to look and discover that the owner of the sharp eyes was Yan Hong Tian. Both of them looked at one another for less than a second before Yan Hong Tian actually look away and look at Qing Feng. But at this moment in Qing Feng¡¯s eyes, there was no one else other than her son. For a period of time, crying sounds from the Empress Dowager and Empress were heard in the house. The two Imperial Physicians were kneeling outside of the screen and was almost prostrating on the ground, ¡°This officials is incompetent and unable to cure the Prince¡¯s illness. This official deserves to die ten thousand times.¡± Zhuo Qing pat Qing Feng pacifyingly but her eyes were secretly watching Yan Hong Tian. It was said that this was not his first child that died prematurely and Zhuo Qing could not get the hang of what Yan Hong Tian¡¯s temperament was and can only wait and observe. Yan Hong Tian finally walked to the front of the bed and Zhuo Qing accompanied Qing Feng on the floor and could not see his expression. Zhuo Qing only saw his hands that were under his wide sleeves were balled to a fist. Zhuo Qing had thought that Yan Hong Tian would fly into a rage but she only heard him speaking in a calm deep voice, ¡°Send Zhi-er back to Chu Xiu Palace.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Just as the two guards walked to the front of the bed, Qing Feng who was leaning against Zhuo Qing quietly by the side of the bed suddenly moved and her clouded eyes instantly opened wide, ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Do not touch my son!¡± Qing Feng stood up ferociously and rush to the front of the bed. She pushed two guards away and use her entire body to cover the child¡¯s body, ¡°Do not touch my son!¡± The two guards stood there stunned, they could not go up to stop the concubine. In the next moment, Qing Feng¡¯s should was grabbed by Yan Hong Tian as he pull her away. ¡°Let me go! Let me go!¡± Qing Feng was frantically struggling but Yan Hong Tian was tightly clutching her shoulders. Qing Feng could only look at the guards carrying the child away and she became crazed and started to struggled so much and actually bit Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands angrily. Everyone was stunned silent. Zhuo Qing stood the nearest and saw Qing Feng¡¯s teeth biting down and even making gurgling sounds. She could hear clearly it and even though she could not see the skin that she was biting, very soon the dark red blood surrounded the mouth and flowed down. It could be seen how vicious that bite was. Qing Feng bit id down so hard like she wants to tear off a piece of meat. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s expression did not change and his brows did not even move as he let Qing Feng bite him like that but his dark pair of eyes was staring at her even more coldly. Xin Yue Ning was the first one who recovered and she screamed, ¡°Qing Feng, have you gone insane?!¡± ¡°Someone come someone come!¡± The guards who were outside the doors heard the Empress¡¯s cries and immediately rushed in. Xin Yue Ning pointed at Qing Feng and shouted, ¡°Quick! Pull that crazy woman away!¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hair was dishevelled, her face was pale and with the bloodstains at the side of her mouth, she looked very frightening. As the guards came forward, Zhuo Qing was worried that they would harm Qing Feng but because she did not know martial arts and most likely was not able to stop them, she could only stand in front of Qing Feng. ¡°All step down.¡± When the cold voice sounded lowly, all the guards were like they had their pressure points pressed and immediately did not move. Zhuo Qing did not expect that Yan Hong Tian would have stopped them as after all the injury on his hand was not light. When she turned back to look, her heart could not help but shudder. Qing Feng did not relent at all and instead bit even more viciously as if she had gone insane. Yan Hong Tian unexpectedly also did not move, as if it was not his hand. The blood continuously flow down his arms to his robe and there was a death silence in the inner chambers and the only noise was heard was Qing Feng¡¯s muffled gasps. Qing Feng¡¯s hair was dishevelled so Zhuo Qing was unable to see her eyes but she could see clearly Yan Hong Tian¡¯ cold expression. Her memory of Yan Hong Tian was violent to a point that he was cruel but at this moment he was extremely cold and lonely. In the dark cold eyes that were bottomless, it seems that a terrible storm was brewing and Zhuo Qing was unable to guess what Yan Hong Tian wanted to do but at least from how it seems now, he would not harm Qing Feng. Qing Feng finally loosen her bite but the next moment she fell backwards. Yan Hong Tian grabbed onto her waist with one hand and Qing Feng fell into his arms. ¡°Empress, support Aijia back to the palace.¡± Lou Shu Xin felt burnout like she had gotten a lot older. The usually noble and straight back looked like it had stooped. These years she had experience so many of these type of grief. Was premature deaths the fate of the Yan family? ¡°Yes.¡± Xin Yue Ning obediently supported the Empress Dowager to leave the place first and just before she left she turned back and saw Qing Feng who had fallen in Yan Hong Tian¡¯s arms. She felt resentful yet carefree, this time if Qing Feng didn¡¯t die, she would have gone mad! ¡°Take good care of her.¡± Yan Hong Tian place Qing Feng on the bed and even though his voice was as cold as the ice on snow-capped mountains, his hand movements were extremely gentle. Zhuo Qing did not even have time to react that he was talking to her when Yan Hong Tian walked out without a second glance at the person on the bed. One by one everyone left and the inner chambers was empty. Zhuo Qing immediately did a check of Qing Feng and found that her heart rate and breathing were normal. She should have just faint due to excessive stimulants. Suddenly there was a sound behind her and when Zhuo Qing looked back, that palace maid by the name of Ru Yi had carried a basin of hot water over. She took the cloth over and gently wiped the blood traces at the corner of Qing Feng¡¯s lips. Zhuo Qing sighed but she was unable to do anything else. After great difficultly of cleaning Qing Feng up and tucking her, Fu Ling finally returned. Seeing both of her hands were empty, Zhuo Qing asked, ¡°Where is the medicine dregs?¡± Fu Ling gently shook her head. ¡°Gone?¡± Zhuo Qing quickly said, ¡°How is it possible?! All the dregs of medication for the Emperor and concubines have to be retained for more than a day. How is it gone?!¡± Fu Ling was very clear on what Zhuo Qing had said and thus her expression was a little grey, ¡°When this servant when to the Medical Court, the dregs were gone. When the personnel on duty were asked, they all said that they did not know.¡± The child¡¯s death is suspicious and now the medicine dregs were missing. Zhuo Qing felt that there was a heavy fog shrouding in her head and she did not know how to make it disperse. Chapter 96 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 96 Chapter 96: Rather Die Than Live (Part 1) Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7pm) should be timing when the Emperor was most free but when Lou Xi Yan arrived at the Imperial Study, he found that the doors were tightly closed and Gao Jing and Xiao you were standing outside the doors with serious expression and some feeling of loss of what to do. Seeing Lou Xi Yan approaching the hall, Gao Jing immediately went forward to welcome, ¡°Prime Minister Lou.¡± Seeing the tightly closed doors, Lou Xi Yan asked in a whisper, ¡°Is the Emperor in?¡± ¡°Yes. But¡­¡± Gao Jing face was filled with worry as he hesitantly replied. He had followed by the Emperor¡¯s side for so many years and had never seen the Emperor like this. He did not let the Imperial Physician bandage the wound on his hands and just let the blood flow like that. When he entered the Imperial Study, he only said, ¡°Get out.¡± Gao Jing felt his entire body gone cold. He guessed that at this moment the Emperor did not want to see anyone. It was fortunate that Prime Minister Lou did not forcefully insist and replied indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I will go first.¡± He then left Zheng Yang Palace. But the Prime Minister Lou¡¯s face which was usually smiling warmly, was infected by the moodiness. Zhuo Qing accompanied Qing Feng in Qing Feng Hall but when it was almost time for the Palace gates to close, Qing Feng had yet to wake thus Zhuo Qing had no choice but to leave. The winter nights came especially early thus when Zhuo Qing walked out of the Palace gates, the skies were dark and the red lanterns by the Palace gates lit the road in a sea of red. In the middle of the red light, there was a familiar horse carriage stopped not too far away and a tall figure stood on the road beside the carriage and there was the usual warm smile on the face. Seeing Lou Xi Yan, Zhuo Qing quickened her pace, ¡°Why did you come?¡± Lou Xi Yan looked at her and that cool voiced was filled with warmth, ¡°To fetch you home.¡± It was rare that Zhuo Qing held his hands and spoke gloomily, ¡°Xi Yan, can we walk?¡± Even though she has seen so much death, what happened today was like a rock weighting down on her heart and made her terribly depressed. Placing her hand in his palm, Lou Xi Yan softly replied, ¡°Alright.¡± As it was almost about to enter the twelfth lunar month, the wind at night cut the faces, making it painful. There were gradually lesser people on the streets as two of them silently walked. ¡°The child¡­ Is gone.¡± Zhuo Qing only said those few words after a long time. Lou Xi Yan tightened the hand holding her as he calmly responded, ¡°I know.¡± The night wind whistled as it scratched pass their ears and it made both of their clothes fluttered. Zhuo Qing suddenly stopped and as Lou Xi Yan knew that she had something to say, he also stopped. Zhuo Qing thought for a while before saying, ¡°I felt that the child¡¯s cause of death is suspicious.¡± A flash crossed that long and narrow eyes, ¡°What have you discovered?¡± ¡°When I rushed over, the body was already cold. From the stage of the livor mortis, the child was dead for at least 1 shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours). His face was dark red, lips was dark purple and it seems that it looks seventh tenth that it was a respiratory failure caused by the fever. But I have discovered that the colour of the livor mortis was actually greyish beige in colour.¡± She emphasised on the colour of the livor mortis¡­ Lou Xi Yan¡¯s voice was forcefully lowered, ¡°Are you saying that the Prince was poisoned to death?¡± Zhuo Qing reluctantly shook her head, ¡°This was not entirely confirmed. The child is too young and it is possible that there are other complication that caused the death. Now that there are doubts existed, can we request to provide an autopsy for the child?¡± Like that, she would be able to determine the cause of death! Zhuo Qing felt emotionally pressed for the child¡¯s autopsy to be done and thus her voice could not help but sounded a little high. However seeing Lou Xi Yan¡¯s calm and deep eyes, she knew that she was a lunatic raving. The Imperial Physicians had insisted that the child died due to the illness and the child did indeed had continuous days of fever. There were countless of children dying in Qiong Yue due to fever and from their view, this matter was already very clear, how would they allow her to do an autopsy?! She always believed that the corpse was the last voice of the death and she would definitely help them to say the words out but to not be able to do it now made her felt frustrated. She cannot perform the autopsy and the dregs were gone. Zhuo Qing felt completely useless and could not help but sighed softly, ¡°It would be good if she was here.¡± The sudden burst of wind made Zhuo Qing shudder and thinking that Xi Yan¡¯s health was all along not good, Zhuo Qing lead Xi Yan back to the horse carriage but only realised after taking two steps that he was still standing in the same spot. Zhuo Qing finally noticed that Lou Xi Yan had been very quiet the entire night. He appeared to be listening to her but that slightly narrowed eyes made one unable to figure out what he was thinking. Zhuo Qing asked him in a whispered, ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Lowering his head to look at her, Lou Xi Yan lightly coughed and smiled, ¡°Nothing. Naturally listening to Furen¡¯s words.¡± Zhuo Qing gave a look of disbelief which made Lou Xi Yan smiled as he continued, ¡°This time Qing Mo accompanied General Su to besiege the pirates and it is considered to be dangerous, thus by informing her now, it would affect her and at the same time affect General Su.¡± He actually heard her words?! Thinking of a moment, Zhuo Qing replied, ¡°Then¡­ I will now send someone to the East Sea and wait in Mao City till their victory before informing her.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s facial expression was still not very good and her brows were filled with concern and weariness. After holding hands for a very long time, it was still very cold. Lou Xi Yan gently held on her shoulders and consoled her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, it will all pass.¡± This particular day was especially tiring. As Zhuo Qing gently lean against Lou Xi Yan¡¯s embrace, she was currently most worried about Qing Feng. From her behaviour in the afternoon, the blow of pain from the death of her child was truly too great. Patting gently the person in his embrace, the smile on Lou Xi Yan face was long gone. The thing that he was most worried about at that moment was obviously someone else. ***** The time to light the lanterns had arrive and the originally Inner Palace that would be bustling with noise and excitement was especially lonely tonight. In the empty Palace roads, there was only a few people walking around. The whistling wind cut through the dry night and made a rustling sound on the ground. According to Qiong Yue¡¯s traditions, the funeral arrangements for premature end of a child was not to be held grandly, therefore only Qing Feng Hall and Chu Xiu Palace had white cloth hung up. When Ming Ze entered the Palace for his duty, he then came to be aware that the Little Prince met a premature end and his heart could not help but worry for that female who view her family as her life, and his pace increased. When he rushed over to Qing Feng Hall, he saw that there were white fabric hanging from the door and there were two large white lanterns hung. Ming Ze was in a trance for a moment, when he left this morning, this place was packed with warmth and peace but now at this moment it was so lifeless. Pushing open that heavy large doors, he did not hear any crying voices and the entire Qing Feng Hall was unusually quiet. According to the Palace¡¯s rumours, the Prince met a premature end and Imperial Concubine Qing went crazy due to extreme sadness, bit the Emperor and after that fainted. He did not believe that female who was badly bruised and was imprison in the Imperial Prisons would be this fragile and gone insane like this. But seeing the seeming dead palace, perhaps she had fainted and have yet to wake up. Ming Ze wanted to go in to take a look at her but he was fully aware that he was of no position to do so and could only lean against that cold main door guarding that small courtyard. The night had got later and the wind that blew throughout the night got much smaller. Fu Ling pushed open the room door and walked out. Taking a deep breath, that ice cold air entered her lungs and pierce her heart and her heavy mind seemed to have awaken a little. Seeing this deserted courtyard, Fu Ling¡¯s heart became sore. Because she was afraid that Mistress would be provoked, she had already sent the old mamas and wet nurses back to the Imperial Household and even temporarily allowed Lan-er and Xia Yin to leave, retaining Ru Yi and a few mamas for rougher chores. She now worried that Mistress would not wake up and even if she woke up, she would keep thinking of the Little Prince lovable and na?ve look, his giggling and laughter and her heart would be so painful like it was run over by a rock. As the birth mother, how would Mistress be able to withstand such heart-piercing pain? She originally thought that the future days should be better than before but now there was actually such a thing that happened. Will happiness still return? Rubbing that frosty and somewhat stiff hands, Fu Ling looked up at that black scene. There was no stars and no moon, just like a big black net that made one suffocate. Ming Ze already discover Fu Ling when she just came out and saw her standing in the wind staring blankly at the skies. He thought of the first time he noticed about this person. It was because of her strange behaviour on the day when the Emperor first graced Imperial Concubine Qing. She was also like this blankly walked around the big tree in the courtyard the entire night. At that time, he found that this person was weird and also quite admire her perseverance but now he thought that she was also worried about that person. She kept rubbing both of her hands till they were red but she still stared at the skies foolishly. There was a hint of frustration in Ming Ze¡¯s face and that person who was standing motionlessly for the entire night finally walked into that small courtyard but he did not approach Fu Ling and only stop two to three Zhang (1 Zhang = 10 feet) from her. When she felt that a shadow was getting nearer to her, Fu Ling finally recovered and looked over with some panic. After clearly seeing that cold face, the unsettled feeling in her heart magically healed. Looking at that tall figure that stopped not far away, a spell seems to be cast on Fu Ling as she walked towards him. Fu Ling only realised her lack of manners around Ming Ze but then she did not know what should she say. Fortunately he spoke, ¡°Awake?¡± Fu Ling froze for a moment before understanding what he was asking. She shook her head gently and replied, ¡°No.¡± Both of their hearts felt heavy and they did not have any desire to talk. In the ice cold night, other of them just stood there without speaking. When Fu Ling look up again, she saw that in the dark skies, it seems to be filled with little white cotton. The white cotton felt cold as it landed on her face, stinging it. ¡°It¡¯s snowing?¡± Fu Ling whisper to herself as she reach her hands out to catch the falling snow. The snow was not large and it quickly melted into water when it landed on her hand. Fu Ling stared at the thin water vapour on her hand and whispered, ¡°So cold.¡± She thought that there would not be snow in this year¡¯s winter but did not think that it still fell. In this kind of night, this coldness was even more biting. She was only wearing a thin layer of coat and because she had stand in the winter night for too long, her nose became red and she even dared to reach her hand out to catch the falling show, it would be strange if it was not cold. Ming Ze slightly frowned, ¡°Go into the house if it is cold.¡± His voice was as cold as usual but she did not know why but Fu Ling currently did not want to go back to the warm but suffocating room. Fu Ling headed to the other side of Ming Ze and let him block the cold wind before replying, ¡°It is better like this.¡± Ming Ze¡¯s good looking and sharp brows twisted and that usually deadpan face had a very light angry expression. Ming Ze glared at Fu Ling and was about to retreat back to the door and not be bothered about this female. Just as his feet moved, suddenly there was a shout coming out from the quiet house, ¡°Your Ladyship!¡± Ru Yi¡¯s frightened shout surprised both of them outside. Both of them exchanged a look and Fu Ling ran back in. Ming Ze hesitated for a while before following in. This was his first time entering this house since he came to Qing Feng Hall. Chapter 97 Fu Ling burst into the room and saw Qing Feng tightly clutching Ru Yi¡¯s shoulders. In order for Mistress to rest well, she and Ru Yi did not lit any lights in the inner chambers. Under the lighted candle outside the screen, Qing Feng¡¯s hair was down and her eyes were staring deadly at Ru Yi, looking exceptionally ferocious tonight with the scars on her cheeks. Ru Yi had personally saw how her Ladyship bit the Emperor without letting go and she was truly afraid that her Ladyship had gone insane that her face was pale as she kept trembling. Ming Ze stood outside the screen looking at that blurry figure. That foot that moved forward stopped and ultimately he did not go in but also did not leave. Fu Ling ran to the bedside and pull Qing Feng¡¯s hands down from Ru Yi¡¯s shoulders and gently said, ¡°Mistress. What is wrong? I am Fu Ling.¡± ¡°Fu Ling?¡± Qing Feng stared at Fu Ling¡¯s face for some time before her face started to soften a little but her hoarse voice sounded like in some sort of trance, ¡°What time of the watch is it now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s already the third of the five watch periods (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am).¡± Mistress¡¯s palm was filled with sweat and her fingers were cold. As Fu Ling spoke, she took out a handkerchief to wipe her hands gently. Qing Feng sat stiffly for a while before she suddenly said, ¡°Where is Zhi-er? Is he hungry already? Quickly carry him over to me to see.¡± ¡°Mistress¡­¡± Fu Ling¡¯s movements froze. Her nose started to sniff and tears started to appear but she dared not raise her head to look at Qing Feng or answer her words as she was afraid that she herself would not help but cry. Fu Ling looked down and did not move. Qing Feng urgently spoke, ¡°Quickly go.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s head hung lower and her shoulders trembled. ¡°I will go myself!¡± Like she had remembered something, Qing Feng¡¯s eyes showed a trace of panic and fear as she pushed her way out barefooted. ¡°Mistress!¡± Fu Ling quickly went forward to catch up and hold onto her shoulders with her arms. That eyes filled with tears looked at Qing Feng with a frightened face as Fu Ling kept on shaking her head. She did not know if Mistress really did not remember that the Little Prince was already¡­ At this moment she dare not mention. Dare not mention that word. Qing Feng was pulled back by Fu Ling as tears fell onto her arms. As each tear fell, her face became paler and she no longer struggled as she stood in front of the bed as she kept murmuring, ¡°Zhi-er¡­ Zhi-er¡­¡± A lot of things happened in the day. Other than having a little porridge, Qing Feng did not consume a single grain and not even drink a mouth of water. In the pale white chapped lips, there was a trace of bloodstain. Seeing that Qing Feng seemed to have quieten down, Ru Yi poured a cup of water and cautiously said, ¡°Your Ladyship, please¡­ Please drink a little water.¡± As the warm cup touched her fingertips, Qing Feng shrank her hand back as if she had receive a shock before yanking the cup over and gripping tightly onto it, as if eager to absorb the warm temperature from the cup. It was just that her grip was too tight and as her hand shook, the water spilt all over. Since it was water that was drunk during winter, it was naturally hot but she did not feel it when the hot water landed on her hands. Fu Ling gradually found that there was something wrong with her and wiped the tear away. Fu Ling quickly reach out to wrestle the cup from her hand but Qing Feng¡¯s hand was getting tighter and tighter. Both hands focus their rage on the cub and Fu Ling could even hear the thin white porcelain cup making a tiny sound of pressure. Fu Ling anxiously spoke, ¡°Mistress, you mustn¡¯t be like this!¡± Qing Feng ignored the smell and used all her strength to hold on to the cup till her entire body was shaking, as if it was the only way for her not to go mad. ¡°Kuang dang¡± sounded and the white porcelain cup in Qing Feng¡¯s hands suddenly broken. Qing Feng still refused to let go and the sharp pieces of porcelain fiercely penetrated into her flesh and blood quickly welled up.+ ¡°Ah!¡± Staring at that dark red blood, Ru Yi was so scared that she took a step back. ¡°Mistress, you must let go!¡± Fu Ling was so frightened that her cold sweat kept coming out. She wanted to remove the porcelain pieces from her hands but Qing Feng did not want to let go and in the middle of struggling, Fu Ling felt a warm liquid flowing out from her wrist all the way down, instantly staining Qing Feng¡¯s sleeves, filling the room with the scent of blood. ¡°Ru Yi, quickly, quickly go invite the Imperial Physician over!¡± This wound of Mistress was deep and if the blood continue to flow like this, Mistress would not be able to bare it. ¡°Yes yes!¡± Ru Yi finally recovered from her panic before quickly running out and almost bump into Ming Ze who was just coming in. Seeing that the situation was critical, Ru Yi did not think anything more and just ran out quickly. Ming Ze heard the sound of the cup shattering and quickly smelt the scent of blood. He knew that something was wrong and rushed quickly across the screen. Both Fu Ling and Qing Feng seemed to be fighting over something and when Ming Ze squinted his eyes, he saw Qing Feng¡¯s scarlet hands. Fu Ling wanted to released her hands but Qing Feng still clutched it so tightly that Fu Ling had no way to stop her. Ming Ze grabbed Qing Feng¡¯s wrist and pried her fingers open so that the few pieces of porceline fell onto the ground. When Ming Ze came over to help, Fu Ling¡¯s hear calmed down as she looked that her cold hands that was filled with blood. As she was afraid of how much blood would flow before the Imperial Physician arrived, Fu Ling urgently said, ¡°I. I will go and find for medication to stop bleeding.¡± After which, Fu Ling stumbled as she ran out. Naturally Qing Feng¡¯s strength was of no match to Ming Ze and she could only let him clutch of her wrist but her delicate hands was still clenching on tightly into fist. Ming Ze¡¯s sharp eyes spotted that she was still clutching a few fragments in her palm and that originally white porcelain has soaked in the dark red blood. ¡°Let go!¡± Ming Ze, who was always indifferent to things, saw her torment herself like this, became somewhat irritated. He use one of his hand to pin her wrists down and the other hand to force her palm open. That sharp porcelain piece dug deep into her flesh and just by looking at that bloody hand one would feel pain. This woman seemed to think that it was not enough and her slender fingers was moving constantly like they wanted to embed all the porcelain pieces into her flesh before she was satisfied. With Qing Feng struggling, her blood spilt onto the ground quicker, making Ming Ze completely irritated by her as he coldly said, ¡°Your son is already dead. Even if you drain all the blood out and torture yourself to death, he would not come back alive.¡± Your son is dead ¡­ Dead¡­ That angry voice scolded her and those facts that she was long aware but did not want to believe and together with the fear and despair entered her heart. Qing Feng no longer struggled and stumbled onto the ground. Ming Ze was agile and clutched his hand around her waist to slow down the falling speed as his other hand removed the pieces of porcelain from her hands and flung to the corner of the wall. Qing Feng slumped onto the floor as she curled up. She felt so cold, like her entire body was immersed in icy water. She could not help but hope that she would sink into the darkness and never wake up. But her mind was unusually sober as she remembered everything that happened today. Remembering Zhi-er¡¯s giggling laughter. Remembering his sweet smile. And also remembering his greenish purple face. And most of all, remembering his ice cold hands! Zhi-er, are you now as cold as your mother? Your mother really want to accompany you! Qing Feng woodenly sat on the floor as her hands tightly hugged her kneels, not caring or stopping the trickle of blood dripping onto the floor. Tears silently covered her face as she fell silent. She had such a heartbroken look that even though Ming Ze did not regret saying those words, he felt the real heartache. He reached out to support her but stopped the moment when he touched her shoulder. When Fu Ling returned after finding the medication and cotton cloth, she saw her Mistress curling up her body and sitting quietly on the floor. Both of Ming Ze¡¯s hands was hanging at his side but was very close with Mistress, close enough to be able to embrace her. As the night was dark and she was unable to see their expression, but that pair of eyes that she thought was always cold was hiding a little heartache and pity?! Fu Ling was stunned motionless. He¡­ Just when Fu Ling was at a loss, the main doors of Qing Feng Hall was opened from the outside and the doors was slammed onto the nearby wall. It seems that the person coming had enormous strength. Fu Ling hurriedly took two steps back from the door and see and was so shocked that her eyes widen. The person coming was¡­ The Emperor?! In front of the dark courtyard, the Emperor¡¯s black robe seems to blend into the night and his pace was very fast. The Emperor actually came alone, without any eunuchs or Imperial Physician, and even Gao Jing who often followed the Emperor around was not seen. Fu Ling was alarmed as she thought about the two person in the inner chambers. If the Emperor saw them together¡­ Fu Ling¡¯s heart was beating wildly as she ran back to the inner chambers. She did not gave any thoughts as she use an arm to put Qing Feng in her arms before the room doors were open as Fu Ling pushed Ming Ze away with the other as she exclaimed loudly, ¡°Mistress, this servant will dress your wound.¡± It was dark in the inner chambers, Qing Feng long hair was draped behind her as she sat on the floor barefooted, wearing only middle layer of clothes with its sleeves and area around the knees filled with blood. Even the small inner chambers was filled with traces of blood. When that tall figure entered, not one word was spoken but no one in the room could have mistaken his anger as that deep unfathomable black eyes lock tightly on Qing Feng. Because of his person terrible anger, Fu Ling¡¯s hand that was holding onto the bottle of medication keep trembling. Seeing her being clumsy, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face became even darker. ¡°Leave! Zhen want all of you to leave!¡± Fu Ling was afraid to look at Yan Hong Tian and also dare not wait any longer. She place the medicine to stop the bleeding and the cotton cloth on a short table. When she passed by Ming Ze and was stunned to see that he was still there and thus grabbed his sleeve to pull him out of there. Hastily closing the doors up, Fu Ling¡¯s racing heart then could only eased down a little. After recovering her senses back, she turned around and noticed that Ming Ze was no longer behind her and was back to his usual position. His hands was also filled with blood and she did not know that it belonged to Mistress or was he hurt when he snatch the porcelain pieces over. Fu Ling wanted to go over to ask him but that figure exudes an aloof atmosphere that no one could get close too and that pair of eyes had returned back to its¡¯ indifference state. Fu Ling looked at Ming Ze then looked back to the room, her mind full of thoughts. Just now¡­ Did she see wrongly? In the inner chamber, Qing Feng was still squatting on the floor as her head rest on her knees, as if she was the only one in the house. Yan Hong Tian walked to Qing Feng¡¯s side and that tall figure squatted down by her side. Qing Feng¡¯s thin and weak body was immediately enveloped by darkness as Yan Hong Tian¡¯s scent enveloped her. The indifferent Qing Feng suddenly moved and slightly raised her head to see that figure clad in black robe before looking down again. Her hands were filled with blood and there were still blood dripping down to the floor. Yan Hong Tian grabbed onto her wrist. He thought that Qing Feng would struggle like she did in the afternoon and bit him ferociously but she did not. She let him dress her wound up and let him carry her to the couch. He lifted her chin to raise her face up and forced her to look at his eyes. The candlelight reflected from the screen outside. Yan Hong Tian just stood like that in front of the bed with his back facing the candlelight, so she was unable to see his face. ¡°Zhi-er is dead.¡± That calm but hoarse voice said. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s back stiffen and the hand that held her chin up tightened. Quite some time passed before one could hear him responding with an, ¡°En.¡± ¡°Zhi-er is dead!¡± Every word seem to be forced out of her teeth. Qing Feng¡¯s hands reached out to his lapel and grabbed onto it as she stared at the face that she could not see clearly in the dark. Qing Feng asked word by word, ¡°Did you not say that he would be alright? Did you not say you will protect us? He is dead¡­¡± ¡°You liar! Liar! Liar¡­¡± Each interrogating question accompanied with Qing Feng cries echoed by his ears over and over again. That night, Qing Feng tightly grabbed onto his collar as she buried her face into his embrace. The first time she lost her voice in pain as her body kept trembling and burning tears kept following as waves of pain took over. From the beginning to end, Yan Hong Tian just stood there. Listening. Receiving. ***** ¡°Who allowed you to kill that child?¡± In the dark tunnel, a young man stood deep in the tunnel, cloaked in a blue robe that excludes extravagance, speaking in a suppressed soft voice filled with anger. Beside him, there stood a shadow, which was cladded with a big black cloak. Hearing the male lashing out, a slender hand reached out of the cloak and gently lifted it, exposing a fair face. It was a female. The female slightly raise her head and it was the Empress¡¯s female official ¨C Shui Xin. The big black cloak enveloped her and she lost the gentle and dignified air that everyone knew in the Palace but there was a scary air around her as there was a trace of smile on her lips and she had a look of leisure on her face, without any panic at all. ¡°Didn¡¯t that old man said that there should only be one Prince in the Palace?¡± That voice spoke with a bit of laziness in it, making Xin Yi Heng angry as it seems that she looked down on him. Xin Yi Heng¡¯s tone was increasing getting worst, ¡°That would also depend on timing and opportunity. If there are no orders, you should not have acted on your own initiative!¡± ¡°You are now blaming me?¡± Shui Xin¡¯s voice was still as per normal soft as her eyes slightly raised. Xin Yi Heng could not help but shiver a little as her eyes swept to him and his voice also did not sound as powerful as before, ¡°I¡­ Did not say that.¡± Seeing him putting up that look, Shui Xin coldly snorted, ¡°Yan Hong Tian had already let Dan Yu Lan investigate the case of the army rations, so it is obvious he wants to touch your Xin family. If the child is not dead, he would have handed over the position of the Crown Prince to him. The old things in court are old hands at setting the helm according to the wind and would have most likely defected to Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling. Now that the child is dead, there is one threat lesser. This is something I do to help you all.¡± He always felt that he was being led by the nose by this female and Xin Yi Heng got irritated as he replied, ¡°In short, father said that must not create any other problems and just watch over Ning-er so that she would not get into trouble.¡± She no longer need to care? That would be good. She will now wait to watch a good show. Shui Xin smiled at Xin Yi Heng and gave a rare polite reply, ¡°Yes¡«¡±. Finishing, Shui Xin did not give another glance to Xin Yi Heng before her slender figure quickly disappeared to the depths of the tunnel. Over the past decade, he had seen many this female means and actions so that smile that she just gave, gave him the goose bumps. Xin Yi Heng secretly spitted. This female was truly too unpredictable, he did not know why father could use her so assuredly. Chapter 98 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 98 Chapter 98: Mourning Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm) had passed and the Lan Yue Building was still brightly lit with candles. Zhuo Qing sat in the study, with a look of contemplation as she look at the handkerchief that was cut to several pieces and placed neatly on the table. In these days, Fu Ling no longer come looking for her. From what Lou Xi Yan said, Qing Feng woke up the next day after fainting, after which she had been kneeling at Chu Xui Palace to accompany the child. Her current situation was unknown and Zhuo Qing also dare not hastily enter the Palace. The past few days she was thinking of ways to differentiate what the child¡¯s saliva consist of, but there was no chemical agents or equipment which made the difficulty even higher. Currently she was only able to determine that there was some composition of nitrite but the amount was not large. If there were some nitrite in the child¡¯s mouth, it meant that the possibility of death by poison would be significantly higher but this amount should not lead to death and she was unable to quantify the other chemicals. That bowl of medicine was perhaps the key. If the dregs can be found¡­ Zhuo Qing was deep in thoughts when suddenly her shoulders got heavier before she recovered herself. When Zhuo Qing look over, Lou Xi Yan was smiling at her with some blame in his eyes. Zhuo Qing shrugged, the people here sleep around eight at night and for her it was too difficult to sleep this early. Zhuo Qing got up and held onto the cooling hand that was placed on her shoulders and said with some grief, ¡°I really cannot sleep¡­¡± Lou Xi Yan shook his head reluctantly and did not speak as he took a dark coloured token from his robes and handed it over to her. ¡°This is?¡± This token was larger than the token that Qing Feng gave it to her and the carvings on it was beautifully detailed. ¡°The Emperor gave this token and allowed you to enter the Palace once every three days to accompany Qing Feng.¡± That¡¯s good. At least she was able to see Qing Feng¡¯s situation and if possible, also take a trip to the Medical Court. Thinking about the Medical Court, Zhuo Qing pulled Lou Xi Yan to the table and pointed to the handkerchief that had turned colour due to some experiments and said, ¡°Xi Yan, look at this. There are poison on the handkerchief. The child¡¯s death is definitely suspicious. Is it possible¡­¡± Lou Xi Yan gently shook his head and sighed, ¡°The Prince¡¯s body is already placed in the coffin and was buried in the Imperial Tombs yesterday.¡± What? Already buried? Zhuo Qing got a little angry, ¡°How could Yan Hong Tian do that? Unless it was true that¡­¡± Feeling Lou Xi Yan¡¯s hand around her waist tightened as he said in a muffled voice, ¡°The matter is now ended. Observe and wait.¡± Lou Xi Yan¡¯s tired voice made Zhuo Qing swallowed what she wanted to say and she place the token at the side of the study desk. Zhuo Qing pulled his hand over and asked as she take his pulse, ¡°Very tired?¡± For the past few months she had been studying up on Traditional Medicine and it was fortunate that she had the basic knowledge of medicine and could often have opportunities to communicate with famous physicians in the capital. After a few months, she was able to take some simple pulse. Seeing Zhuo Qing focusing on taking his pulse, there was a smile on Lou Xi Yan¡¯s lips and answered lowly, ¡°En.¡± Reading that his pulse was fairly stable, Zhuo Qing then released her hand. ¡°Your body cannot withstand too much tiredness.¡± Asthma can be considered a rich man¡¯s sickness and it would soon be spring, thus she was worried that he would have an asthma attack again. ¡°Yes Furen.¡± Lou Xi Yan once again let her into his arms and whispered, ¡°Didn¡¯t Furen just said that she cannot sleep? It is just as well as I am not too sleepy. It would be better to¡­¡± ¡°En?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the room and be romantic.¡± Ah? Zhuo Qing¡¯s face redden and at the same time had some feelings of unable to cry or laugh. That year she did not explain the meaning of romantic. It was truly¡­ A tragedy¡­ ***** The snow had fallen eloquently for five to six days, even though it was not considered heavy, but the entire capital seemed to be covered by a silver white coat. Zhuo Qing left the house with Lou Xi Yan early in the morning. He went to court and she rushed over to see Qing Feng. With Yan Hong Tian¡¯s token, there was nothing preventing her when she entered the Palace. As she walked on the quiet palace road, there were some palace maids and eunuchs that passed by her. Every one of them lowered their heads and when they were near her, formed a neat line to bow before leaving in a hurry. Seeing all those puppet like people, Zhuo Qing felt stuffy and her pace to Qing Feng Hall also increased. Daybreak had just passed and the reason why Zhuo Qing came so early was to chat with Fu Ling first to ask about Qing Feng¡¯s condition but she did not think that when she reached the main doors of Qing Feng Hall, the main doors were already half opened. Peering into the half-opened door, Zhuo Qing could see a slender figure standing in the middle of the courtyard, as if that person was part of the snowing scene. Before Zhuo Qing could enter Qing Feng Hall, she could feel a fierce look landing onto her. She looked over and saw that it was from a male cladded in a guard uniform. After seeing her clearly, that male withdraw his line of sight. That fairly handsome face showed no expression and he did not stop her or give way when Zhuo Qing walked nearer. Zhuo Qing felt that this person was quite interesting and took a few more looks at him. He just stood there silently as if Zhuo Qing did not exist. Zhuo Qing raised her eyebrows slightly but did not look more of him and push open another door to enter. Hearing the sound of the door, Fu Ling looked back and saw Zhuo Qing opening. Her heart was delighted as she hastened to welcome her, ¡°Lou Furen.¡± Zhuo Qing nodded her head but Qing Feng who was in the garden seemed not to see or speak and just look in front woodenly. Her face was greyish and her eyes were bleak. Zhuo Qing frowned, ¡°How long has she been like this?¡± The rims of Fu Ling¡¯s eyes were somewhat red, ¡°Mistress accompany the Little Prince until yesterday¡¯s burial. After that, she had been standing like this in the snow. No matter how this servant persuade was also useless.¡± ¡°She stood for the entire night?¡± Zhuo Qing was apprehensive. Fu Ling gently nodded her head, ¡°En.¡± This person was indeed stubborn enough. Zhuo Qing felt angry at this kind of behaviour that did not cherish their own body but she knew that this was not a time to be angry. Zhuo Qing walked to Qing Feng but that pair of gloomy eyes did not even move. Zhuo Qing was not anxious and just softly called out, ¡°Qing Feng.¡± Qing Feng did not bothered about her but Zhuo Qing continued calling, ¡°Qing Feng, I am here to see you.¡± Finishing, Zhuo Qing lightly held Qing Feng¡¯s hands. When she just held on to them, Zhuo Qing immediately shivered it seemed that she was holding a block of ice. Zhuo Qing looked down and found that both hands were wrapped up in cloth. She was injured? Zhuo Qing looked at Fu Ling. Fu Ling opened her mouth but she did not say a single word. Zhuo Qing did not continue to look at her and just called out gently Qing Feng¡¯s name continuously. After calling out for more than ten times, that person who was like an ice sculpture finally moved a little. The bloodshot eyes look intently at Zhuo Qing for a while before calmly replying, ¡°You have come.¡± Zhuo Qing was secretly relieved, ¡°The weather is cold, let¡¯s go in and talk.¡± Finishing, Zhuo Qing held Qing Feng¡¯s hand and slowly walked back to the house. This time Qing Feng did not resist and followed Zhuo Qing back into the house. Fu Ling wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and hurriedly followed. She had stood frozenly for the entire night and since she walked too quickly, she almost fell. Ming Ze saw that figure stumbling and a trace of irritation flash across his eyes but it soon restored the usual calmness. Zhuo Qing supporting Qing Feng into the inner chamber and helped her to changed out of her external coat and gave her a warmer for her hands and knees. When it was all done, Ru Yi brought in breakfast. Fu Ling wanted to come forward to take over but Zhuo Qing lightly pat on her shoulders and said, ¡°Let me do it. You should go and change and warm up your knees.¡± ¡°This servant¡­¡± Fu Ling shook her head but before she could finish, Zhuo Qing interrupted, ¡°Quickly go. Come back after tidying up. She still need you to take care and if you are unable to take care of yourself, how would you be able to take care of her.¡± Fu Ling hesitated a while and looked at the expressionless Qing Feng again before finally nodding her head, ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hands were wrapped up tightly so Zhuo Qing took the bowl of porridge over and filled a spoonful to bring it to her mouth, ¡°Drink some porridge.¡± ¡°I have something to ask.¡± Qing Feng disregard the warm porridge by her lips and her voice was as cold as the snow outside the window. Zhuo Qing¡¯s spoon went forward a little as she replied, ¡°Drink some porridge first.¡± Qing Feng was silent for a moment before she opened her mouth to drink the porridge. Neither one of them talked and Qing Feng went through the motion to drink the entire bowl of porridge down. During that period of time, her eyes kept staring unblinkingly at Zhuo Qing. Zhuo Qing¡¯s heart sighed as she handed the empty bowl to Ru Yi and said, ¡°You can withdraw.¡± The atmosphere between both of them did not consist of any warmth between sisters but there were some feelings of confrontation. Ru Yi saw that Qing Feng did not speak and dare not wait any more. She quickly bowed and immediately backed out of there. Placing a wooden chair in front of Qing Feng to sit down, Zhuo Qing said, ¡°You can ask.¡± ¡°How did the child die?¡± Zhuo Qing had earlier guessed that Qing Feng would ask her that question but she had not decide on how she would answer. She was unable to perform an autopsy and thus was unable to confirm the cause of the child¡¯s death. Just taking into Qing Feng¡¯s current condition, it would be best that she was not to be provoked in any way. Zhuo Qing kept her silence and Qing Feng¡¯s pale face got darker by a bit. Her teeth was clenched before it was slowly released, ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. If even you lie to me, I do not know what else to trust.¡± The hoarse voice was filled with self-ridicule and sorrow, making Zhuo Qing look up at her. Meeting Qing Feng¡¯s lonely eyes, Zhuo Qing felt even more powerless as she said, ¡°I am not trying to lie to you. It¡¯s just that I do not have enough evidence to draw any conclusion.¡± ¡°Then speak of what you are sure of. That day you checked through the child¡¯s¡­ Corpse and took back a handkerchief. Don¡¯t tell me that you cannot determine anything from it.¡± Zhuo Qing was secretly surprised. That day Qing Feng was obviously near to collapse but she was able to notice what she had done? Zhuo Qing look at her carefully and seriously. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes were red but was unusually sober. Perhaps¡­ Qing Feng was not as fragile as she thought she was. Her logic was understandable and thoughts were meticulous, since she had asked today, if she was not willing to respond, Zhuo Qing was afraid that she would lose her confidence and in future exchanges would definitely be difficult. After weighing the consequences, Zhuo Qing at the end spoke the truth, ¡°The child¡¯s death is indeed suspicious. I found some traces of poison in his mouth but was unable to determine what was it or if it cause the child¡¯s death. Since there are poison in the child¡¯s mouth, it means that this was something he ate, thus the bowl of medication was the most suspicious but that day Fu Ling went to search for it and found the dregs missing.¡± That means that the child did not die due to illness! Didn¡¯t she guessed it earlier on? She blamed Yan Hong Tian for not protecting the child but what about her? The child was by her side every day and she was the same, unable to protect her own child. That bowl of medicine¡­ It was her who feed him¡­ Every single mouthful of it¡­ Why? Zhi-er was just a child¡­ Why was he not spared! Qing Feng did not speak any more and her eyes were closed so one would not be able to see her current mood but Zhuo Qing was able to feel her pain from the trembling body. As a forensic professional, most of the deceased were all crying out a grievance as they died and she never knew how to comfort the families of the victims, so she would prefer to face the dead bodies than living peopled. Like today, she also did not know how to comfort Qing Feng until she saw the plain white cotton cloth that Qing Feng was tightly clasping her hands with started to be stained with tiny dots of blood. Zhuo Qing quickly step forward and grabbed her wrist and urgently said, ¡°Qing Feng, calm down a little. I have already sent someone to inform¡­ Youngest Sister. When she return, we will think of ways to investigate. You mustn¡¯t be impulsive and hurt yourself again, else you will lose your own life even before the matter is cleared up.¡± Ultimately Qing Feng loosen her grip but it only made Zhuo Qing more worried as she saw the drowning hatred in her eyes when she opened them. ***** The child had left for almost a month. Xi Yan was busy with don¡¯t know what that he left early in the morning and returned late at night. Every time when he returned, he had an exhausted look on and often looked pensive that the normally indifferent him was recently always frowning. Ever since Qing Feng asked about the cause of the child¡¯s death, she did not ask any more. When she went over to see her, there was no more sharpness or soberness in her eyes as they were immersed in grief. She even took the child¡¯s cradle and placed it in the courtyard and stared dazedly at it all day. Zhuo Qing had prescribed some anti-depressant medication for her but Qing Feng refused to drink. When she talk to her, she also hardly reply. If this continues, her psychological situation can only worsen. The weather in the early spring was still cold. Zhuo Qing sat at the stone stool by the side of the lakeside of Lan Yue Building and looked into the distant horizon as she ponder about how to treat Qing Feng¡¯s psychological trauma. ¡°What exactly went on?¡± A cold female voice suddenly sounded from behind and gave Zhuo Qing a shock. She turned back and saw Gu Yun coolly stood behind her. Yun¡¯s expression was terrible as her face showed exhaustion. Rushing the entire journey back was indeed very tiring. Zhuo Qing pat on the stone stool beside her to indicate her to sit down. She felt relieved as she was finally back. Chapter 99 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 99 Chapter 99: Facial Appearance Zhuo Qing told Gu Yun in detail the situation during this period and also the result of the check on the body. Both of them discussed a while and was unable to come to a conclusion at that moment of time, thus Gu Yun decided to enter the Palace to take a look at Qing Feng. As Zhuo Qing had the token from Yan Hong Tian, both of them could enter the Palace smoothly. When they entered Qing Feng Hall, they saw a small baby cradle under a big tree in the middle of the courtyard and beside it, Qing Feng, clad in a simple was at the side half kneeing as she kept her eyes on the small cradle with only Fu Ling accompanying her. Seeing that they had arrived, Fu Ling bent down as if afraid that she would scare her and said in a very light voice, ¡°Mistress, Lou Furen and Miss Qing are here to see you.¡± Gu Yun¡¯s brow tightly knitted together, the Qing Feng now and during the full month banquet were two different persons. Her chin was thin, her eyes were dull, her pale face and her frail body, made her look like she would faint at any moment. With a bitterness piercing her heart, Gu Yun softly called out, ¡°Elder Sister.¡± After a long time Qing Feng then turned around and her eyes stopped at Gu Yun¡¯s face for a long time before she seemed to recognise who she was. She then calmly said, ¡°You have returned. Sit then.¡± The hoarse voice sounded weak, like it was blown away by the win, it seemed that she had immersed herself in endless grief and disregard everyone and everything around her. Gu Yun softly consoled, ¡°A person would not be able to come back to life after death. You must restrain your grief and don¡¯t ruin your health.¡± Qing Feng seemed like she did not hear anything and just stared at the child¡¯s little cradle unblinkingly. From time to time, there was a hint of a smile on her face, but that smile was filled with bitterness. A fire emerge suddenly in Gu Yun¡¯s heart. Who was so vicious that even a baby was not spared?! And to torment a mother to such a state! If it was truly a homicide, she wanted to seek justice for that child. ¡°Come over here for a while.¡± Fu Ling did not understand why Gu Yun called for her but Qing Feng did not stop it so she followed Gu Yun to the other side of the courtyard. When both of them stood still, Gu Yu asked, ¡°Who was the first to discover the child¡¯s death?¡± Fu Ling hesitated and replied in a whisper, ¡°It¡¯s this servant.¡± ¡°Repeat again what happened on the day of the incident. Think about it clearly and do not miss out any details.¡± Fu Ling hesitated for a moment and she slightly turned around to look at the direction of Qing Feng. Gu Yun blocked her line of sight and spoke lowly, ¡°Speak the truth.¡± Gu Yun¡¯s voice was not loud but it had a kind of imposing manner that one would not dare to defy. After thinking for a long time, Fu Ling then whispered in reply, ¡°After the full month banquet, the Prince had contracted a cold and was constantly having fever. The Imperial Physician would come every day at Sishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 am) to diagnose and perform treatment. That morning, before Sishi, Imperial Physician Hu and Imperial Physician Wang came¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it anymore. Withdraw.¡± Fu Ling only said a sentence before Qing Feng scolded her severely. Fu Ling was scared and quickly stepped out. Qing Feng¡¯s face was livid and no longer had a numb expression. She seemed to be suppressing a certain sentiment so Gu Yun walked up to her and asked, ¡°Why stop her from speaking?¡± Turning her head to the other side, Qing Feng did not meet Gu Yun eyes as she softly reply, ¡°Imperial son is gone, I do not wish for this matter to be mentioned again.¡± Her obvious evading and avoiding reply made Gu Yun felt more suspicious and Zhuo Qing was also puzzled. She remembered the last time when Qing Feng question her on how her child died, it was certainly not like how it was now. Gu Yun asked tentatively, ¡°Knowing that he did not die due to an illness, you do not intend to pursue the matter?¡± Qing Feng abruptly raised her hand and stared at Gu Yun with pain in her eyes and a hoarse voice that sounded miserable as it grips one¡¯s heart, ¡°How do you want to pursue? All the Imperial Physicians said that the Prince died due to the illness, who do I pursue with? Even if his death was not caused by illness, the events in the Inner Palace would not be managed by the Ministry of Justice and at the end it would fall upon Lou Shu Xin and Xin Yue Ning to investigate! He is already dead, what is the use of investigating it so clearly!¡± Her weak body could not withstand such a big agitation and she started to cough. She clutched her chest before turning over and said unyieldingly, ¡°The child has been put to rest so you both should not be bothered about this matter. I am tired so you both can leave.¡± Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun exchanged a look and they did not provoke her further. They then left Qing Feng Hall together. Gu Yun sombrely said, ¡°Qing Feng should know that this matter is suspicious and must have gotten a clue but do not want to get us involved.¡± And she had seen Qing Feng suppressing immensely the cold violence on her face when she was talking to her. This was definitely not a person who would not intend to pursue the matter. Zhuo Qing apparently could also see it and sighed as she whispered, ¡°This matter is very different from the cases that you previously handled. It is not just a homicide case as it also involve with many political powers. Yan Hong Tian is also not a fool, he already had two sons that died prematurely, why was he still indifferent. There are many checks and balances and the conflicting interests are far more complicated than we would imagine. In short, you must not act rashly.¡± Naturally Zhuo Qing understand clearly the implication that Zhuo Qing mentioned and she could not help but scowled, ¡°It¡¯s truly troublesome.¡± Zhuo Qing pat Gu Yun¡¯s hand and lowered her voice to speak, ¡°I know that you are a person who can distinguish right from wrong and everything in your heart would be either black or white. But the Inner Palace is a grey place where everything cannot be too clear and cannot be too muddled. The first time when I saw Qing Feng, she is intensely stubborn and now she already slowly understand how to survive in the Palace. This matter is something we cannot not care about but also manage it with great fanfare. Since she is not willing for us to be intervene then we will investigate it in secret and look for opportunity to help her since she would not let it go with her temperament.¡± Gu Yun was silent for a long time but she finally nodded, ¡°Alright. Will follow as you say.¡± She believed in the logic in laws but never understood politics. After Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun left, Qing Feng stood up from the cradle and sat at the stone stool, where her grieving expression seemed lesser. After a while, she then faced Fu Ling to speak, ¡°In the future if they were to ask you any questions privately, you can just speak truthfully.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± These days Fu Ling¡¯s brows were not relaxed as her Mistress was becoming stranger and more elusive. At times she would be in extreme grief, at times she would be indifferent. If this continued on, what could be done? Fu Ling had a face of concern which made Qing Feng sighed in her heart. She gently pulled Fu Ling¡¯s hand and softly said, ¡°Fu Ling, I am a little hungry.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± How long has it been for Mistress to take the initiative to say that she was hungry? Fu Ling happily nodded, ¡°Yes. This servant will call for the meal now.¡± When Fu Ling just leave, Ru Yi walked in from outside and stood by Qing Feng, ¡°Your Ladyship.¡± ¡°How was it?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s voice was cold and no longer warm like she was speaking to Fu Ling. Ru Yi glance at the outside of the door before bending down slightly and said some sentence at Qing Feng¡¯s side. Because of these few short sentences, Qing Feng¡¯s expression changed a lot. She starred back at Ru Yi and shouted, ¡°For real?¡± Ru Yi immediately knelt down and spoke quickly, ¡°This servant dare not deceive your Ladyship.¡± Ru Yi was able to hear her Ladyship clenching her fists as her bones made cracking sounds. Ru Yi kept her head down and did not dare to move a muscle. After a while, Ru Yi was then able to hear Qing Feng calmly say, ¡°Withdraw.¡± Ru Yi did dare to stay longer and quickly backed out. The constantly tightly fisted hands on her chest showed that internally Qing Feng was not as calm as her voice had portrayed to be. Yan Hong Tian! Yan Hong Tian, you are really good! ***** Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing went to see Qing Feng once every three days and she remained the same, staring at the cradle for the entire day and at times she would say a few sentences to them. Gu Yun did not agitate her again but still privately questioned the eunuchs and mamas who were still in Qing Feng Hall. The Imperial Palace was indeed a scary place. It made people cautious and careful of their words. No matter what Gu Yun asked, the answer was almost always that they did not know anything. This day was another day that Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing would enter the Palace to see Qing Feng and Qing Feng¡¯s spirits seemed good and wanted to talk to them when she saw them entering. But she saw that there was a male following them. That person seemed to be in his thirties, of medium build and looked very ordinary but he was filled with an air of arrogance which made one hard to ignore. Qing Feng asked with precaution, ¡°Who is her?¡± Zhuo Qing and Qing Feng was closer to one another thus Gu Yun indicated her to speak. Zhuo Qing walked to Qing Feng¡¯s side and carefully replied, ¡°He is a physician.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s face immediately change and she replied in a cold voice, ¡°I am fine and do not need any physician. Let him leave.¡± Zhuo Qing glanced with Gu Yun with a headache and just as two of them were thinking of how to convince Qing Feng, Yue Sheng coldly scoffed, ¡°Each one more stubborn than the other. Getting me to leave is easy but once I leave that face of yours would not have any more hope.¡± What does that meant? Qing Feng looked questioning at Zhuo Qing and she softly explained, ¡°We got him here as we wanted to help to heal your face. Even though there is nothing wrong having the scar on the face, but¡­¡± They thought that Qing Feng would definitely flip out but who knew that she swept her anger away and asked seriously, ¡°He can really heal my face?¡± Zhuo Qing immediately nodded, ¡°En.¡± ¡°Alright. Then treat.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s frankness made Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun confused but the flash of distraction in Qing Feng¡¯s eyes did not escape Yue Sheng¡¯s eyes. Interesting! Yue Shen laughed, ¡°The injury on your face is more serious than theirs and you will need to suffer in order for it to be cured.¡± This woman was actually more ruthless than her sisters, the two deep scars wiped off seventh or eighth tenth of her stunning good looks. To heal her face now was not because of just regaining a beautiful face only. Qing Feng replied expressionless, ¡°As long as it can be healed, I can bear whatever suffering.¡± ¡°Good!¡± He like this kind of female who would be unscrupulous to achieve their goals. Not only would he heal her face, she would also be one-third more glamorous than how she looked previously! ¡°Bear what sort of suffering?¡± A domineering male voice with some chill spoke from outside the courtyard. ¡°Long live the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian just stepped into Qing Feng Hall and all the accompanying eunuchs and palace maids were all kneeling on the floor. Qing Feng got up to bow and Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing also uncomfortably followed but Yue Shen continue to stand at the side and seemingly had no intention to greet. Raising her head slightly, Gu Yun saw that overbearing man and the corner of her lips raised. Bringing in Yue Sheng into the Palace naturally required Yan Hong Tian¡¯s agreement thus Su Ling had went in the morning to speak to him, thus it was nothing strange for Yan Hong Tian to come over and take a look but for to not even change out of the bright yellow court robes, he seemed to be slightly too anxious. ¡°You can treat her face?¡± The dark black eyes swept over that ordinary face. This was not a light nor difficult sentence but it had gave an oppressive blow to others. Yan Hong Tian had always been temperamental which made Zhuo Qing worries rose. With a normal expression on, Yue Sheng replied coldly, ¡°As long as I want to treat, don¡¯t even mention about such a small injury like this, even if the entire face is rotten, I can change a new one for her. But during the three months that I am treating her face, other than me and her close servants, she cannot see anyone. If this cannot be done then there is no need to heal this face.¡± His eyes darken as Yan Hong Tian spoke lowly, ¡°Including Zhen?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s cold sweat also came out. Accordingly to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s character, he would not let people who go against him live easily and she had experienced it many times since she entered the Palace. Sure enough, Yan Hong Tian laughed coldly, ¡°Alright, Zhen promise you, from today onwards, there would be no one else stepping into Qing Feng Hall. If her face is not healed after three months, Zhen want your life.¡± After the sentence was completed, Yan Hong Tian left with a huff. Everyone thought that Yan Hong Tian was annoyed by Yue Shen but Gu Yun found out that before Yan Hong Tian turned to leave, he looked at Qing Feng but Qing Feng quickly looked away and did not meet his eyes. Gu Yun guessed that the black face that Yan Hong Tian had on when he leave was because of Qing Feng. Yue Sheng watched Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brutal cold back and sneered, ¡°Such strong ferocious energy, no wonder the number of heirs are thin.¡± After listening to those words, Qing Feng shivered and her face was much more paler than before. ¡°Both of you can also leave.¡± Waving towards Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing, Yue Sheng chased them out of Qing Feng Hall. Chapter 100 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 100 Chapter 100: The Seed of Hate (Part 1) ¡°What did you say? Say it again!¡± Shrieks sounded from the inside of Yi Lan Palace and Xin Yue Ning had a look of anxious and rage. Shui Xin however was calm and indifference when she was faced with those words. She just repeated word for word, ¡°Qing Ling and Qing Mo found a physician to treat Qing Feng¡¯s face. The Emperor have already approved of it and decreed that within the three months, no one can step into the Qing Feng Hall to disturb¡­¡± ¡°Enough. Stop saying!¡± She had heard it clearly before, it¡¯s just that Xin Yue Ning did not believe it. ¡°Did you not say that Qing Feng stayed all day in the courtyard thinking dazedly of her son? This clearly indicated that she is going crazy! They did not find someone to treat her brain but treat what face of hers? And her face is so thoroughly bad, is there any possibility of it being cured?¡± Xin Yue Ning walked to and fro in her inner chambers irritably and she kept on mumbling. Shui Xin did not reply her and just stood silently by the side. As she was talking, she suddenly stopped her steps and stared at Shui Xin and anxiously said, ¡°What to do if her face is truly heal?¡± Shui Xin smiled and replied softly, ¡°Your Ladyship need not worry. Not to mention that her face isn¡¯t that easy to heal, even it is cured, there was nothing much to fear of. You are the mistress of Inner Palace and also have Prince Zhi by your side¡­¡± After listening to Shui Xin¡¯s words, Xin Yue Ning nodded her head and the anxiety on her face was significantly lesser. With a bit of smile on her face, she said, ¡°That is true. In the Palace, which one isn¡¯t a beauty moreover her son is already dead, what trouble can she stir?¡± Shui Xin¡¯s eyes hanged slightly down as she did not want to see Xin Yue Ning smug face. Even though she did not think that Qing Mo was able to find the Ghost Doctor to treat Qing Feng¡¯s face, she was quite looking forward to when Qing Feng¡¯s face was fully healed. To watch such a beauty playing games and schemes, what a delight it would be. Shui Xin¡¯s lips slightly arched, anyways the Xin family said that they did not require her to act on her own initiative so they should not blame her from completely disregarding them¡­ ***** Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing exited Qing Feng Hall and was walking on the palace road to exit the Palace when Gu Yun suddenly pulled Zhuo Qing to a trail and softly said, ¡°Let¡¯s take a trip to the Medical Court.¡± Zhuo Qing slightly raise her eyebrows, a few days ago she had suggested to go to the Medical Court to look but Yun kept saying that it was of no rush. But today she suddenly mentioned to go, it seemed that she had found some clues. Zhuo Qing nodded her head and both of them quickly walked towards the Medical Court. Reaching the Medical Court¡¯s brewing room, Gu Yun glanced towards the interior and her eyes finally fell upon a young medical attendant aged around ten. ¡°You are Zhang Qian?¡± It was a fair and clean boy. When he heard the voice behind, he turned back and froze. Seeing from their attire, they did not look like they were working in the Palace, and to be able to walk around freely in the Palace, their position must not be low at all. Zhang Qian¡¯s thought had ran laps before his mouth said pleasingly, ¡°Both older sisters are?¡± Gu Yun smiled and said, ¡°Come out for a while.¡± Zhang Qian saw that it was two thin and weak female and did not think much of it as he followed them out. When they stepped out of the Medical Court, Gu Yun held Zhang Qian¡¯s collar with one hand and brought him to the back alley behind the Medical Court. Zhuo Qing looked on amusingly at how Gu Yun was dragging a person like a little chick and thought of how Gu Yun previously caught convicts, she also did the same thing. But the her previously did it coolly and casually but now for this under developed body to do it, even though it was still easy, it was still somewhat funny. Zhang Qian had never thought that that young female would have so much strength and could throw him to the corner of the wall without extra effort. Just as Zhang Qian wanted to call out to others, he heard that female asking coldly, ¡°Who was the one that took the medicine dregs on the day the Prince died?¡± ¡°Both of you¡­ Who exactly are the both of you?¡± Zhang Qian face turned white in a short flash as he stared at both persons. She took a step back and hurriedly said, ¡°How would I know who had taken the medicine dregs! I was not on duty on that day!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Gu Yun lightly scoffed and continued to pressed on as she did not want to waste any time with him, ¡°Every eighth and sixteenth of every month, there are the least number of people on duty in the Medical Court. The day of the Prince¡¯s death was on the eighth. Previously you would sneak in to steal some expensive medicinal herbs to sell and that day you are definitely in the Medical Court. The medicine was brewed on the second floor so not only you would know where the dregs went and also saw who took it. Speak. Who is it?¡± Hearing Gu Yun¡¯s words, palely white could no longer describe Zhang Qian¡¯s face. In such a cold day, his head was filled with sweat and even the back of his clothes were damp. She¡­ She actually knew everything?! Looking at Gu Yun¡¯s sharp eyes, Zhang Qian was so flustered that he dare not move as a drop of sweat rolled down from his forehead and into his eyes. The pain in his eyes broke Gu Yun¡¯s demonic spell as Zhang Qian took a big step back against the cold wall as he shouted, ¡°I¡­ I do not know what are you saying!¡± ¡°Still refuse to talk?¡± Seeing his reaction, Gu Yun was not anxious as she leant against the other side of the wall of the alley as she said, ¡°Since I am able to say what you had done, naturally there would be evidence on hand. Selling medicine herbs stolen from the Palace was not a light offence and when the matter is brought up to light, I don¡¯t think that not only you saw the person taking the dregs away but that the person would also think that you have seen it and may even. Kill. In. Secret¡­¡± Zhuo Qing laughed in spite of herself, she has always admire Gu Yun method of questioning convicts. No matter it was the tricky and slippery street gangsters or murderous drug lords, it was easy for her. Such an inexperience medical attendant, if he really knew who was the one that took the dregs, at the end he would definitely reveal the truth. Sure enough, before Gu Yun could finish, Zhang Qian¡¯s face was already white due to the scare and walked a few steps to Gu Yun and opened up quickly, ¡°Please don¡¯t. I will say it, please give me a break. But you have to promise and not disclose that I am the one that disclosed it.¡± The fish was hooked and Gu Yun¡¯s patience was exhausted as she scolded, ¡°So much nonsense to say! Speak!¡± Zhang Qian looked around to ensure there was no one else in the alley before whispering, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s Commander Ming!¡± ¡°Ming Jian?¡± Zhuo Qing was stunned. Zhang Qian place his hands by his mouth and quickly said, ¡°Hush! Don¡¯t say it so loudly!¡± ¡°When did he take the dregs away?¡± ¡°It was¡­ Half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) after older sister Ru Yi from Qing Feng Hall came over to call Imperial Physician Wang and Imperial Physician Hu.¡± Zhuo Qing calculated the time, Ming Jing would have taken the medicine dregs away before Fu Ling when to look for it. The child took the medication during noon so if Ming Jian was the person who added the poison into the medicine, he should have taken the dregs at that time and not wait till the child was gone before taking it away. Zhuo Qing looked up and look at Gu Yun. Seeing a cool look in her eyes, it seemed that she was thinking of what the problem was and thus Zhuo Qing did not disturb her. Zhang Qian saw that both of them did not speak and shifted himself towards the direction of the alley outside, ¡°I only saw these and really do not know anything else!¡± Gu Yun did not make things more difficult for him and waved her hands, ¡°You can go.¡± Zhang Qian did not even pause and in the next moment his shadow disappeared from the alley. As he ran, he felt really scared. Since someone knew of him selling the medicine herbs he stole, if it became worse¡­ He would escape from the Palace, anyways he had just sold the news of Commander Ming taking the dregs to older sister Ru Yi a few days ago and had earned quite a lot of money. If he did not run at this moment, if the entire matter was unmasked, then his life would also be included in it. The more Zhang Qian thought, the more he was convinced and speed up towards the direction of his room. Both of them were silent throughout their exit of the Imperial Palace. Zhuo Qing did not understand, ¡°Why was it Ming Jian? Why did he want to take the dregs away?¡± Both of Gu Yun¡¯s hands were folded in front of her chest and her face looked somewhat more relaxed than before, ¡°If it was Yan Hong Tian¡¯s intention?¡± Yan Hong Tian? Zhuo Qing stopped in her steps and looked at Gu Yun like she had figured out something and said, ¡°Then the next place we should go interview Official Dan!¡± Gu Yun shrugged like she also came to such an intention. Both of them came over to Ti Xing Department several times and the guarding bailiff recognised them. They took them to the living room and they did not need to wait long before Dan Yu Lan came over. ¡°What is the matter for both of you to look for me?¡± Gu Yun¡¯s acute senses discover that when Dan Yu Lan saw them, there was a flash of doubt and astonishment on his expression. Gu Yun quietly sat down and let Zhuo Qing who was beside her to deal with him. Both of them had always had a tactic understanding of one another, so when she saw Gu Yun not moving, Zhuo Qing naturally knew what she meant. She nodded slightly at Dan Yu Lan¡¯s direction and asked straight to the point, ¡°You have done an autopsy on the child¡¯s corpse, what are the findings? Was it poison?¡± ¡°Both of you?¡± He had guessed the reason for them to come over and thought of how to deal with it carefully. He did not expect that Zhuo Qing would directly ask such questions, making the usually calm Dan Yu Lan astonished. With his current expression, one need not be observant to tell that he must have knew some inside information. Zhuo Qing did not beat about the bush and said, ¡°We have found out that Ming Jian took the medicine dregs away and he is Yan¡­ The Emperor¡¯s confidant, thus did it on his behest. For the Emperor to question the death of the Prince, why is the Prince buried before anything is cleared up?¡± Gu Yun was silent the entire time but her eyes did not leave Dan Yu Lan at all as Zhuo Qing spoke eloquently. Facing these two persons, Dan Yu Lan had a feeling as if there was nowhere to hide and he smiled bitterly as he shook his head. He did not have any other methods to deal out thus Dan Yu Lan nodded his head, ¡°On the night, I had conducted an autopsy on the Prince¡¯s corpse.¡± ¡°How was it?¡± They actually already knew that there was a possibility that the child was poisoned, which meant that Lou Furen must had looked over the child¡¯s corpse but unable to take a closer inspection so they looked for him for confirmation. Dan Yu Lan did not say more and only replied, ¡°The Prince was indeed poisoned but as by what specific poison, it was not determined.¡± ¡°Is there any findings from the residue?¡± Dan Yu Lan was also very distressed and sighed, ¡°There is no problems with the medicine dregs. It consist of medicinal ingredients targeting on the fever and not poisonous.¡± ¡°There is no problems with the dregs but it is not necessarily that the medication is also fine. The concoction is poured out by Ru Yi personally from the brewing pot and brought into Qing Feng Hall. The person who did the poisoning is most likely someone from Qing Feng Hall.¡± Gu Yun, who was quiet the entire time, finally spoke and seemed like she hand the intention to investigate further. As Dan Yu Lan saw them getting ready to leave, he tightened and released his brows a couple of time before hesitantly saying, ¡°Please stay behind¡­¡± Chapter 101 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 101 Chapter 101: The Seed of Hate (Part 2) As Dan Yu Lan saw them getting ready to leave, he tightened and released his brows a couple of time before hesitantly saying, ¡°Please stay behind. The Emperor is also grieved with the premature death of the Prince. This matter¡­ The Emperor has his considerations and both of you mustn¡¯t act with undue haste. Moreover Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s temperament is completely different with both of you, so¡­¡± Dan Yu Lan rarely spoke so obscurely and for him to be like this, it only meant that he was instructed by Yan Hong Tian to do so. Zhuo Qing replied readily, ¡°Do not worry. Before the matter is cleared up, we will not let Qing Feng know and would not¡­ Inadvertently alert the enemy.¡± When Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing walked out of Ti Xing Department, both of them felt powerless because of what Dan Yu Lan¡¯s remarks. Gu Yun¡¯s expression was not good the entire time and was agitated when she spoke, ¡°Yan Hong Tian must have suspected the cause of the child¡¯s death else he would not have sent someone to look for the medicine dregs in the beginning and also let Dan Yu Lan perform an autopsy. Since he is suspicious, why the secrecy then? What is he thinking exactly?¡± ¡°I do not know¡­¡± Compared to Gu Yun¡¯s puzzled and irritation, Zhuo Qing had more worries. Xi Yan¡¯s abnormalities for these period and Dan Yu Lan¡¯s dissuasion, made her felt that this time Yan Hong Tian will not let this go easily. But he concealed his actions from Qing Feng and did not let her know anything. Was this truly ideal? Forget about it. Anyway Qing Feng¡¯s face would need another three months. Wait till her face was cured before this topic is discussed again. ***** Inside Qing Feng Hall, other than Fu Ling who can stay behind, the rest of the people were chased out. Qing Feng looked at the baby cradle under the big tree and closed her eyes before taking a couple of deep breaths. She then turn over to Yue Sheng, who was standing beside her, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± Yue Sheng cast a sidelong glance at her before turning and walking into the house. Qing Feng stared at that arrogant figure and gritted her teeth, saying nothing as she followed in. Yue Sheng looked around to size up the surroundings and saw a few paintings in the study. There was a trace of appreciation that flash across his eyes but it was only for a very short moment before that arrogant expression was resumed back on his face. Seeing Qing Feng and Fu Ling had also entered the living area, Yue Sheng smiled as if he harboured malicious intent, ¡°Naturally I can start anytime. It actually depends if you are fully prepared?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s expression did not change as she asked, ¡°What preparation is required?¡± ¡°The scars on your face are deep and it is fully healed. In order to restore it back to your previous appearance, there is a need to suffer the pain of cutting off the flesh.¡± As he spoke, Yue Sheng pull out a roll of leather from his sleeves and untie the rope that was tying it together. When the leather was unrolled, there were different lengths and thickness of knives and at the side there were a few long needles and hooks. Every single knife looks very sharp. Qing Feng frowned as Fu Ling stared at the glowing coldness of the blade. When she thought of what Yue Sheng¡¯s words of ¡®cutting off the flesh¡¯, her heart immediately gripped. ¡°First of all, all the dead flesh have to be cut out. Supplemented with my specially concocted medication of applying externally and taking it internally, then the desired effect will be prevalent. However before the flesh is healed, every time the dressing is changed, the pain would be like thousands of ants gnawing away.¡± Yue Sheng took out every single knife and arrange it well before using a cloth to gently and carefully wipe them. The words that he said however were obviously uttered casually as if the pain of thousands of ants gnawing away did not matter in his eyes. When she heard about cutting the surface of the flesh, Fu Lin¡¯s heart was gripped and when she heard about the pain of thousands of ants, Fu Ling unconsciously grabbed onto Qing Feng¡¯s hands. She could feel the coldness from the pair of hands and tried to suppress a shiver, ¡°Mistress¡­¡± Qing Feng clench Fu Ling¡¯s hands tightly and looked at Yue Zhen as she coldly questioned, ¡°Anything else?¡± Yue Sheng slightly raised his head and saw Qing Feng¡¯s strong and calm conviction. The ends of his lips curled up and he smiled, ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± At the same time of being secretly relief, Qing Feng also relaxed the hand holding on to Fu Ling, ¡°Since there is no more then start now.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Yue Sheng was evidently satisfied with Qing Feng¡¯s attitude of not dragging her feet. He pointed to the chair by his side to sit and instructed Fu Ling who was still standing stiffly, ¡°Bring a basin of water over and prepare some clean cotton cloth.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling dare not hesitate and immediately went to do it. After Fu Ling had brought over the water and cotton cloths back, she saw Yue Sheng pick up a flimsy razor and got closer to Qing Feng. Fu Ling gasped and her hands holding onto the basin tightened. Just when the blade got nearer to Qing Feng face, she suddenly exclaimed, ¡°Wait.¡± Yue Sheng¡¯s hands stopped and there was a raise in anger and impatience in his eyes but he still put down the knife that he was holding. ¡°Fu Ling, put the stuff down and go out.¡± Fu Ling urgently spoke, ¡°Mistress, this servant can stay behind to help.¡± Not waiting for her to finish, Qing Feng snapped, ¡°Go out!¡± Qing Feng did not even look at her, thus Fu Ling had no other way but to put the basin down at the side stool and slowly exited. At the moment the doors of the room was closed, she could see her Mistress gripping tightly onto the wooden handle with her slender hands as she said without her previously strong voice, ¡°Continue.¡± At the end the door had been closed and Fu Ling¡¯s hands could not help but shake. Fu Ling took a few steps back and clasped both her hands together as she bit her lower lip while she tried her hardest to keep her mind calm. ¡°Ah¨C!¡± A supressed cry of extreme pain came out of the room which made Fu Ling¡¯s feet weaken and she almost stumbled onto the ground. Thinking of the feeling of having the sharp blade cut into one flesh¡­ Could it be that the knives were used to cut the flesh on her face? Fu Ling squatted down on the cold stone steps as she stared at the closed doors with her vision gradually getting blurred. She did not know how much time had passed, perhaps it was half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) or perhaps it was half a day, Fu Ling waited silently as she lean against the stone steps as she constantly imagine how the knife would be cutting the flesh and what a bloody scene it would be. When she felt that she was almost crazy, Yue Sheng¡¯s voice finally sounded, ¡°The people outside can come in.¡± Fu Ling stood stiff and motionless for a moment before she immediately got onto her feed to push the door open and rushed in. When Fu Ling entered the room, she could smell the thick scent of blood and the basin of water had turn dark red as the cloths filled with blood was thrown all over the floor. ¡°Mistress?!¡± Qing Feng was placed on the couch near the screen and Fu Ling ran over to take a look to find that her Mistress had fainted. ¡°Change her clothes. And also hid all the mirrors and don¡¯t let her see any.¡± Finishing Yue Sheng kept the leather roll and walked out. Only when Yue Sheng left, Fu Ling then dared to look at the person on the couch. Qing Feng face was wrapped in thick cotton, which only revealed a pair of tightly shut eyes. No one was able to see her expression and unable to see what kind of pain she had to suffer just now but only her collar was stain full of blood. Fu Ling¡¯s shivering hands held that familiar person and at that moment she was filled with scars as she said chokingly, ¡°Mistress¡­ Why¡­ Why torture yourself?¡± Fu Ling kept on standing guard by Qing Feng¡¯s side. Fortunately she finally woke up around dinner time. Qing Feng sat up and reached for her face which was wrapped with a cloth. Her hand paused for a while before it was set down and she did not say anything. Every time when the dressing was changed, Mistress did not let her stay by her side. In the beginning days when it begun, Fu Ling could hear her Mistress repressing her cries but gradually there was not a sound. However the injuries on her fingers were not healed. Ten days of such repeated torture passed quietly with the three of them. Time would not be at a standstill for anyone, bringing the footsteps of spring here. The sun reduced the chill of the early spring, revitalising the cold season. Qing Feng sat at the courtyard quietly as usual and in her hands was the warm jade that did not leave her since that fateful day. That piece of warm jade was Prime Minister Lou gave to the little Prince, which was always on the body of the little price. Before the Prince was buried, Mistress took the warm jade down and kept it by her side so that she could frequently look at it. Usually, other than re-dressing Mistress¡¯s wound, Yue Sheng was usually all alone in the room but because of the good weather today, he too was sitting at the courtyard. From a small bottle, a thumb-sized green toad with scarlet red eyes came out. Fu Ling say it once in Yue Sheng¡¯s room, which was also on the first day when Yue Sheng came. At that time he gave her a long list of medicine, which contained many expensive and rare herbs. Fortunately the medical court¡¯s has a rich variety of herbs and she could gather all of them quickly. When she send them to Yue Sheng¡¯s room, she saw him feeding that toad all of the rare and expensive herbs. That little toad came out from the small bottle and obediently laid on the palm of Yue Sheng to bask in the sun. But only after a short while, it sat up like it had discovered something and its green head looked around before suddenly jumping out from Yue Sheng¡¯s palm and headed towards the direction of Qing Feng. Fu Ling jumped back and immediately pulled Qing Feng, who was still immersed in her thoughts, back several steps. For a toad to be in such a bright colour, it should be extremely toxic. Qing Feng suddenly being hauled up and stood up embarrassing as the warm jade slipped off from her palm of her hand to the floor That dark green toad did not continue chasing Qing Feng but circled around the warm jade as if it was very interested in the thing. Qing Feng recovered herself and just as she wanted to pick it up, a greyish white shadow was faster than her and hoock the warm jade and with a flip, the warm jade was in his hands. ¡°Give it back to me!¡± That was the most personal thing for her child and was currently her only thought. Qing Feng rush forward to snatch it back. Yue Shen dodged Qing Feng attack and place the warm jade in his hand. After his thumb caressed the warm jade for a while, he scoffed and threw the warm jade back to her as he spoke with a proud voice filled with disdain, ¡°Rong San Nuan Jade is indeed a good thing but this piece of yours is contaminated with poisonous air. What a bad luck!¡± She caught the warm jade that Yue Sheng threw over and tightly held it in her palm. When Qing Feng¡¯s heart settled down, she heard Yue Sheng¡¯s words the next moment and her heart could not help but jump again as she ask urgently, ¡°Poisonous air? What do you mean?¡± Yue Sheng squatted down to pick up the toad and did not even glance at Qing Feng. Hearing the word poison, Qing Feng¡¯s heart was no longer peaceful. She grabbed onto Yue Sheng said unforgivingly, ¡°What poisonous air?¡± Yue Shen still continued to ignore him as he sat down on a stone stool beside the big tree and spread out his hands and let the little thing bask under the sun. Qing Feng bit her lips and took a deep breath before pleading softly, ¡°Begging you to tell me.¡± She knew how to use the word ¡®beg¡¯? Yue Sheng finally looked up as he propped one hand on the stone table and lean his body forward as he coolly squinted his eyes at Qing Feng and deliberately made things difficult by replying, ¡°Why should I tell you?¡± ¡°This concerns the death of my son.¡± As she said, Qing Feng tightened her hands around the warm jade. ¡°What does it matter to me?¡± Chapter 102 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 102 Chapter 102: The Seed of Hate (Part 3) ¡°What does it matter to me?¡± Apparently Yue Sheng was not interested in the matter as he lightly touched the toad and gave her an expression as if he was reluctant to waste his energy to talk with her. Qing Feng was silent for a moment before she slowly talked, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to you. But, if you are not willing to say, then I will not be willing to coordinate with you on the treatment. Then when my face is not cured after three months, the Emperor would definitely carry out his promise.¡± Yue Sheng coldly scoffed and he still had that arrogant look on his face. Qing Feng had seemingly guessed that he would be like so and she took her time to say, ¡°Your martial arts skills are really high and perhaps the Palace guards would not be able to capture you but the Emperor would definitely put up a nationwide alert to capture you. When that happen, the entire world will know that the Ghost Physician was unable to cure a single face and had to flee pathetically. Gaining a reputation by deception, it is definitely nothing special!¡± The hand holding on the toad paused and a pair of cold eyes looked at Qing Feng as a calm voice said, ¡°You are threatening me.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng replied back strongly. ¡°You are not afraid that I will kill you?¡± Yue Sheng usually gave an air of arrogance but this time there was a murderous intent in his eyes which stunned Fu Ling so much that she unconsciously took two steps towards the door. It was still early in the morning and Ming Ze should not be on duty yet. Qing Feng naturally felt the murderous intend but she did not retreat and only laughed miserably, ¡°Nothing is more important than the cause of my son¡¯s death.¡± During the past few days, Yue Sheng had seen her looking tragically hopeless and suddenly felt that it was not interesting to scare her. Yue Sheng no longer look at her and continue to tease the small toad on his hand. Feeling Qing Feng¡¯s sight landed on him, a little impatience rose in Yue Sheng¡¯s mind, ¡°What can you do when you know?¡± ¡°Take revenge.¡± The simple two words surprised Yue Sheng for a moment but he immediately laughed out, ¡°Good. Very good!¡± He was obviously very satisfied with this answer. She said to take revenge and not justice or whatever which was to Yue Sheng¡¯s taste. In this world, there was never any justice! With his mood elevated, Yue Sheng no longer made things difficult for her and magnanimously said, ¡°Rong San Nuan Jade has a warm characteristics and is able to drive away cold and win. At the same time can also be easily contaminated with the poisonous air of the wearer. Fortunately it was able to purify by itself and the poisonous air will dispersed usually in one or two months.¡± From when the child had left till not, it was almost two months. Qing Feng quickly said, ¡°Is it possible to determine what kind of poison it was?¡± Yue Sheng stretch his hand out and Qing Feng quickly handed the warm jade over. The toad who was lying lazily on his palm suddenly got energetic and his sesame large red eyes stared at the warm jade. Yue Sheng held the jade in one hand and gently lead forward to smell it. His brows immediately knitted together and his eyes turned cold. Yue Sheng kept quiet for a moment and put the warm jade in front of the toad. That toad got more excited and protruded his tongue to touch the warm jade a few times before Yue Sheng quickly took the warm jade back. After a short while, at the place where the toad licked, there were some hints of maroon. ¡°It¡¯s Qu Ling San.¡± Yue Sheng returned the jade back to Qing Feng and his expression was not good at all. ¡°Qu Ling San can actually be used to treat malicious cold, using poison to fight with poison it would be cured. But to take Qu Ling San by itself would dissipate the cold and die of the heat.¡± One overdose of Qu Ling San would let the body feel as it was burning thus that child was thought to have died of heat stroke. The person who poison most likely did it in small doses so that it would look like the child die from a fever. Yue Sheng was naturally not a philanthropist and there were numerous of people that died under his hands but this kind people who had such an insidious plan to poison a newly born baby was indeed despised by him. At the same time he was somewhat curious, there were more people using Qu Ling San, who would it only appear in the Palace now? Qing Feng looked at that warm jade that was gradually turning back to its white form and she silently memorised the three words, Qu Ling San, as her facial expression turn bad. Fu Ling had been quietly standing by the side listening. Hearing that the Little Prince was poisoned, she also did not felt good. Thinking of what happen that day, Fu Ling softly asked, ¡°Can it be that someone put it in the medicine¡­¡± ¡°Not possible.¡± Fu Ling had yet to finish her sentence when Yue Sheng interrupted her. Fu Ling was puzzled, ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°The essential nature of Qu Ling San is heat so it cannot be added with other herbs to be boiled and even if it was added into warm medicine concoction, it would be rendered useless.¡± ¡°It is not the medicine¡­¡± Since the beginning, Qing Feng thought that the problem came from the medicine but after hearing Yue Sheng¡¯s words, she was also confused. ¡°Other that drinking milk and taking medicine, that day the child did not consume anything else and he even did not drink much water. If it is not medicine, what could it be?¡± Other than taking medicine, he drank milk¡­ Listening to Qing Feng¡¯s muttering, Fu Ling¡¯s eyes suddenly widened as she quickly said, ¡°Mistress, when this servant went to call Shen Yao, this servant seemed to see her¡­ Wiping her chest with something. That time this servant thought that she was changing her clothes and was not bothered by it.¡± Could it be that Shen Yao was putting the drug on¡­ Because of this speculation, Qing Feng¡¯s face turned pale and her voice warble as she said, ¡°Go to Shen Yao¡¯s former room to take a look.¡± That room was packed up cleanly and all the clothing and daily essentials that were Shen Yao¡¯s were sent away. Both of them rummage in the room and could not find anything. Fu Ling recalled in detailed of the entire scene that day and said, ¡°That day, this servant also heard the sound something being knocked off.¡± It was already more than a month ago. Even if there was any clues left, it would not be possible to find it now. That made Qing Feng feel very disappointed. At this time, a green shadow rushed into the room and jumped all over. After a while, it jumped onto a small stool and stuck out its tongue and soon it licked on to the surrounding places and it showed familiar colour of red and brown. But the red was much deeper than the one on the jade. Yue Sheng walked over and lifted the toad and place it back into the bottle that he carried. Squatting at where the toad licked, he looked down and sniffed before saying, ¡°It was indeed Qu Ling San.¡± Looking at that dark red shadow, tears soon blurred Qing Feng¡¯s eyes. She finally found the murderer who poisoned her son. As long as she was able to find Shen Yao, she would be able to know who was the mastermind and would be able to take revenge for Zhi-er. She should be happy and should be excited but at this moment she only felt her heart torn apart. It was her who was sorry to Zhi-er. It was her who harmed him. If she did not need a wet nurse and could take care of him by herself and feed him, how would he be poisoned? Qing Feng felt remorseful as her heart ache as she felt the resentment and regret drowning her. ¡°You cannot cry. When the tear touches the wound, I would need to go through the trouble again to retune the medication!¡± Staring at Qing Feng who was wrapped in cotton cloth, her face was wet with tears. Yue Sheng frowned, this female actually strong or fragile? When he was cleaning her wound, she fainted due to the pain and did not even cry that time but at this moment she was so useless. ¡°There are many opportunities for revenge, what is the use of crying your eyes blind now? Heal your face first.¡± After saying the sentence, the Yue Sheng did not bothered about her crying anymore. Yue Sheng did not understand Mistress¡¯s pain but Fu Ling understood. She supported Qing Feng out that heartache room and as Fu Ling tighten her hands holding on to Qing Feng¡¯s, she said, ¡°Mistress, don¡¯t be too sad. This servant will immediate get people to look for Shen Yao.¡± Qing Feng held Fu Ling¡¯s hands and even though her tears failed to stop, her voice was much calmer, ¡°Just company by my side. For these matters, let Ru Yi do it instead.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling had some doubts but she did not think more of it. Since the day after the cause of the Prince death was known, Mistress was more quiet than before and frequently took the warm jade out to long. Previously she look she had was filled with sadness and longing but now, there was a cold look in her eyes that seemed to be colder than that snow storm last year. Every time Fu Ling saw it, she was endlessly scared. This went on for seven to eight days and there was no news from Ru Yi¡¯s side. Fu Ling was somewhat worried. Did it meant that Shen Yao had met with some misfortune? Once again it was time to change the dressing. Qing Feng sat upright on a wooden chair and her hands habitually gripped onto the handles at both side. Yue Sheng unwrapped the cotton cloth around her face but did not redress the wound like usual. Instead he stared at her cheek, making Qing Feng nervous that she asked softly, ¡°Lately the past few times, it was no longer painful during the redressing. Are there any problems?¡± In the beginning, during redressing, it was painful and itchy like there were like tens of thousands of ants gnawing and crawling. But these few days, there was no pain at all and she felt that it was cooling and comfortable. Yue Sheng stared at her face for a while before nodding in satisfaction as he replied, ¡°Because it is already healed.¡± ¡°Healed? Didn¡¯t you mention that it would require three months?¡± Qing Feng did not believe and could not help but reach out to touch her right cheek. Her fingers felt a smooth and delicate skin and not the concave skin made by the scars. It felt incredibly good. Looking at Qing Feng¡¯s shocked large eyes and hands which was constantly caressing her face back and forth, like she did not believe it, made Yue Sheng felt satisfaction. Yue Sheng replied with a quite a bit of pretence, ¡°With my level of skill of medicine, to heal a face would only require a month. At that time I was not happy to see Yan Hong Tian and wanted to press your arrogance down but now¡­ Never mind. I do not have time to waste on you all.¡± Yue Sheng¡¯s arrogant significantly relaxed. Over so many days of interaction, Qing Feng also knew that he was just a little eccentric but he was actually quite interesting and could not help but laughed, ¡°It was not because of leaving more time for you to slip away easier?¡± Staring at Qing Feng, Yue Sheng angrily said, ¡°Nonsense. If I want to leave, will a small Imperial Palace able to block me?¡± Qing Feng just smile without saying a word. Her hands continued to stroke her smooth cheeks when Yue Sheng passed a small bronze mirror to her, ¡°See for yourself.¡± Qing Feng took the bronze mirror and her heart felt a little nervous. Even though from the beginning she wanted to heal her face but it was not because of just this appearance. But after suffering for the entire month, she somewhat looked forward to it. Qing Feng slowly lifted the mirror up and stared at the person in the bronze mirror for a long time before asking, ¡°Why is¡­ My face¡­¡± When she just touched the smooth and delicate skin, she had already guessed that the scar was already gone but she did not expect that not only that one was not able to see any traces of the scar and that she was even more beautiful than she was before she disfigured herself. Her child was dead and she was heartbroken. Even though Fu Ling and the rest did not say, she herself knew that she had gotten haggard. But the person in the mirror had a creamy skin with pink tinged cheeks with perfect brows and shimmering lips. Qing Feng was a little dazzled. This¡­ Was truly her? There was such a terrifying medicine like this in the world? Qing Feng was so stunned as she was staring at the mirror that her words were not clear. Yue Sheng was more accustomed to this kind of reaction and smiled, ¡°I had said earlier that not only I can heal your face but can also make you one third more beautiful. For me, Ghost Physician, to treat, there is nothing that is untreatable.¡± Saying that, Yue Sheng took out a letter from his sleeves and placed it on the table before speaking, ¡°This is a prescription for you to also give to your two other sisters. Even though it would not help to heal the scars on their face entirely, it can grantee the protection of your appearance for twenty years without aging.¡± Ao Tian that fellow was interested in that youngest girl from Qing family, first he beg medicine for her and after that seek treatment to heal her face. This time if he did not treat that female face, he didn¡¯t know how much will he disturb him. The other two Qing family sisters¡¯ injuries were not heavy and with consistent application of medication, the scars on their face would lighten and can still barely be considered as beauties. As such, Ao Tian would also bother less of him in the future. Qing Feng naturally did not know that Yue Sheng was thinking about these and she looked indifferently at the prescription that most women dream of. There was a faint trace of colour on Qing Feng¡¯s face as she considered something in her mind before talking, ¡°There is still one more thing that I would like to request from Elder.¡± This was also her first time calling him an ¡®Elder¡¯ with such respect. He wanted to leave but Yue Sheng was suddenly a little curious and replied, ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡± ¡°I was thinking of requesting you for a medication.¡± Chapter 103 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 103 Chapter 103: Forcefully Taking A Son (Part 1) ¡°I was thinking of requesting you for a medication.¡± He could heal her face and could also distinguish a poison that many would not be able to see, so for that medication, it would be trivial. Qing Feng pursed her lips and Yue Sheng did not speak as he waited for her to go on. After a long pause, just as Yue Sheng¡¯s patience was running out, Qing Feng finally said, ¡°I do not wish to have children again.¡± Her voice was suppressed way low and it was fortunately Yue Sheng martial arts skill were high. Not only he could hear her words and could also hear the trembling in her voice. Yue Sheng¡¯s eyebrows raised as he stared as Qing Feng, ¡°You want a medication to never get pregnant?¡± This time Qing Feng did not hesitate for too long and firmly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± His eyes swept to Qing Feng¡¯s hands that unconsciously tighten and the corner of Yue Sheng¡¯s mouth hooked up, ¡°That cannot be done. This kind of acts that offend Heavens and reason are things that I will not do. But¡­¡± Yue Sheng took a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve and placed it in front of Qing Feng before continuing, ¡°I can give you some pills. After the deed is done, take it and you will not get pregnant.¡± Qing Feng stared at the small white porcelain bottle and was somewhat disappointed and like a sigh of relief as she took it over and tightly grasp it in her hand. ¡°Thanking Elder.¡± Qing Feng suddenly got up and gave him a big bow. Yue Sheng¡¯s face showed some discomfort as he waved his hand, ¡°Enough. All these ceremonies should be avoided. I will leave now.¡± As Yue Sheng opened the door and leave, his eyes was still on the female looking at the small porcelain bottle in her hand. Even though he was in contact with her for a short time, Yue Sheng have to admit that she was the most extraordinary female that he had met these few years. She did not know martial arts but her endurance and perseverance was unusually and shockingly high. Sighing, before Yue Sheng left, he said a sentence, ¡°Take a step back and the skies will clear.¡± How much she can comprehend of it would depend on herself. Yue Sheng¡¯s martial arts skill was perhaps very high, his voice was still by her ears but he was already outside the house and in a short while his shadow was not even seen in the courtyard. Qing Feng was the only one left in the room. As the spring sunshine spilled into the room as the doors were wide open, a trace of dazzled crossed her eyes before they became complex and cold. Step back? How many steps back had she taken? At the end there was not only no brighter future but only the abyss and on the bottom of the abyss was the buried body of her son. Every day when the dressing was changed, Fu Ling was waiting at the courtyard but after heading there for less than a stick of incense, she saw Yue Sheng coming out of the house and with a few taps of his feet, he easily leap out of Qing Feng Hall. Worried that Qing Feng would had encountered troubles, Fu Ling quickly ran into the room. Seeing Qing Feng sitting properly on the living room, Fu Ling was relieved to see that she was not wrapped by the cotton cloth. Fu Ling froze on the spot, ¡°Mistress¡­¡± Fu Ling had always known that Qing Feng was beautiful. Even if there were damages to her features, elegance emitted through it. Over these days, she had also imagined how Mistress would look like after restoration but no amount of imagination would be able to compete with one¡¯s eyes. The arched black brows, the smooth nose line and the translucent creamy white skin made the red lips like snow had hidden a red plum. After the Prince¡¯s premature end, Mistress was dress plainly and at this moment there was no feeling of plainness. The ink black hair and serene eyes was glamorous even when she was clad in a plain white robes. There seemed to be an uncertain smile on her lips and it was more magnificent than the sun outside. Fu Ling dazedly stared at her with a stunned look. Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Why? You don¡¯t recognise me.¡± ¡°No¡­¡± After recovering to her senses, Fu Ling was somewhat embarrassed, ¡°Mistress is truly unparalleled in this world.¡± She only sat there quietly, as it all the elegance in the world were all in her body and every side and angle was perfect. ¡°Really?¡± Qing Feng knew that Fu Ling¡¯s praise was sincere but there was a touch of sadness in her heart. The common people are like that, it was just a face but the word ¡®unparalleled¡¯ could be exchanged with it. How about Yan Hong Tian, what would he say when he sees this face? The feeling that Qing Feng felt was not looking forward to it but was full of restlessness. Qing Feng placed the bronze mirror a few short stools away before speaking to the someone lost in her thoughts Fu Ling, ¡°Go and get Ru Yi here.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling slowly exited the house with her heard wondering, Mistress has restored to her former appearance but she did not seem too happy about it. Fu Ling left for almost half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) before bringing Ru Yi in. After greeting, Ru Yi slightly raised her head and looked at Qing Feng curiously. When her sight landed on her face, Ru Yi¡¯s eyes widen as she was stunned till she was almost incoherent, ¡°Your Ladyship! You¡­ You¡­ You are so beautifyl!¡± The scar on her Ladyship¡¯s face was removed cleanly and the flawless fair face was perfect. Ru Yi had never seen any female that was more beautiful than her Ladyship. Qing Feng¡¯s face was expressionless and she did not look at the startle eyes of Ru Yi and turn towards Fu Ling, who was standing at the side, and softly said, ¡°Fu Ling, I am in a good mood today. Go and instruct the Imperial Kitchens to prepare more dishes for tonight¡¯s dinner.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling felt a little down. She felt that Mistress always deliberately sent her away but could not do anything about it. ¡°Is Shen Yao found?¡± After Fu Ling departure, Qing Feng¡¯s voice became cold. Ru Yi bit her lips before replying, ¡°No. The Imperial Household had mentioned that Shen Yao fell sick a few days after moving out of Qing Feng Hall. As there was no need of a wet nurse in the Palace and she was very much sick, Wu Gonggong sent her out of the Palace to rest. This servant went to the capital west where her house is located but did not find anyone.¡± ¡°Investigate when did she enter the Palace, how she enter the Palace, who does she contact with in the Palace and who else does she have in her family. No matter what, it is a must to find her. If she is alive, one must see the person. If she is dead, one must see the corpse.¡± The last few words were forced out between her teeth. Ru Yi¡¯s heart was pounding. She was not seen for a month but her Ladyship¡¯s air of coldness went up by a few levels. Ru Yi dared not hesitate and quickly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± She quietly looked up to see Qing Feng¡¯s face was a little less angry before she cautiously said, ¡°There is still one more thing¡­¡± ¡°What are you hesitating for? Speak.¡± Ru Yi quickly straightened herself and replied, ¡°After the fire that broke out in the Cold Palace, Beauty Yu would often go to the Cold Palace. In the beginning, Wu-er did not let her in but after a while, for unknown reasons, Wu-er let her go in. In this past month, she has been going to the Cold Palace every other day.¡± Every other day? Qing Feng pondered for a moment before asking, ¡°Who is Beauty Yu close with? Other than her, who else went to the Cold Palace?¡± ¡°No one else. Beauty Yu did everything as per usual and don¡¯t have much relationship with others but only headed to the Cold Palace very often. Other than Beauty Yu, no one else went to the Cold Palace. Yu Yue Ying definitely knew of that child¡¯s presence in the Cold Palace so Qing Feng was able to guess some of her intentions. To think that idiot had actually gone to the Cold Palace every other day, as if she fear that no one will know? Qing Feng suddenly got up and said, ¡°Bring the guards along and leave for the Cold Palace now.¡± Ru Yi was surprised in her heart but dared not show it out and immediately went out to make arrangements. Fu Ling just came back from the Imperial Kitchens and saw ten over guards standing on both sides of courtyard in front of the Qing Feng Hall. Mistress came out looking coldly like she was about to go out. Fu Ling went up and asked in a soft voice, ¡°Mistress, this is¡­¡± Qing Feng slightly tilted her head over and whispered into her ears. Fu Ling¡¯s face changed as she said surprisingly, ¡°Mistress?!¡± ¡°Go.¡± Qing Feng did not listen to her words and already brought Ru Yi along as she walked towards the Cold Palace with a squadron of guards following behind. Fu Ling was frozen on the spot for a long time before she was able to collect herself. Mistress actually want her to invite the Emperor, the Empress Dowager and the Empress to the Cold Palace?! Seeing Qing Feng¡¯s departing figure, Fu Ling¡¯s brows tighten. What was Mistress¡­ Want to do? In the Cold Palace, two female sat on beside a simple wooden bed and looked at the little baby sleeping soundly wrapped in warm blankets. The older of the female looked at the child with full of love. At her side, the younger female¡¯s voice was soft and she was somewhat anxious as she spoke, ¡°Older sister, you must not hesitate now. Imperial Concubine Qing¡­ Has gone crazy and cannot look after you. Previously it was older sister that took care of me, now let this younger sister take care of you and the child.¡± Chen Zhen¡¯s gentle eyes was watching the sleeping child and as usual, she refused plainly, ¡°No. I will not let the child leave me. Anyways no one discovered it now so this will still be hidden.¡± Yu Yue Ying bit her lips lightly as she looked towards Chen Zhen¡¯s eyes. There was a flash of anger and resentment but it soon disappear as the soft expression was maintained on her face as she speak, ¡°Older sister, one can hide now but can one conceal a lifetime? Han-er will slowly grow up. Do you want him to live in this small courtyard, in a lifetime of hiding?¡± Chen Zhen¡¯s hand on the child¡¯s face paused as her brows lightly knitted up. Seeing the little hesitation in her face, Yu Yue Ying was secretly pleased as she spared no stone unturned as she persuaded, ¡°I am Han-er real aunt and if I raise him up, I will definitely tell him how good his biological mother is and can also sneak Han-er in to see you. If other were to raise him, then you would not have any chance to see Han-er. Moreover when Han-er grows up and have contributions, he may be able to get you out of this¡­¡± ¡°No.¡± Chen Zhen low voice interrupted Yu Yue Ying¡¯s words. The calm voice had been repeating it countless of times, ¡°I had said before, the child will not leave me. Yue Ying, do not force me.¡± In fact what Yu Yue Ying wanted to say, Chen Zhen understood. Now at the Inner Palace, the Emperor only favoured Qing Feng and even without Qing Feng, for a pretty and talented female like Yu Yue Ying will also not enter the Emperor¡¯s eyes. Thus she now place her intentions on Han-er, hoping that with that and her words would be able to let family Chen to send in a proposal to let Han-er be brought up by her. Not to say the Empress Dowager and the Empress would not agree to it, even if they were to agree, she would not. She had suffered so much and took so much risks in order to give birth to Han-er, she had never thought of using his illustrious position or contribution to expect him to bring her out of the Cold Palace in the future to enjoy the riches and splendour. She only want him to go through life peacefully and safely. Just both mother and son having a dull and peaceful life. Perhaps Qing Feng could understand these but Yu Yue Ying will never understand. After reasoning for over a month, Chen Zhen did not give in and naturally Yu Yue Ying was not willing to give up. She held onto Chen Zhen¡¯s hand and continued to lobby, ¡°Older sister, I am not forcing you. I am helping you. You¡­¡± ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± A burst of rapid knocking sounded scaring the two persons. Wu-er ran out and kept close to the door as she asked, ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± A clear cold voice reply back curtly. Even though the voice was not loud, both of them in the house could hear it clearly. ¡°Qing Feng?¡± Chen Zhen looked towards Yu Yue Ying with full of doubt. Didn¡¯t she said that she had gone crazy? Yu Yue Ying bowed her head guiltily as she secretly wondered, wasn¡¯t she supposed to be in the middle of treatment, how could¡­ Wu-er heard Qing Feng¡¯s voice and without thinking much, she opened the door. Seeing the person standing on the other side of the door, Wu-er stood on the spot and did not recover to her senses on time. Having visited this place several place, Qing Feng was very familiar and past the dazed Wu-er and walked into Chen Zhen¡¯s room. When the door was pushed open from the outside, a white clad figure walked in. ¡°Qing Feng?¡± The light was coming from the behind the person, making the person look like she was standing in a halo. The thing had Chen Zhen stunned was her appearance that even the spring sunshine was eclipsed by it. Chen Zhen did not want to admit for a moment of time, ¡°You¡­¡± Her whispering did not continue as she stared dazedly and surprisingly at the person in front. She was now very accustomed to the shock and surprised look on others¡¯ face when they saw her. Qing Feng smiled and said lightly, ¡°It has been a long while Chen Zhen.¡± Chapter 104 Chapter 104: Forcefully Taking A Son (Part 2) ¡°It has been a long while Chen Zhen.¡± ¡°It has been a long while¡­¡± Chen Zhen was in somewhat of a trance, in fact it was only a short two month period, Qing Feng¡¯s child died and now her face¡­ Should have restored to its former appearance. Unfortunately¡­ Even though it was beautiful, she seemed to be much colder than she was before. The pair of bright eyes was placid and cold that it made others not dare to look straight at them and Chen Zhen could not help but have mixed feelings. ¡°Beauty Yu is also here?¡± Yu Yue Ying¡¯s heart was trembling when Qing Feng gave a cold glance at her and she quickly knelt down to greet, ¡°Greeting the Imperial Concubine Qing.¡± Qing Feng did not look at her and did not call her up. Her eyes set on the little quiet figure lying on the bed. There was a flash of pain in Qing Feng eyes and she immediately look away. ¡°Ru Yi.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi understood and quickly walked to the bed and carried the baby. The dazzled Chen Zhen finally understood at this moment and rushed forward as she shouted, ¡°What do you want to do?¡± A few guards protected Ru Yi and the child thus no matter how hard Chen Zhen tried, she was unable to touch Ru Yi behind the tall bodies. ¡°This child is the flesh and blood of the Emperor and how can he be suffering in the Cold Palace. You are originally a sinner and is not qualified to raise and teach him so naturally Bengong will take him away.¡± Qing Feng cold voice did not have any trace of emotion and it was as if a bucket full of ice water was poured over Chen Zhen¡¯s entire body. Seeing that Ru Yi was carrying the child away, Chen Zhen¡¯s eyes became anxious, ¡°No! No! You all cannot take away my child!¡± Under Chen Zhen¡¯s agitation, she rushed forward like crazy and pushed against the guards. Yu Yue Ying was also worried that Qing Feng will really take the child away and quickly said, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing, Han-er is older sister¡¯s child¡­¡± ¡°Since when it is your turn to speak in front of Bengong.¡± As the cold berate hit her in the face, Yu Yue Ying unconsciously shook as her face paled and she dared not say anything more. Both of her hands tightly wrung the silk handkerchief as she was unwillingly watch the entire scene. After several collision, Chen Zhen still could not get closer to the child and pulled with all her strength till she fell onto the ground. With tear-streaked eyes, she looked at the unfeeling Qing Feng who was standing at the side watching the entire scene coldly. A burst of fire lit in Chen Zhen¡¯s heart, at that time how could she believe that Qing Feng would really help her! Chen Zhen got up from the floor and stared at Qing Feng as she angrily shouted, ¡°Qing Feng, give me back my child! Your child is gone already and you are here to snatch my child away, you are not afraid that the Heavens will roar and strike down lightning on you!¡± Heavens will roar and strike down lightning? Because of her words, Qing Feng¡¯s back straighten significantly and the previously cold expression got even colder. Qing Feng slowly step to her and faced her accusations, ¡°Without Bengong, you and this child would have long died. You are now saying that the Heavens will roar and strike lightning down at me?! Ru Yi was nervous as her hands tighten around the baby. Qing Feng had no fear on her face as she coldly stared back at Chen Zhen. Both female stared at one another, one with cold and unfeeling imposing manner, the other fiery rage with a wretched state. Upon seeing the situation, a few guards quietly shifted their position to guard by Qing Feng¡¯s side as they feared that Chen Zhen will go crazy and launched onto Qing Feng. Who knew that Chen Zhen, who was about to fight with Qing Feng, suddenly knelt down on the floor desperately. ¡°Qing Feng, I beg of you, give me back the child. I cannot do without him. You understand right¡­¡± Yu Yue Ying looked surprisingly at the usually loft Chen Zhen kneeling down and pulled onto Qing Feng¡¯s robes humbly, that mournful cries move many of the people present. Qing Feng remained indifferent without even looking at the female on the floor as she only slightly raise the foot but did not kick the Chen Zhen¡¯s hands that was pulling her robes away. Her eyes swept to a figure moving quietly towards the door. Qing Feng¡¯s eyes slightly narrowed as she unhurriedly said, ¡°Where does Beauty Yu want to go? Notify the Emperor? No need your trouble, Bengong had already send someone to invite over.¡± Yu Yue Ying¡¯s body that was at the door stiffen and at the same time the shrill voice of the eunuch sounded from outside the courtyard, ¡°The Emperor has arrived. The Empress Dowager has arrived. The Empress has arrived ¡ª¡± Hearing that, Chen Zhen¡¯s body weaken and her desperate hands that were pulling onto Qing Feng¡¯s robes was loosen as she fell onto the ground. She knew that no matter who will finally be rearing the child today, it would not be possible for him to stay at her side¡­ In the Cold Palace, there was never once so many people were gathered and the originally fairly spacious room immediately looked overcrowded. Especially during the arrival of Yan Hong Tian, everyone felt a pressuring presence. Qing Feng could feel the countless of eyes falling on her, including the one from that male. Qing Feng¡¯s hands that were hidden behind the long large sleeves were tightly clutching one another, so that her heart would not fall into chaos when that eyes land on her. After adjusting her breath, Qing Feng looked up and met that pair of eyes. After a month of not meeting, Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes was still deep, neither amazed or angry but still bottomless. Qing Feng¡¯s calm heart started a chaotic rhythm without any reason. ¡°Qing. Qing Feng? How could¡­¡± Xin Yue Ning entered the room and her sight immediately glued onto Qing Feng¡¯s face with full of envy. It was a clean plain face without any makeup but it was already so brilliant as if it was oozing out from her skin. Shui Xin could not help but also gasp in surprise. The Ghost Physician truly deserves his reputation. Like this, Qing Feng was ranked the highest in beauty in the Inner Palace. Let alone the men, even it was a female like her was reluctant to shift her eyes away from her. Xin Yue Ning low gasp made Qing Feng recover herself and she was able to struggle free from the black eyes. Qing Feng lowered her eyes and bowed to greet, ¡°Qing Feng greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor. May the Empress Dowager have innumerable fortune and safety. May the Empress have innumerable fortune and safety.¡± When Lou Shu Xin first saw Qing Feng, she was also stunned but soon the chaos in the room attracted her attention. Beauty Yu was sheepishly hiding by the door and Chen Zhen was prostrating on the floor like she was scared out of her wits. A palace maid was carrying a child and a few guards were protected her in front making the atmosphere of the entire room dignified but strangely sad. Lou Shu Xin was filled with doubt and questions and looked towards the people who invited her here to ask, ¡°Qing Feng, what exactly is going on here?!¡± Qing Feng was still in the midst of her greeting. No one told her to get up so she was simply still on her knees on the ground as she replied, ¡°With regards to this matter, it was all Chenqie¡¯s fault.¡± Even though she said it was her fault, there was no ashamed expression on her face. ¡°Get up to speak.¡± This was the first words that Yan Hong Tian spoke since he came in. As usual it was low, deep and was not considered harsh but Qing Feng could feel that he was angry. Qing Feng got up but did not look up as she continued, ¡°Chenqie had hit off with Chen Zhen since entering the Palace but because of Chen Zhen harming the Empress, Chenqie no longer keep in contact with her. But nonetheless because our previous relationship, Chenqie was worried that the life in the Cold Palace would be too much and visited her, thus gaining the knowledge of her being pregnant with the Emperor¡¯s blood. At that time she begged bitterly as she wanted to give birth of her own child and bringing him up. Chenqie was also pregnant at that time and my heart had soften and did not inform the Emperor of the matter. It was during the day of the celebration that Chen Zhen gave birth to the Prince. After that Chenqie repeated came over to visit and saw that this place was not suitable to raise a child. After much deliberation, only dared to invite the Emperor and Empress Dowager over to call the shots.¡± ¡°What¡­ What did you say?!¡± After listening for so much, Lou Shu Xin only cared about one thing, which was that child. Was that child truly the Emperor¡¯s flesh and blood? Lou Shu Xin look at the baby that Ru Yi was carrying and said urgently, ¡°This. This is Aijia¡¯s good grandson?! Quickly carry over for Aijia to look!¡± Xin Yue Ning was already filled with envy because of Qing Feng¡¯s face and now with the sudden emergence of a Prince, she almost gone mad and could no longer maintain a dignified manner and shouted angrily, ¡°This matter is simply ridiculous! Empress Dowager, you must never believe her nonsense. When a Prince is born, how could no one know about it in the entire Palace. This child must be some wild child impersonating a Prince. Qing Feng, you want to fabricate a fake Prince and dilute the Imperial linage, you¡­ Its an offence that can be executed!¡± Lou Shu Xin was actually doubting the origin of the child but her eyes could not stop looking towards the little baby in Ru Yi¡¯s arms. Xin Yue Ning almost went forward to point at Qing Feng and criticise but Qing Feng slightly raised her head and replied calmly without a change in expression, ¡°Why is the Empress getting so worked up? During Chen Zhen¡¯s delivery, other than Chenqie, there was also Imperial Physician Lin, midwife and palace maids present and one only need to calculate the time of inception without difficulty. Jing Shi Fang should have a record and would be able to tell if Chen Zhen attended that night or not.¡± Every single sentence that Qing Feng said made Xin Yue Ning¡¯s expression worsen. Qing Feng seemed to feel that it was not enough and added one more sentence at the end, ¡°If the Empress do not believe then please invite the Imperial Physicians over to conduct the test by mixing of blood.¡± Hearing the words of test by mixing of blood, there was a flash of panic in the arrogant Xin Yue Ning¡¯s eyes and she could not continue on. For Qing Feng to say till that, even if it was not yet confirmed, Lou Shu Xin had already believed half of it. Looking towards the the silently weeping Chen Zhen, who was on the ground and turned a blind eye to them, Lou Shu Xin asked, ¡°Chen Zhen, Aijia ask you. Is this truly the flesh and blood of the Emperor?¡± Chen Zhen slowly raised her head. At this moment, she was not as fearless as she was when she was framed a year ago and no longer had the lofty air when she entered the Cold Palace. With tear soaked eyes, she looked into the deep eyes of the figure standing in front of her. She know that he was looking at her and when she met his eyes, tears blurred her vision and she could not see the person in front. Chen Zhen bowed her head and cried out lowly, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°The Heavens has blessed and protect! Quickly bring over for Aijia to carry.¡± After getting a definite answer from Chen Zhen, Lou Shu Xin could not bear any longer and held the baby in her arms. The child was already six months old and his brows had a faint shadow of Yan Hong Tian, making Lou Shu Xin¡¯s heart soften. The sudden emergence of the child made Xin Yue Ning angry but she did not take it into consideration but it was Qing Feng that did. That originally ugly look had bewitched the Emperor till he lost his direction was now looking like that. Won¡¯t the Emperor¡­ The more she thought about it, the more she panicked. Xin Yue Ning could no longer conceal the hate for Qing Feng and said, ¡°Even if the child has the Royal blood, Qing Feng helped Chen Zhen to give birth in the Cold Palace and conceal it from the Emperor, is very much guilty.¡± ¡°Qing Feng knows her offences and is at the disposal of the Emperor.¡± She want to use the Emperor to pressure her? She was this fearless! Xin Yue Ning was already simmering in anger and at this moment she flew into a rage and shouted, ¡°Bengong is the mistress of the Inner Palace and can now punish you for your crimes! Someone come ¡ª¡± When they listen to the Empress¡¯s shouts, the guards by the door exchanged a look but no one dared to move. The Emperor was standing there, who would dare to be presumptuous. The Empress may not look at the Emperor¡¯s ashen expression but they only have one head on their shoulders and could see it clearly. ¡°Gao Jing.¡± The deep voice sounded in the room. Even though the volume was not loud, the domineering air of the Emperor made everyone listen, that even Xin Yue Ning who was burning up in anger also felt it and kept quiet. Gao Jing went up and replied lowly, ¡°This servant is here.¡± ¡°This matter will be left for you to investigate. The child will first be brought back to Dong Sheng Palace with the Empress Dowager and as for Qing Feng¡¯s and Chen Zhen¡¯s crimes, after the investigation is completed then the everything will be settled together.¡± Finishing his words, Yan Hong Tian did not look at anyone else and strode out of the Cold Palace, leaving a room of angry or sad female. Qing Feng frowned as she thought for a moment before picking up her pace as she chased out. ¡°Emperor!¡± The Emperor actually handed this over to Gao Jing to investigate. The result was already obvious. He was indeed biasedly helping Qing Feng. Why? She was his first wife! Seeing Qing Feng following out, Xin Yue Ning was not resigned and wanted to also follow but her wrist was grabbed and Shui Xin soft voice sounded by her hears, ¡°Prince Jing will be coming over to pay his respects. Mistress please return.¡± Shui Xin did not use much force but Xin Yue Ning could not help but watch as Yan Hong Tian disappear before her sight. Lou Shu Xin look at the entire chaotic scene and her heart sighed. She gently held the child tighter and quickly walked away from this foul place. ¡°Han-er! Han-er¡­¡± In a short while, the group of people left cleanly. Fu Ling had followed the Empress Dowager here and had been standing outside the door looking in. At this moment in the empty room, Chen Zhen was on the floor as if all strength was drained from her body. Fu Ling could not bear and walked forward to support her but was pulled off by Wu-er. ¡°You need not worry too much. Mistress¡­ Mistress will take great care of Prince Han. You need to take care of yourself.¡± Fu Ling did not know what else to say and said those comforting word before hastily running out of the Cold Palace. She dare not stay longer as her heart felt uncomfortable. Chapter 105 Chapter 105: Losing The Soldier To Protect The Chariots (Part 1) Yan Hong Tian walked very quickly and Qing Feng chased without even thinking. When she reached her hand out to stop Yan Hong Tian and meet his surprised dark eyes, Qing Feng then realised that she was overeager but in any case, that child must be brought up by her. Avoiding Yan Hong Tian¡¯s gaze, Qing Feng lowered her eyes and softly said, ¡°Is the Emperor willing to have dinner with Chenqie?¡± Qing Feng knew that Yan Hong Tian was looking at her. Even if she did not look up, she was able to feel his line of sight was much hotter than it was in the Cold Palace. After waiting for very long, Yan Hong Tian did not speak and Qing Feng was hesitating if she should raise her head when her hand got suddenly warmed as Yan Hong Tian held her hand. There seems to be a sighed by her hear which made Qing Feng thought if she heard wrongly. ¡°Come on.¡± Having her hand suddenly held by Yan Hong Tian made Qing Feng shivered. Yan Hong Tian grabbed tighter and Qing Feng wanted to break away but seeing the clear clenching of his teeth, her heart was somewhat sore. The two persons headed back to Qing Feng Hall and neither said anything. The dinner tonight was enriching but Yan Hong Tian and Qing Feng had no appetite and only ate a little before it was cleared. ¡°Yue Sheng left?¡± Yan Hong Tian asked as he was sipping his tea. ¡°En.¡± Qing Feng only nodded her head. Her heart was very tangled up, this was their first time sitting down and talking calmly after Zhi-er left. She knew that with regards to Zhi-er¡¯s death, Yan Hong Tian was not indifferent to it but she could not help but to blame him, especially when he knew that the child did not die from sickness and from the beginning he sent someone to take the medicine dregs away. This blame had evolved into a type of grudge. She felt that perhaps Yan Hong Tian know the other reason for Zhi-er¡¯s death but he was not willing to investigate deeper and this kind of speculation made her feel hurt. ¡°Come here.¡± This seemed to be like how Yan Hong Tian usually call her and as compared to the first violent confrontation between the two, this ¡®come here¡¯ had a slight warmth to it but made Qing Feng not want to step forward. Yan Hong Tian was never a patient person and seeing Qing Feng not moving, Yan Hong Tian reach out directly and pull her into his arms. ¡°You want that child?¡± Qing Feng entire body stiffen a little. She leaned towards Yan Hong Tian¡¯s embrace for a while before replying, ¡°Yes, I want.¡± Worried that Yan Hong Tian would not agree, Qing Feng immediately said, ¡°I need a child right now.¡± Need? Yan Hong Tian¡¯s dark eyes got colder before it darken when they swept over Qing Feng¡¯s fingers. He pull her hands to take a closer look. There were some faint scars that were made by the cuts on her palms and on the slender fingers, it was covered with many tiny cuts. Even though it was not considered serious, it made one feel uncomfortable. Yan Hong Tian asked in a cold voice, ¡°How did this happen?¡± Qing Feng withdrew her hand and coolly replied, ¡°By snatching.¡± Yan Hong Tian was clearly not satisfied with such a half-hearted answer and Qing Feng did not want to dwell on this issue so she looked up at Yan Hong Tian and insisted, ¡°I need that child.¡± Again with the need. Yan Hong Tian could understand the pain of losing a child and once again placed her hands in his and spoke in a somewhat coaxing deep voice, ¡°If you need, Zhen can let you have your own child.¡± Won¡¯t her heart be in more pain if she were to look after other person¡¯s children? This sentenced stepped on Qing Feng¡¯s sore spot. Qing Feng stared at Yan Hong Tian as if she want to stare a hole into him, ¡°I have had before. And the result? I was already disappointed once, does the Emperor want to break another promise again?¡± The expression in Qing Feng¡¯s eyes was like a knife and the words that she spoke were like a double edge thin blade that pierced into his heart directly. At first one did not feel any pain but afterword the pain was bone-piercing. ¡°Must you treat Zhen this way?¡± As her hand was tightly held, a familiar pain returned with that violent set of eyes. Qing Feng stared at Yan Hong Tian and she suddenly laughed. Both of them was so accustomed at hurting one another like this. ¡°Qing Feng!¡± He did not like this laughter of hers, he extremely dislike it. Qing Feng only felt her feet lighten as Yan Hong Tian carried her from her waist and in the next moment, already placed her in the centre of the large bed. As the fingers gently caressed her delicate face, that hand around her waist tightened and both bodies tightly fitted together. The eyes followed the fingers and gradually some mesmerising feelings heated up. Qing Feng suddenly laughed, ¡°You previously said before that the most incorrect thing that I did in my life is to destroy this face. Now are you satisfied?¡± Even though the injuries on her face no longer exits, but her heart was in shambles. Yan Hong Tian cupped Qing Feng¡¯s cheeks with one hand as the heat of that pair of eyes turned cold. He was not satisfied seeing her eyes like this and that laughter of hers. Yan Hong Tian wanted to cover Qing Feng¡¯s face more than the first time he had her. That night, she catered to Yan Hong Tian demanded crazily like she never did before. Their body had never been so close but both hearts were separated by a cloud of haze, they couldn¡¯t get closer but neither wanted to stay away. ***** Under the thick cloak of the night, a slim figure stood in front of a bonsai and was carefully trimming the foliage looking very relaxed. But it was in the middle of the night so no matter how one see it, it was somewhat strange. Yi Yue ran over from far away and stood behind the slender figure and said panting, ¡°Older sister¡­ Older sister Shui Xin, the Empress is looking for you.¡± The Empress just threw a large temper that almost collapsed the entire Yi Lan Palace and no one dared to come near. Shui Xin lightly nodded her head and there was no trace of panic on her face as she continued to slowly trim the flowers as she lightly replied, ¡°Noted. You can withdraw first.¡± Not sure why but watching Shui Xin¡¯s elegant action in the dark made Yi Yue start to be fearful. She did not dare to anything more and nodded her head before running off. Shui Xin had no intention of returning as she cut the flowers smoothly. One after another branch that she finds unpleasant was cut off and fell onto the ground. A dark shadow crept up towards her and stopped about three to four paces behind her. That person was wearing a eunuch uniform but his voice was not at all sharp and instead was a little hoarse, ¡°Master, someone is investigating towards the direction of Shen Yao. To proceed to nib the problem in the bud?¡± ¡°Kacha.¡± A crisp noise sounded and a long shoot fell onto the ground after being cut. Shui Xin place the scissors down and replied, ¡°No need. Since they want to search, let them find it then.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± When that person received the instruction, he respectfully exited. Master usually did not like to leave any ends so this time there must be a new plan in place. Shui Xin was appreciating the freshly cut bonsai and was in a good mood. In the beginning she did not think that this time the Little Prince¡¯s death would attract so many investigation from different people but after thinking, she felt that it was also very interesting. Anyways the mastermind of everything had always been the Empress. What involvement did she have? Furthermore¡­ She was getting more impatient towards Xin Yue Ning. ***** Yan Hong Tian was indeed a good Emperor, even with the greed during the entire night, when the hour came, the people outside the door only need to lightly call out and Yan Hong Tian would immediately wake up. Getting up quickly and wearing the robes neatly, Yan Hong Tian returned back to the bed to slightly cover the blanket over her and gave a very light kiss by her ear, ¡°If you want a child, Zhen will give you one!¡± Yan Hong Tian did not show any more reluctance to leave and quickly walked out of the room. At the moment when the room doors were closed, the person who was supposedly fast asleep suddenly open her eyes and her hand touched her ears. She took a long while before her hand reach into the pillow and dug out that small white porcelain bottle. Pulling out the stopping, a herbal scent hit her as a small black pill rolled out into her hand. She picked the pill and placed it in her mouth but did not swallow it. Qing Feng quietly laid on the bed and felt the bitter pill melting slowly in her mouth, making her throat a little sore. Just after the morning court, in the Xin family study room, the atmosphere was very heavy as Xin Sui sat on the main seat with a dark face filled with anger. His three sons kept their heads down and dared not say anything at all. ¡°Kuang Dang.¡± A hot cup of tea was fiercely thrown onto the ground by Xin Sui and both the hot water and porcelain debris flew at the feet of the three persons, making them dared not even breath loudly. ¡°Absolutely disgraceful thing that cannot even settle a small matter! Still dare to hid it from me?!¡± Xin Sui was heaving with anger as he glowered. Xin Fu Cheng was also very resentful in his heart and softly complained, ¡°It¡¯s all from Dan Yu Lan.¡± If he was not meddlesome how would the already closed army ration case be that eventful. Xin Ruo Zheng did not get along with Xin Fu Cheng all the while and when he heard him saying that, he lightly coughed and replied, ¡°Second younger brother is too na?ve. If it was not the Emperor¡¯s intention, Dan Yu Lan would not have dared to dig that deep.¡± ¡°You still dare to say, this matter was due to the unfavourable work that you, the Ministry of Revenue, had done prior, where we need to wipe your ass afterwards!¡± Seeing Xin Fu Cheng and Xin Ruo Zheng was about to fight, Xin Yi Heng quickly interrupted the two stop the unnecessary quarrel and said, ¡°It is now not the time to discuss about that, what should be done next?¡± Two of them stared at one another but did not continue quarrelling. The three of them looked towards Xin Sui who was at the main seat. Xin Sui shook his head. These three sons of his. The eldest son was mistrustful and suspicious of everything, second son was rude, impetuous and lack of wisdom and his fifth son was too young and not steady enough. Three of them also like to suspect one another and if it wasn¡¯t them trying to take credit for their own to deal with his matter and let him be aware earlier that Dan Yu Lan was looking into the matter, things would not have gone to this stage. Xin Sui felt resentful towards them for failing to meet his expectations and was so angry and lack of option that he did not bother to rage on with them and said, ¡°Send someone over to the Lin family to say that the Imperial court is keeping a tight grip on the investigation, so they should take the initiative to get rid of the assets and wealth from the sale of the rations and declare bankruptcy to disappear and avoid the limelight. As for the officials involvement to this matter, manage it well. Things that should not be said or should not be pulled in must not be disclosed. You all should also exercise restraint.¡± Xin Yi Heng was anxious, ¡°Father, like that the damage will be huge!¡± Like this, the Lin family will no longer lean towards them and there were many officials that would be implicated in the case of the army rations. It was truly a pity to sacrifice these confidants were promoted difficultly. ¡°Who let you all be so careless at things! Now the basket is overturned, do you what it to ruin the hundred years of family business of the Xin family?!¡± All a bunch of wastrel, they think he didn¡¯t know damage value was huge! The more he see them the more anger he felt. Xin Sui waved his hands in anger, ¡°All of you get out.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Three of them did not dare to speak more and exited dejectedly as Xin Sui¡¯s anger lingers. Yan Hong Tian wanted to get rid of him and it would absolutely be easy. It was fortunate that he has still one trump card, just wait for a few more years and he will raise again! Chapter 106 Gao Jing investigated for over half a month and finally confirmed that Yan Han was indeed the flesh and blood of Yan Hong Tian. Qing Feng concealed the pregnancy of a criminal and was punished with half a month of confinement and half a year of expenses. Chen Zhen was already in the Cold Palace and unless her death was required, there was nothing else to be punished. Afterwards, the Empress Dowager called the shots and punish her to abstain from meat like a vegetarian for three years. Even though Qing Feng was confined, ever since then, Yan Hong Tian will stay over at Qing Feng Hall every night and at the end, Yan Han was also handed over to Qing Feng and Yong Hua Palace was bestowed. As such, Xin Yue Ning was so angry that she came to Qing Feng Hall to look for Qing Feng¡¯s trouble and wanted to scratch her face but Qing Feng was not easy to deal with. After several encounters, Xin Yue Ning was unable to get anything out of it. Shui Xin was also behaving weirdly. When she wanted her to think of ways to deal with Qing Feng, she always told her not to be impatient and to wait and observe. Xin Yue Ning was recently very irritated. In Qing Feng Hall, Qing Feng passed Yan Han to Fu Ling¡¯s arms and softly instructed, ¡°Fu Ling, from today onwards you will go to Yong Hua Palace to take care of Han-er. Be careful on the food and everything must be done by yourself. Nothing must happen to him.¡± Seeing this child, she would think of Chen Zhen, would think of Zhi-er. She fight to get this child but did not want to see him. ¡°And you¡­¡± Qing Feng smile faintly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have Ru Yi by my side.¡± Fu Ling¡¯s heart became bitter, thinking of that time when she called her over, it was also in this room. They talked about trust and also discussed about mutual support and care. There was a double that was hidden in Fu Ling¡¯s heart for a long time but she did not and dare not asked. This time she could not help but asked, ¡°Is it that you do not need this servant?¡± Qing Feng froze for a moment and looked at Fu Ling¡¯s sad expression. Qing Feng smiled as she held her cool hands and said softly, ¡°Taking care of this child is helping me. In this entire Palace, the only person that I can trust is you and only you.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hand was also cold but Fu Ling¡¯s heart gradually became warm again as she replied with a nod, ¡°Yes.¡± Qing Feng gave a few more instructions before sending Fu Ling and the child out of Qing Feng Hall. Qing Feng had requested Yan Hong Tian to transfer Ming Ze to Yong Hua Palace. With Fu Ling and Ming Ze looking over that child, Qing Feng heart could then ease a little. Qing Feng kept on looking as they leave, till they disappear at the end of the Palace trails before Qing Feng turn around and headed back to the room. Ru Yi stared at the direction of Fu Ling disappearance and she felt very jealous. Fu Ling had left and she herself would be regarded highly by her Ladyship but there are many sinister things in the Inner Palace and she naturally understood that if one touched it, one¡¯s hands would be dirty. Her Ladyship send Fu Ling to look over Prince Han because she was afraid that to get her contaminated. As long as her Ladyship was in power for a day, Fu Ling would enjoy one day of life but even if her Ladyship were to really fall from power, the Little Prince was single-handedly brought up by her and naturally would feel the closest to her and definitely take care of her in the future. Her Ladyship¡¯s heart towards Fu Ling, would never be used on her so she was jealous. But now staying by her Ladyship¡¯s side was her. She will definitely slowly replace Fu Ling¡¯s position in her Ladyship¡¯s heart! Ru Yi secretly took a deep breath and followed Qing Feng back into the inner chambers before softly saying, ¡°Your Ladyship, Shen Yao is found.¡± Qing Feng just sat down and immediately stood up again before urgently said, ¡°Where?¡± ¡°She was hidden eighty Li (1 li = 500m) in the suburbs of Hui Xian. But when she was found, she was really very ill.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s brows twisted. She had no interest in Shen Yao¡¯s health, she only wanted to know one thing, ¡°Did you find out who incited her.¡± ¡°In the beginning, she kept denying. Afterwards¡­¡± Ru Yi paused for a moment and quickly looked at Qing Feng¡¯s expression. Seeing her expressionless face, she then continued, ¡°She finally said it but she died the next day.¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± Qing Feng naturally knew that there were a lot of things that happened in the ¡®afterwards¡¯. She choose to have Ru Yi by her side and not Fu Ling because she regarded highly of Ru Yi¡¯s unscrupulous ways and eagerness for success. Ru Yi suppress his voice even lower and replied by Qing Feng¡¯s ear, ¡°It¡¯s the Empress.¡± It was indeed her! Qing Feng had guessed it earlier but hearing Ru Yi say it from her mouth made the hatred flood her heart. Qing Feng felt nauseas that she wanted to vomit. Qing Feng held one hand on her chest as her face turned pale. Ru Yi rushed forward to support Qing Feng and quickly said, ¡°Your Ladyship? What is wrong? Is a physician needed to be invited over for a look?¡± Qing Feng reach her hand out and held on to the warm jade that was hanging around her waist. She took a few deep breath and that nausea feeling dissipated before Qing Feng shook her head, ¡°Nothing is wrong.¡± Xin Yue Ning would need to pay one life with another. She would not let it go just like this. In the Imperial Study, Yan Hong Tian was in front of the study table, holding a report in his hand as his usually expressionless face darken and that murderous air was felt by Gao Jing who was standing guard outside the Imperial Study. Gao Jing slightly raise his head and look in and saw that Prime Minister Lou was still standing in the Imperial Study and his worries and anxieties reduced. ¡°The Xin family would actually sacrifice the soldiers to protect the chariots and temporarily unable to grasp on their weakness.¡± Before Lou Xi Yan could finish, Yan Hong Tian swept the entire table of books and memorandums off the table with his hand in a wave of anger. Gao Jing could not help but shiver. The Emperor had not thrown such a huge temper for many years already. Lou Xi Yan smiled bitterly, Su Ren had followed Su Ling back to their ancestral home to pray and Dan Yu Lan suddenly ran to Qi Province for investigation, leaving him to face the anger from Yan Hong Tian. He couldn¡¯t not say that Xin Sui was indeed an wily old fox as he cut his own ¡®limbs¡¯ in order to escape. Seeing that the report was almost crumpled by Yan Hong Tian, Lou Xi Yan lightly sighed and said, ¡°Actually this time the case of the Army rations did have some rewards. The Xin family no longer have the Lin family¡¯s financial support and in the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and Minister of the Ministry of Defence are important positions that because of this case of the Army rations are now dismissed. The Xin family suffered losses and their power in the Imperial court had greatly reduced and would not dare to act rashly.¡± As a monarch, he had known what was stop while one was ahead. The Xin family had thrived for hundreds of years and in order to contain them, the best method was to slowly cut them off. What kind of position would need different kind of consideration. Sometimes the throne was also a shackle that one cannot do as one pleases. Prime Minister Lou did not speak more and the study was so quiet that Gao Jing could hear his heart beating but only for a moment that deformed report fell in front of Prime Minister Lou. ¡°Xi Yan, you know that want I want was not just this outcome.¡± Yan Hong Tian was covered with an air of violence but his voice was surprisingly cold. Prime Minister Lou frowned as he bend down to pick up the report on the floor and inadvertently saw that in the middle of the memorandums that were scattered on the ground, there was a beautifully framed picture that rolled to the side. On the paper there were a couple of hand and foot prints. It was small but looked vibrant. Lou Xi Yan¡¯s heart slightly sighed and he did not continue to persuade. If that child did not die then this result would be what they had previously expected. But now, this result was not enough to heal the pain that Yan Hong Tian felt. The summer nights were the hottest and most of the windows and doors were open but it seemed that that did not cool the down at all. Qing Feng sat by the window as she held the fan. The slight breeze did not blow away the heat but instead made one feel stuffy as it somewhat breathless. She did not know if it was due to her irritated heart or was it because the weather was especially hot this year, Qing Feng felt so hot that she was unable to sleep. There was a sudden noise outside the door and Qing Feng looked over to see the door was rudely pushed opened and a dark figure walked in rickety. The eunuch on night vigil quickly came forward to greet. ¡°Zhen want you all to leave!¡± The eunuch heard it and was so scared that he scampered away. Yan Hong Tian was stumbling in his steps but he did not let anyone support him as he held a jug of wine. Qing Feng remembered that the last time he was drunk was when the West Empress Dowager was sent to the Imperial Tombs. What is the reason for this time? Now Qing Feng was no longer that ignorant female. Although she may not be fully aware of everything in court, she always follow it closely. This time the Army rations case was perfected closed, shouldn¡¯t he be happy? Why was he so drunk? When Qing Feng was in the middle of her thoughts, Yan Hong Tian had already walked into the house and sat down on a chair in the living room while downing alcohol. Qing Feng walked out and even when she was far away, she could smelt the strong scent of alcohol. Seeing Qing Feng standing beside the folding screen, Yan Hong Tian squinted his eyes and shook the jug in his hands before saying, ¡°Come over.¡± This time Yan Hong Tian seemed to be more drunk than the last time. The usually deep and unpredictable eyes seems to be somewhat misty. Qing Feng thought about it before walking over. When she reached nearer, her waist tighten. Yan Hon Tian had already carried her into his arms and his face was leaning against her chest as he looked like he wants to sleep. The alcohol scent on his body was very heavy and Qing Feng struggled with it for a while but unable to free herself. Just as she was about to call for others to help when Yan Hong Tian buried his head to her chest. It was really hot this year and it was currently summer. Qing Feng only wore a thin middle piece and Yan Hong Tian¡¯s breath heated breath made Qing Feng¡¯s body stiffen as she felt it on her skin. The deep and shallow breath was strange and Yan Hong Tian seemed to be saying something. Qing Feng lowered her head and could barely hear his voice ¡°Zhen is the Emperor¡­ Zhen is the Emperor¡­ Cannot do whatever one wanted¡­¡± Qing Feng could not believe her ears, Yan Hong Tian kept repeating these few sentences to himself and Qing Feng did not understand what he meant but the hand around her waist tighten which made Qing Feng difficult to breath. Qing Feng used force to push Yan Hong Tian shoulders away and quickly said, ¡°You are drunk, quickly rest and recover from it.¡± Yan Hong Tian still kept his eyes closed but loosen his grip on Qing Feng waist as he raise the wine jug to continue drinking. Qing Feng frowned as she reach over to the jug and place it at the side and guided him into the inner chambers. Perhaps Yan Hong Tian was truly drunk and let her pull him away. Both of them headed to the front of the bed and Qing Feng had no more energy left and pushed him on to the bed, thus he directly fell down. Looking at the drunken Yan Hong Tian who was laying horizontally on the bed made Qing Feng feel some frustration. She really had no more strength to move him so Qing Feng grabbed a pillow to cushion his head and move his hanging hands and feet to the edge of the bed. When she was lifting Yan Hong Tian¡¯s arms, there were visible signs of him clenching his jaws. Qing Feng¡¯s hand paused as she squatted by the bedside. It was her first time looking at Yan Hong Tian like this. He seems like he had slimmed down and his cheeks and chin became much sharper as the black traces under his eyes was more obvious. Qing Feng stared at him and the drunk person suddenly moved. Qing Feng was also surprised and quickly stepped back but fortunately Yan Hong Tian did not wake up as he continue mumbling. Qing Feng was relieved but she was also curious what would Yan Hong Tian say when he was drunk. She bit her lips and leaned closer to listen ¡ª ¡°Zhen¡­ Will not let Zhi-er die in vain¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s vague and deep voice pierced into her ears and Qing Feng¡¯s mind was blank for a moment. The hand that was holding Yan Hong Tian unconsciously tigheten as she stared at the sleeping Yan Hong Tian for a long time before Qing Feng whispered her question, ¡°Really?¡± Her voice was so soft that she could almost not hear it herself and naturally there would not be an answer. Qing Feng thought about the mumblings that Yan Hong Tian said in the living room and Qing Feng¡¯s expression turn cold immediately. He said that he could not do what he wanted. But what she wanted was Xin Yue Ning to die! Could he do that? Chapter 107 Every three to five days, Fu Ling would bring Prince Han over to pay respects to her Mistress and also talk about things that happened in Yong Hua Palace. Mistress always listen quietly and occasionally looked at Prince Han but never carried him. Today, Fu Ling once again brought Prince Han over to pay his respects and only spoke less than the time to finish a cup of tea when Fu Ling felt that Qing Feng seemed preoccupied, her hand kept pressing her chest and her facial expression was not good. Fu Ling worriedly asked, ¡°Mistress, what is the matter?¡± ¡°A little uncomfortable.¡± These few days were like this, especially when she was getting up in the morning, it would be particularly difficult to bear. Fu Ling placed Yan Han gently on the couch and walked over to Qing Feng¡¯s side and half squatted down, ¡°Let this servant take your pulse.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Qing Feng put her hand out and Fu Ling placed her fingers on her slender wrist. After a moment, her expression slightly changed and there was some hint of tears when she looked towards Qing Feng, ¡°Mistress¡­ You¡­¡± ¡°What is wrong?¡± Qing Feng was unable to make heads of it. Fu Ling smiled, ¡°Congratulations Mistress, you are pregnant and it has already been more than three months.¡± The Heavens was finally not cruel to Mistress and quickly brought a new hope to her. ¡°Impossible!¡± Qing Feng took her hand back in fright and stared at Fu Ling like she had said an unimaginable thing. Seeing Qing Feng¡¯s reaction, Fu Ling thought for a bit before softly saying, ¡°Let this servant invite the Imperial Physician to take a look.¡± ¡°No, don¡¯t go.¡± Qing Feng quickly step forward and grabbed onto Fu Ling¡¯s hands so that she would not be able to call for anyone. She was someone who was pregnant before and she felt that there was something wrong with her body but dare not call for an Imperial Physician. Why did it turn out like this? She obviously ate the pill that Yue Sheng left behind after each deed was completed. Thinking back to the day when Yue Sheng gave her the pills, his expression and speech, she could not confirm that Yue Sheng was lying to her. She was pregnant for three months. According to the timeline that she recalled, after that crazy night with Yan Hong Tian after her face was fully healed, she had it. Qing Feng came to realise the truth. That was not any other medication but a medicine to encourage her pregnancy. How hateful! ¡°Fu Ling, don¡¯t tell anyone about this matter first.¡± She did not think about having another child and this child came too suddenly and it made her heart confuse. The palms that her Mistress was grabbing her were sweating and just as Fu Ling wanted to ask her what was the matter, her sight sweep over Qing Feng¡¯s waist and landed on the warm jade that she was carrying around. Fu Ling somewhat understood Mistress¡¯s panic and gently help her to the bed before whispering back, ¡°Yes. This servant will not say.¡± Yan Han who was laying on the bed alone was ignored for too long and was babbling. Fu Ling walked over and carried him in her arms to coax lightly. Yan Han was approaching one year old and kept looking around in Fu Ling¡¯s arms. He was quite family with Qing Feng, since he saw her every few days, and upon seeing her dazed, Yan Han reached out his little arms and touch her face. At this time Qing Feng was unsettled when suddenly her face turn warm. A fair and soft small hand was on her face and it also naughtily squeezed. Qing Feng felt like she was shocked by lightning and her heart seemed to be seized by that little hand and she was no longer panicking but instead her mind went blank. In a moment of distraction from Fu Ling and the little fellow in her embrace was up to mischief. Seeing Qing Feng¡¯s stiffen expression, Fu Ling quickly carried this little ancestor further away. Mistress had always not like being near this child and usually was not willing to even carry, now like this¡­ Would she be angry? Fu Ling nervously watched Qing Feng and only saw that she blanked out for a while and was not as agitated when she recovered to her senses. She only waved her hands to her and said, ¡°Bring him back.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Ling let out a relief and carried Yan Han out of the room. When Fu Ling was standing outside the room, she was worrying about her Mistress. It was indeed a joyous thing for the child arrival but it was not necessarily a good thing. ¡°Older sister Fu Ling, from the skies it seemed that it would be raining soon. This servant would get an umbrella for you.¡± When Fu Ling recovered to her senses, a palace maid was obediently standing by the side. She previously did not see her before and it was most likely chosen by Ru Yi. Ru Yi¡¯s was done very well, the entire Qing Feng Hall was managed very well and the personnel elected were also very careful and lovable. Fu Ling looked up to the skies and saw that it was indeed covered with clouds. Seeing that there would likely be a heavy rain, Fu Ling gently nodded and replied, ¡°Alright.¡± In a short while, the palace maid carried a large ink black umbrella and handed it over to Fu Ling as she smiled softly, ¡°This umbrella is bigger.¡± Fu Ling took it over and handing it to the old mama beside her and left Qing Feng Hall. The summer rains came down suddenly but fortunately they had an umbrella on hand and reached back to Yong Hua Palace. Fu Ling changed the clothes for the child and handled him over for the mama to carry. Just as she was about to return to her room to change her clothes, she passed the corridor and found that the umbrella that was placed by the door was somewhat familiar, like the umbrella that Mistress used to put in the room for a long time. Fu Ling opened up the umbrella and discovered two small words on the handle before smiling. It must be that the palace maid saw that the umbrella was big and brought it over. Fu Ling picked up a dry cloth to wipe the umbrella dry carefully as she intended to keep it after she dried it and bring it over to Qing Feng Hall when she headed over the next time, after all her Ladyship treated this umbrella preciously that time. When her hand went over the handle of the umbrella, Fu Ling inadvertently saw two words above it. ¡°Qi Yu?¡± Why was this so familiar? Qi Yu¡­ Qi Yu! Wasn¡¯t it¡­ Ming Ze¡¯s words? Why was Ming Ze¡¯s words carved onto the umbrella that her Ladyship was anxious about? As the bursts of thunder sounded outside, Fu Ling stood on the same spot as her mind went blank that she was not aware that the umbrella fell to the ground. The heavy rain kept falling on this night, like the rain was pouring out from Heavens. Ming Ze could only stand at the porch for his night duty, leaning against the pillar as his eyes was focused on the courtyard as the rain hit the stone steps in a pitter pattering sound. At this time, the door that had been closed suddenly opened up. Zishi (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am) had passed and this was the time to rest. Ming Ze straightened up in alert and stared at the door. When Fu Ling lean figure appeared, Ming Ze nerves eased. Sometimes when he was on duty at night, Fu Ling would prepare some snacks for him but not as late as today. Ming Ze wanted to look away but noticed that Fu Ling was somewhat different today. The heavy rain that fell onto the stone steps splashed onto her dress but it seemed like she had no feeling of it as she stood in front of the house with red eyes staring at him strangely. Ming Ze slightly frowned but he did not walk over and just stared back at her coldly. ¡°You and the Mistress were already acquainted right?¡± The rain was heavy and Fu Ling¡¯s voice was almost drowned by it but Ming Ze was trained in martial arts and naturally could hear her words. A cold look flashed on his face as Ming Ze slowly walked towards her but did not answer her question. As Fu Ling stared into that pair of silent eyes, unsure if it was because of her getting flustered or angry, her voice started to shake, ¡°That rainy night, it was you who gave the umbrella to Mistress so you were already acquainted earlier on and that day in the inner chambers, you hugged her¡­¡± ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡± Ming Ze spoke lowly as his face turn grey, interrupting Fu Ling¡¯s words. Fu Ling also know that if these words were heard by others and what will happen next. She took a deep breath and did not continue speaking. Ming Ze saw that she had calmed down and did not want to explain it to her, so he turned around to leave but Fu Ling suddenly came forward and grabbed onto his sleeve. ¡°In fact the things you did before was not to help me but was helping her, is it not?¡± The other matters she could not ask but this matter she wanted to know and wanted to hear an answer. Ming Ze¡¯s brows knitted up again. In the beginning he did not want to help Fu Ling but because she was Qing Feng¡¯s personal female official, he paid more attention to her. Afterwards¡­ Afterwards, he found that she was a very good person who take her work seriously and very sincere to others, thus his interest increased. But¡­ What was a good answer for this question?! Ming Ze¡¯s mind was inexplicably irritated. Ming Ze¡¯s silence was to Fu Ling a silent acknowledgement. No wonder he often help to rescue her from difficult situation but still treated her coldly. Previously she comforted herself as her personality was originally this cold and because of his cold personality he still helped her countless of times and warned her, if there was no other feelings involved, why would he have done it. It turned out that everything was only her own wishful thinking. Fu Ling felt that she was so silly and had showered affection on an uninterested party for too long. Fu Ling thought self-deprecatingly that he must have found her funny. Loosening his sleeves in her hands, Fu Ling turned around and ran into the house. Ming Ze was still thinking of how to answer Fu Ling¡¯s question when the next moment his sleeves loosen and the door in front of him was slammed shut. That night, Ming Ze stared at the closed doors and listened to the rumbling of the thunder outside and his heart weirdly was unable to settle down. ¡°Ah¡ª¡± In the rainy night with continuous bursts of thunders, a scream suddenly sounded. Qing Feng sat up on her bed in the dark. Her face was pale and her forehead was filled with sweat. Her long hear was wet and stuck onto her neck. Because of her panic, she kept gasping and her throat was so dry like it would be set ablaze. ¡°Your Ladyship?! What is the matter? Was it a nightmare?¡± Ru Yi clasped her outer tunic as she entered the inner chambers. When she saw that Qing Feng still had a unsettled look on her face, she quickly poured a cup of water and brought it to the front of the bed, ¡°Your Ladyship, please drink some water.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s hands were still trembling and when she took the cup over, she hastily poured it down her throat. After downing two cups, her dry throat felt much better and her heart gradually settled down. Handling the empty cup to Ru Yi, Qing Feng softly said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. You¡­ You can withdraw.¡± Ever since Prince Zhi¡¯s premature death, her Ladyship did not let anyone stay at the study to wait at night, thus Ru Yi had no other choice but to withdraw from the house. Qing Feng lay on the bed and she could not fall asleep again. She just dreamt that she had went back to the dark days in the Imperial Prisons. The surroundings were cold and dark and a cold hand reached out to grab both her arms and legs pulling them apart. Just as she was unable to struggle out, a foot suddenly kick towards her stomach ferociously¨C Qing Feng suck in a breath of cold air as she held her stomach tightly, unwilling to enter the memories of the dream. Why would he dream of the Imperial Prison again? Was it because Fu Ling told her that she was pregnant, thus making her scared and triggering her this nightmare? Will this nightmare be real? Suddenly a vague figure appeared in her mind. It was that female in the Imperial Prisons. Who¡­ Exactly was she? Why was she imprisoned there for so many years? Qing Feng was suddenly interested in her and perhaps she should go over to take a look at her. Chapter 108 Ever since the last drunk moment, Yan Hong Tian did not go to Qing Feng Hall for half a month. Tonight when Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm) had passed, Ru Yi came over informing him that Qing Feng invite him over. Worried that something had happened to her, Yan Hong Tian quickly rushed over there. When he pushed open the door, he saw Qing Feng sitting on the swing under the tree with her ends of her dress and black hair fluttering inseparably. Yan Hong Tian was instantly in a trance, as if he had seen the her a year before. That time she was also like this, with a smile on her lips and she sat quietly on the swing. When Qing Feng saw him, she raise her hand slightly to call him over and said smilingly, ¡°Tonight¡¯s stars are very beautiful. Sit down with me for a while.¡± He had not seen Qing Feng smiled like that for a long time. Like a spell that was put on him, Yan Hong Tian walked to Qing Feng and sat down. Qing Feng¡¯s head was stretched up as she watched the skies infatuatedly. After a long time she then whispered a question, ¡°Heard that when one dies, one will become a star in the sky. There are so many stars in the skies, do you think if one of it is Zhi-er?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s heart suddenly throbbed in pain and he also profoundly knew that this moment was not like a year ago. ¡°Is there?¡± Qing Feng persistently asked. ¡°There should.¡± Yan Hong Tian answered chillingly. ¡°Which one?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand that was holding the swing slightly tightened. This time Qing Feng did not wait for his answer and softly said, ¡°That brightest one should be it. Don¡¯t know if I would also become a star if I die. It would be good to be one near Zhi-er¡¯s star.¡± ¡°You have too much words tonight.¡± In the past, she never mention Zhi-er in front of him and he was also reluctant to mention him in front of her. Zhi-er was both of their forbidden area, by not touching it, they could maintain the calm on the surface. Qing Feng was being strange tonight. Qing Feng sure enough did not speak more and swung slightly on the swing. Qing Feng only slowly lowered her head when her neck start to hurt. After a while she then said, ¡°There is something that I want to tell you.¡± Indeed there was something. Yan Hong Tian was silent as he waited for her to speak. ¡°I am pregnant.¡± The light voice did not show any signs of joy or change and there was even a sigh in it. Yan Hong Tian thought that he hearing it wrongly. She said, she was pregnant? Yan Hong Tian initially had made the decision to get Qing Feng pregnant again with their child but he did not think that it would be this fast. He had not yet deployed¡­ ¡°Fu Ling said that it is almost four months.¡± From the start when she knew that she had this child, she only felt fear because she felt that she was not able to protect him and that fear was a torture. She even thought about not bringing him to this world so that he will not suffer. But when the familiar foetus moment was felt in her abdomen, she could not bear and was truly reluctant. After recovering to his senses, Yan Hong Tian hands went directly to Qing Feng¡¯s abdomen and indeed the place where he touch was a little warm. This feeling was both familiar and yet unfamiliar. Once again Qing Feng felt the warm that was emitted from that large hand. It was as warm as the last time but previously her heart throbbed when it happen, now that warm was unable to disperse the anxiety and fear of the future. ¡°How nice would it be if our child is able to grow up in an ordinary family and not as a Prince or Princess?¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hand that was on her abdomen paused. That concealed wish and aspiration was like a needle hidden in the midst of cotton, pricking one who cannot see with pain. As his heart was stabbed heavily, his voice sounded much colder, ¡°You obviously know it was impossible, why still think about it.¡± Impossible¡­ Qing Feng laughed again, ¡°Yes. It¡¯s impossible.¡± That that, both of them did not quarrel and there was no tense atmosphere. Yan Hong Tian and Qing Feng did not have the heart to destroy the rare calmness. Both of them sat on the swing as it gently moved. ***** The moonlight was particularly bright in the late summer nights and in the flower clusters, the flower branches were quivering from time to time as if something inside was moving. Yi Yue was very depressed. She just wore this pair of earrings that she requested someone to buy for her in the morning. The earrings was still on her ears in the afternoon but after a few shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) it was gone. She came to this garden in the afternoon to pick some flowers back and afterwards stayed at Yi Lan Palace. She had already search several times in Yi Lan Palace and the road here and if she was unable to find it here then it was truly lost. The night had gone later and Yi Yue feet was already numb from the squatting but she was still unable to find it and could only give up. Just as she was ready to get up, she saw a male and female figure walking over. She heard vaguely a male voice calling older sister Shui Xin¡¯s name and both persons seemed to be quarrelling. Yi Yue quickly bowed down and shrink her neck back and held her breath, waiting for them to leave before she slipped away. Both person walked till they were seven or eight zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) away from Yi Yue before stopping. Yi Yue was secretly relieved and shrink her body even smaller and lower. ¡°Shui Xin, I only want to pass a message to the old master. If you have any anger then vent it on him, why direct it to me!¡± That male voice was somewhat loud and his tone was very forceful. Yi Yue looked up curiously. Even though the facial features of the male was not very clear, seeing the clothes that he was wearing and hearing his voice again, it seemed to be Guo Daren of the Imperial Guards. Could it be that¡­ Older sister Shui Xin and Guo Daren had a relationship?! Yi Yue¡¯s heart suddenly jumped, making her surprised and nervous as she kept her eyes on the other side. ¡°There are some things that you should speak and some things that would not have your turn to speak.¡± Shui Xin¡¯s voice was suppressed till it was very soft but it was as cold as an ice fountain with a trace of a demonic air. Yi Yue had never seen her like this and her heart became timid and at the same time it also aroused more curiosity as her ears pricked up. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Both voices were suppress very lowly when suddenly for some reason, that male could not control his anger stared at Shui Xin as he cursed, ¡°What so great about you, you are just a bastard¡­¡± ¡°PA!¡± There was an murderous look in Shui Xin¡¯s eyes and she gave a heavy and fierce backslap to Guo Yi¡¯s face. The strength was so large that a strong man like Guo Yi took two steps back and the ringing slap sounded extraordinarily loud in the silence of the night. At the same time, a gasp was heard from the flower bushes from a distance. Shui Xin quickly turned her head and stared at the bushes of flowers to shout, ¡°Who?!¡± Yi Yue tightly covered her mouth. Her face was already pale and tears were already streaming down her face as fear tightly wrapped around her. Her mind was totally blank. What she heard just now¡­ She did not believe her ears but she cannot not believe. Even though their voices were suppressed, she was sure that she heard it. She knew of Shui Xin¡¯s methods, for her to know this secret, she¡­ She had to die! Shui Xin¡¯s snapping words was like a hammer that landed on Yi Yue¡¯s head that made her recover from the fear and panic. She dared not think more and turned around before drilling into the depth of the flower bushes. The bushes of flowers suddenly shook violently and indeed there was someone inside. A flash of complex thoughts flashed across Shui Xin¡¯s eyes before quickly disappearing before saying to the male standing in a daze behind her, ¡°Still don¡¯t chase!¡± Just thinking of the content of the conversation they had, Guo Yi also panicked and did not care about his red swelling cheeks as he quickly chased. Unfortunately behind the bushes of flowers was a trail that leads to various twists and turns to different palace roads. The dark night was also the best camouflage thus as Guo Yu went through the bushes to chase, the figure was long gone. Yi Yue just ran ahead like mad. She was afraid to use the main roads and only used the trails and ran through flower bushes. She did not know how long she had ran but her back was soaked with sweat. When she saw lights in from of her, Yi Yue winced and wanted to turn around to run when a female voice suddenly rang, ¡°Who is there?¡± Yi Yue was startled and she looked over to see a palace maid holding a lantern and supporting another female. The candlelight was not bright enough to see the female features and Yi Yue initially wanted to flee but she stopped. Was it¡­ Imperial Concubine Qing?! Ever since she had decided to give birth to the child, Qing Feng often went to Yong Hua Palace to see Han-er and even remained there for dinner tonight. As it was fast approaching autumn, the weather was still quite warm but the moon at night was very beautiful thus Qing Feng took Ru Yi to slowly walk back to Qing Feng Hall. Not far away where they just left Yong Hua Palace, they saw the flower clusters trembling, like there was a little animal scurrying inside. Ru Yi and Qing Feng was frightened by the scene. Both of them took a few steps back before Qing Feng shouted, ¡°Who is there?¡± After a while, a female dress as a palace maid crawled out from the flowers, as if she had hidden in the flowers for a long time. She was in a poor condition and when the female saw her, there was first fear written on her face before she ran over towards her quickly like her life depended on it. The female abnormal response made Qing Feng somewhat uneasy and she was about to call for someone when the female, who had already ran to her, threw herself to her feet and cried anxiously, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing help¡­ Imperial Concubine Qing help!¡± Qing Feng saw her thin physique was still trembling and drew a conclusion that she would not be a danger to her before asking softly, ¡°You are¡­¡± ¡°This servant is¡­ Yi Yue, a palace maid of the Empress¡¯s palace.¡± The female¡¯s voice was very light and when she spoke she was also looking around alertly, as if she was afraid of someone chasing after her. Xin Yue Ning¡¯s people? Qing Feng¡¯s expression turned cold and she replied coldly, ¡°Since you are the Empress¡¯s people, why would you need Bengong¡¯s help.¡± Fearing that Qing Feng will leave like this, Yi Yue grabbed onto her dress and urgently said, ¡°This servant¡­ This servant knows a secret! If your Ladyship agree to save this servant¡¯s life, this servant will tell your Ladyship this secret.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Secret? Qing Feng did not change her expression as she replied blandly, ¡°What secret can you make in exchange of your life?¡± Yi Yue raised her head slightly and with the moonlight, Qing Feng¡¯s expression was cold and that face was stunning enough to make one dizzy. In the entire Imperial Palace, afraid that only Imperial Concubine could be able to protect her! Yi Yue bit her lower lips fiercely as made up her mind and decided to tell her everything that she heard tonight, ¡°This secret is about¡­¡± Under the moonlight, Yi Yue supressed voice sounded unreal. Qing Feng quietly listened to this so called ¡®secret¡¯ and froze on the spot. Ru Yi who was by her side was too stunned as she covered her mouth. ***** Xiao Yu carried the tray of tea out from the Imperial Study and gave out a long sigh of relief. These few days after the Emperor came back from morning court, his expression was not good and the people who were serving nearby was extremely careful. Even though the Emperor would not take it out on them but the oppressive atmosphere made one nervous. Xiao Yu just went down the steps when she saw a slim figure walking over. Ever since Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s face was healed, she particularly favoured wearing white. There few who would dress like this in the Palace, after all white clothes look overly plain and bland and not at all eye catching or lovable. However because of her stunning looks and elegant air, this entire white dress looked not only refine and elegant but was also somewhat bewitching. Ever since Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s news of pregnancy was out, other than going to Yong Hua Palace, she rarely went out. Why did she come to Zhen Yang Palace today? As Xiao Yu was guessing, she was already walking forward and bowed, ¡°Greeting your Ladyship.¡± Qing Feng smiled, ¡°Dispense the ceremony. Has the Emperor ended the court?¡± Xiao Yu glance into the Imperial Sudy and was a bit hesitant but she finally said, ¡°It has ended and now the Emperor is in the Imperial Studying reading and review reports. This servant will now announce the arrival of your Ladyship.¡± Since Imperial Concubine Qing was here, the Emperor¡¯s mood might perhaps be better a little. Qing Feng saw Xiao Yu¡¯s expression and she raised her hands to lightly grab onto Xiao Yu¡¯s hand to say, ¡°No rush. Don¡¯t disturb the Emperor managing the affairs of the state. Heard that you have the best tea leaves in the entire Palace. Banging want to take a look and perhaps might even pick one or two types.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s fingertips touched her wrist very lightly but it was cold. Xiao Yu shivered a little as she retrieved her hand back secretly, ¡°Your Ladyship, please.¡± Qing Feng did not pull her again and smiled as she spoke in a slightly low voice, ¡°Xiao Yu, you and I hit off well and need not be this polite.¡± Xiao Yu slightly raise her head and saw Qing Feng¡¯s smiling eyes. She was somewhat in a trance. Ever since Qing Feng¡¯s face was healed, she always had a type of feeling of not daring to look directly at her. At this time, her smile made her think of the time when she was playing chess at the residence. It had a little sly smile in it and slowly her heart felt a little goodwill in it. As both of them got ready to head over to the side hall, a eunuch rushed inside. Seeing that he was about to bump into Qing Feng, Ru Yi took a step forward and pushed him down very hard and scold angrily, ¡°Such a servant who do not have eyes. If you were to bump into her Ladyship, how many heads do you have!¡± Xiao Yu was also afraid that this person would bump into Qing Feng and had already pulled her nearer to herself. But seeing how rude and unreasonable Ru Yi was, Xiao Yu¡¯s brows knitted together. As compared to when Ru Yi was at the other residence, she was swollen with arrogance. She was totally incomparable with Fu Ling. Why did Qing Feng keep such a person at her side? The eunuch crawled up and when he saw Qing Feng standing there, he was so afraid that he quickly knelt down, ¡°This servant deserve to die! This servant have something important to report to Steward Gao and did not pay attention thus had bump onto your Ladyship. Begging your Ladyship for forgiveness.¡± With regards to his recklessness, Qing Feng seemed like she did not care about it and asked in a gentle voice, ¡°What matter deserved such anxiety?¡± The eunuch sheepishly raised his head up and looked around. He did not see Gao Jing and Imperial Concubine Qing was staring straight at him. That eunuch swallowed before replying, ¡°Answering your Ladyship, in the wells¡­ of the Eastern gardens¡­ A female body was discovered!¡± ¡°What?!¡± Xiao Yu cried out lowly in shock but Qing Feng only raised an eyebrow. Chapter 109 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 109 Chapter 109: Earth Shattering Secret (Part 2) A female corpse found in a well. This matter was not considered big nor small. Usually the matter would be reported to Gao Jing then it would be handed over to the Department of Investigations or the Imperial Household to investigate. When there was any conclusion then it would be reported up to the Emperor. But after Imperial Concubine Qing knew of it, her Ladyship went to personally view it and consequentially alerted the Emperor. Upon hearing that the Emperor went over, the Empress also hastily rushed over. Next to the Eastern garden well, at one side it was a corpse that was just dredged out and it was soaked till it was white and had already started to rot. The other side of it was the most distinguished masters of the entire Imperial Palace. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mood these days was actually not good and at the moment it was looking very dark. Qing Feng¡¯s expression was also not good as she was fighting back a bout of nausea feeling. She whispered, ¡°Emperor, within the Imperial Palace, there was actually a tragic death of an innocent in the well. This matter must be thoroughly investigated.¡± Xin Yue Ning held the handkerchief over her mouth and nose. She usually would not be bothered about such an unlucky matter but seeing Qing Feng taking the initiative, Xin Yue Ning immediately brought out the air of an Empress and said, ¡°Emperor, this is a matter of the Inner Palace, why not let the Imperial Household investigate?¡± ¡°Older sister¡¯s remarks has some discrepancies. Even though it is a matter of the Inner Palace, it still a matter of human life, moreover the suspects are the people in the Palace, thus it would be deemed unjust if the matter was investigated by the Imperial Household. From Chenqie¡¯s view, it should be handled by the Board of Investigation.¡± Because of the last time she lost to Qing Feng on the fight of Chen Zhen¡¯s child, Xin Yue Ning was extremely unhappy with Qing Feng. Originally it would not be of any matter if it was handled over to the Board of Investigation but now Xin Yue Ning want to be her naysayer, ¡°The Inner Palace is a place where female live so it is not appropriate or convenient for the Board of Investigation to conduct the investigation. In accordance with the rules, matters that happened in the Inner Palace would be handled by the Imperial Household. Bengong would oversee the investigation so Imperial Concubine Qing need not worry about it being fair or not.¡± Qing Feng suddenly turned towards Yan Hong and said softly, ¡°Emperor, in fact, Chenqie do have a suggestion.¡± Yan Hong Tian looked at Qing Feng¡¯s hand that took the initiative to reach over and a trace of doubt crossed his heart. Previously when he did not call her to come, she would always stay away from him, today however she was very unusual. Yan Hong Tian guessed that she had a request and sighed, ¡°Speak then.¡± ¡°Chenqie¡¯s Eldest Sister is proficient in performing autopsies that even Dan Daren praises often. Youngest Sister is born intelligent and also help the Board of Investigation in several cases. It would be better to hand this case over to them to investigate as both of them are female and it would not be an inconvenience for them to move around the Palace and could also ensure fairness. What does the Emperor think?¡± Qing Feng¡¯s looks had changed, normally she had a cool look which was already very beautiful, but now at this moment it had a slightly coquettish air which made one dare not move their eyes away. Xin Yue Ning was cursing Qing Feng a fox vixen in her heart and her mouth also did spare any energy, ¡°How can it be possible?! On what basis can they investigate in the Inner Palace!¡± ¡°Emperor, Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister, one is the Furen of the Prime Minister, the other is the Furen of a Genernal. Are they still not qualified to investigate the case in the Inner Palace? This time, not only Qing Feng¡¯s voice was seductive, her entire body was almost hanging onto Yan Hong Tian¡¯s. Yan Hong Tian stared at Qing Feng for a long time and he finally said, ¡°Alright, this matter would be investigated by Qing Ling and Qing Mo.¡± Yan Hong Tian realised that no matter the reason of Qing Feng¡¯s insistent, he just wanted to indulge her. ¡°Thanking the Emperor.¡± Yan Hong Tian¡¯s was looking too deeply and Qing Feng slightly move her eyes so that it would not meet. This ongoing interactions that was seen by Xin Yue Ning as flirting and she was almost angry to death. She coldly scoffed and headed back to Yi Lan Palace in a rush, she was anxious to go back to look for Shui Xin to think of ideas for her. When Xin Yue Ning walked off, Qing Feng was about to retrieve her hand back when her wrist tightened, ¡°Why? Burning the bridge after crossing it?¡± The deep voice had some traces of ridicule. Qing Feng did not know if he was angry or teasing her. Qing Feng lightly cough and pretended as if she did not heard it and replied, ¡°I was thinking of waiting here for Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister. If the Emperor have matters to attend then please head back first.¡± There were indeed a lot of memorandums to review in the Imperial Study thus Yan Hong Tian finally let go of her hands, ¡°Be careful.¡± ¡°En.¡± Qing Feng nodded her head and Yan Hong Tian did not speak more as he turned and headed towards the Imperial Study. Ever since two months ago when she told him about her pregnancy, he did not spend the night over at Qing Feng Hall often and she also did not hear him flipping over anyone¡¯s placard but instead often stayed in the Imperial Study overnight. Was the state affairs truly that much? ***** In front of the side room of Eastern gardens of the Inner Palace, Qing Feng stood in front of the house and waited. After more than half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours), the people she was waiting for came. Ru Yi led both Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun over. When both of them saw her smooth and delicate cheeks, they could not help but be surprised. This was even better than skin graft surgery. The Qing Feng now looked simply radiant. Both of them looked at her as their heart filled with joy. When Qing Feng saw their eyes lighted up, her heard warmed, but when her eyes landed on the small bump on Zhuo Qing abdomen, Qing Feng¡¯s face changed and there was a trace of hesitation in her eyes as she asked softly, ¡°You¡­ You are pregnant?¡± ¡°En.¡± Zhuo Qing smiled as she nodded her head, while her expression was very relaxed. Qing Feng¡¯s look made her think of the stunned look when Yun came back from praying and saw her. She found it funny. What was so strange about a female getting pregnant. It was a part of the journey of life, so it would be natural. This was the reason why after she knew that she was pregnant, she did not purposely inform others of it. For a natural occasion, one do not need to care too much about it. Naturally not everyone would think it this way, Qing Feng shook her head and said, ¡°I did not know you are pregnant. I will speak to the Emperor, it would be better that the autopsy be done by the Board of Investigation instead.¡± Zhuo Qing really did not mind as she replied, ¡°I am fine. It is just an autopsy and not a big deal.¡± After that Zhuo Qing also looked at Qing Feng protruding abdomen and said, ¡°Why not you go back to rest.¡± She was used to it and did not feel anything the matter but she estimated that Qing Feng would not be able to handle just the smell of the corpse¡­ ¡°Can I stand at the side to see?¡± When Qing Feng finished speaking, Ru Yi who was standing beside was stunned as she widen her eyes. When the corpse was carried in, it was horrifyingly pale and puffy and the smell was pungent. Just thinking of it made her want to vomit but Mistress still want to go in to see? Gu Yun who had already pushed the door open and was about to enter also paused. Qing Feng wanted to go in and see? Gu Yun thought that Zhuo Qing would have refused, after all Qing Feng was now pregnant and not anyone had Zhuo Qing¡¯s skills. But Zhuo Qing looked at Qing Feng and replied, ¡°Alright, if you later feel uncomfortable, then come out.¡± ¡°En.¡± Qing Feng nodded her head slightly. The few of them went into the house and a wave of unique smell of corpse came. Qing Feng suppressed the vomiting feeling in her chest and stood by the side of the door and did not go forward. In the middle of the room, there laid a female corpse. Ru Yi¡¯s face turned white and the hands that were supporting Qing Feng kept trembling as she kept her head down, not daring to look at the female corpse. Qing Feng¡¯s expression was not good neither as she could barely restraint herself. Zhuo Qing opened up the wooden box that she brought along and took out some cotton cloth. She use one to cover her face, gave one to Gu Yun and handed the remaining two to Qing Feng and Ru Yi. Qing Feng took it and tied it around her face like her. There was a faint medicine smell on the cloth which dispelled a lot of the unpleasant smell of corpse. Qing Feng settled down her state of mind and her sight focus on Zhuo Qing who was working on the corpse and ignore everything else. ¡°The deceased¡¯s body is rotting moderately and the rigor mortis had been completely eased. The time of death is estimated at about 72 hours (author used the modern numbering term and hours), cause by the strangulation of the neck and death by suffocation. There are multiple injuries on the body and should be cause before death. There are also fractures on both hands and feet, possible to have sustained during the fall to the bottom of the well. No traces of other anomalies.¡± As Zhuo Qing did the examination, she said the result of the autopsy. Gu Yun looked at the purple imprint on the deceased¡¯s neck and asked, ¡°What is the murder weapon?¡± Lifting the deceased neck, Zhuo Qing held a ruler to measure for a long time but finally just shook her head as she replied, ¡°It should be something similar to a rope but since the body was soaked in water for a long time, it has started to rot and the weapon or its pattern cannot be identified.¡± When Zhuo Qing check on the deceased¡¯s fingers, she discovered that her right hand had clenched into a fist. Zhuo Qing used some strength to open the deceased hand and saw a thumb size of coarse cloth lying in the middle of the palm. Gu Yun also found a foreign item in the corpse¡¯s hands and asked as she squatted, ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°A¡­ Small rag.¡± Zhuo Qing carefully removed the rag and place it on the wooden plate at the side before Gu Yun took a look at it. That cloth had been in the water for very long and was somewhat faded but it had a shade of maroon colour, which was different from the pale pink uniform that the deceased wore. Gu Yun stared at the clothed for a while before saying, ¡°This is unlike what the deceased wore and could be from the murderer.¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s examination was basically finished and she removed her gloves as she said, ¡°There are no other findings.¡± Zhuo Qing turned around and look at the two persons standing behind. Ru Yi kept her eyes closed and Qing Feng had a cloth on her face which made Zhuo Qing unable to see her face or expression but only that beautiful eyes staring back at her. There was a faint layer of mist in that pair of eyes and she did not know if it was because she was scared or thinking something else as there was a thin layer of sweat on her forehead. Zhuo Qing was worried about her as she asked her softly, ¡°Qing Feng, are you alright?¡± Qing Feng slightly shook her head. Her neck stiffen and she tried to hid the panic in her eyes, ¡°I¡­ Am alright. Just a little uncomfortable. You all can continue, I will head back first.¡± Finishing, Qing Feng did not wait for Zhuo Qing to finish before she turn and ran out of the house. Her pace was very fast and Ru Yi also immediately chased out. After both footsteps were far away, Gu Yun got closer to Zhuo Qing and laughed softly, ¡°You did it on purpose?¡± Zhuo Qing shrugged, ¡°She had known it earlier.¡± In fact when Qing Feng asked her the last time, she had already wanted to be frank with her but there was not a chance for her that time. Afterwards, she did not ask at all so she herself did not specifically mention about it. This time she let them into the Palace to investigate this case, so she took this opportunity to let Qing Feng see clearly. Gu Yun thought about it and also agreed with a nod, ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Occupying someone else¡¯s body was not what she wished and to use this body to play with other person¡¯s feeling was inappropriate. But Gu Yun look at the rotting corpse nearby, she cannot help but smile. Is Qing¡¯s method too violent¡­ The hot autumn sun was high up in the sky shining glaringly as it was noon. Qing Feng¡¯s sight was in a daze, just like her heart, but her pace was getting faster and urgent, like she was in a rush to flee. Ru Yi supported Qing Feng and thought that she was like herself, frightened by the corpse but seeing Qing Feng walking faster and she had to almost run to catch up, Ru Yi realised that something was wrong. She held her hands and found that her fingers were as cold as snow and she urgently said, ¡°Your Ladyship, your hands are so cold, are you unwell anywhere?¡± The memories kept echoing in Qing Feng¡¯s mind. The two persons in the house that had the faces of Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister was so familiar yet like a stranger. Their question and answer was in harmony as if they had rehearsed countless of times. At this moment, Qing Feng¡¯s heart did not have any doubt but just felt total powerless. They¡­ They are not Eldest Sister and Mo-er¡­ Not¡­ Chapter 110 After a few days of through investigation and the identification of the deceased personal items, the identity of the deceased was confirmed. She was a palace maid in the Imperial Palace by the name of Yi Yue. She had been missing for three days before the body was found in the well of the Eastern garden. As the Eastern garden was far off the Inner Palace, the well was rarely used and would only be use as an emergency to put out the fires in the eastern part of the Inner Palace. Yan Hong Tian did not hand this case to the Board of Investigation thus Gu Yun also did not call upon Dan Yu Lan¡¯s personnel, so she transferred Ge Jing Yun and Leng Xiao to her side. ¡°Kou kou kou.¡± When Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun was quietly discussing the case, the knocks at the door suddenly rang and Gu Yun loudly called out, ¡°Come in.¡± Leng Xiao pushed open the doors but did not enter, ¡°Boss, I have found a palace maid that said that she had seen the deceased a few days ago.¡± Gu Yun¡¯s eyes lit up as she said, ¡°Invite her in.¡± In a short moment, Leng Xiao led a seventeen or eighteen girl in. When that girl just came in, she was constrained and dare not even lift her head up and immediately knelt down when she reached Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing, ¡°This servant Fei-er greet both Furens.¡± Faced with such a scenario, Gu Yun was not used to it and stepped forward to pull her up before pointing at the chair by the side, ¡°Sit down and talk.¡± The girl quickly took two steps back and urgently said, ¡°This servant dare not.¡± Gu Yun lacked of a better option and forced the girl to the chair and pressed her shoulders to sit her down before saying, ¡°Answer truthfully to whatever question I ask.¡± The girl swallowed her saliva nervously and nodded her head. ¡°What is your relationship with the decease and when was the last time you saw her?¡± Gu Yun¡¯s stern voice scared the girl till her voice was trembling badly as she submissively replied, ¡°Yi Yue is¡­ This servant fellow villager. The last time this servant saw her¡­ Was the night three days ago.¡± Zhuo Qing cast a funny glance at Gu Yun. Gu Yun¡¯s lips curled up as she thought of reviewing herself. She was already so used in staying in the General¡¯s residence that even her manner of speech was loud and her tone was somewhat chilling, which made other people frightened. Gu Yun cough lightly and tried to put on a softer voice to speak, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, just say what you know in detail will do.¡± The girl looked up slightly and when she saw Zhuo Qing¡¯s and Gu Yun¡¯s warm expression, she settled her state of mind and replied, ¡°That night just after Haishi (modern timing: 9 ¨C 11 pm), Yi Yue suddenly came over looking for this servant frantically and asked this servant to lend her one hundred taels of silver. This servant do not have this much money and so this servant asked her what had happened. She said that she knew a earth shattering secret and must immediately escape from the Palace else she would definitely die. This servant asked her what secret was it but she was unwilling to say. This servant had no other choice but gave the ten taels of silver on oneself to her. This servant really though that she had escaped from the Palace as there was no news of her these days. Who knew¡­ Who knew¡­¡± ¡°On the last time you seen her, did she had any scars on her body?¡± The female thought for a while before shaking her head, ¡°No. Her face was just pale, like she was frightened and scared.¡± ¡°Did she give you anything?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The female immediately nodded and pulled out a light purple handkerchief from her sleeve and handed over to Gu Yun respectfully. ¡°A silk handkerchief, so as to let this servant remember her by.¡± Gu Yun took it over and look at it at the front and back. Other than the pattern at the lower right corner, there was nothing special. Gu Yun looked carefully at the pattern and felt that it was a word but was specially designed. There were some deformation in it. She could understand common traditional Chinese words but she could not understand this. Zhuo Qing was like her and helplessly shook her head. Gu Yun thought for a while before beckoning Leng Xiao from her side and asked without embarrassment, ¡°What word is this?¡± Leng Xiao paused for a bit and took a look before replying, ¡°It is a ¡®Lan¡¯ word.¡± After looking carefully at the silk handkerchief again and seeing no other clues, Gu Yun said to the restless girl, ¡°Go back first. If there is anything else to ask of you, we will call for you.¡± ¡°Yes. This servant will retire.¡± The girl sighed and bowed before exiting. Leng Xiao also followed her out. Gu Yun place the handkerchief on the table to study when Zhuo Qing suddenly laughed, ¡°You are not afraid of them saying that you are illiterate?¡± The surprised expression that Leng Xiao just gave made her want to laugh, it was most likely that he did not believe that the renowned female talent couldn¡¯t read! ¡°The word was twisted till like that, I naturally do not recognise it and would not be afraid of them saying. But¡­¡± Gu Yun smiled strangely, ¡°I guess that they won¡¯t dare.¡± Seeing her proud look, Zhuo Qing rolled her eyes at her before looking at that piece of silk handkerchief for a closer inspection. ¡°Earth shattering secret?¡± Zhuo Qing muttered to herself, wondering what kind of thing that could have happen in the Palace to be considered an earth shattering secret. Gu Yun pointed to the words on the handkerchief and said, ¡°It seems that we have to start from this ¡®Lan¡¯ word. The material of this handkerchief is not bad and does not seem to be what a palace maid would use. Maybe there would be a clue if we ask the Weaving Department in the Palace.¡± The way Gu Yun did things was like the thunder passing and wind moving, once there was a clue, she would not let go of it, thus both of them took the handkerchief to the Weaving Department. This time they were investigating with the Imperial decreed, so Gao Jing assigned an old eunuch to them. With someone leading the way, they quickly found an old mama who had work in the weaving department for thirty to forty years. Gu Yun picked the silk handkerchief and handed to her as she asked, ¡°Do you recognise this silk handkerchief?¡± The old mama took the silk handkerchief over and felt it for a while. When she touch the word ¡®Lan¡¯, her fingers paused and quickly returned the silk handkerchief back to Gu Yun and replied, ¡°This old servant do not recognise.¡± That moment of strange look in her eyes did not escape Gu Yun. She did not take the silk handkerchief but instead replied blandly, ¡°If you do not recognise, why are you afraid then?¡± The old mama looked up with some panic and saw Gu Yun¡¯s clear bright eyes and helplessly kept her head bowed as she pointed to the corner of the silk handkerchief, ¡°This old servant recognise the ¡®Lan¡¯ word.¡± Gu Yun had a hunch that this old mama must had known something and did not pressed her on her lie and just continued asking, ¡°What is so special of the design pattern of the Lan word?¡± The old mama nodded her head slightly and lowered her voice in reply, ¡°The ¡®Lan¡¯ word is the maiden name of a formal Consort. That year the things she used, like silk handkerchief and robes would be sown with this word, thus this old servant could recognise it. But after the Consort passed on, it was no longer seen. This old servant was distracted when looking at this word.¡± Distracted? Distracted to lie? Gu Yun stared at the old mama¡¯s face and did not miss the slightest expression before continuing, ¡°What kind of person is the consort?¡± ¡°The Consort¡¯s maiden name is Qiu Lan and was already by the Emperor¡¯s side before the Emperor ascended to the throne. The Emperor extremely doted her but the Consort¡¯s health is weak and the Imperial Physician said that she had contracted from tuberculosis. After that, the illness got worsen and she often cough blood out, thus seven years ago she¡­ Left.¡± The old mama kept her head bowed throughout but could still feel Gu Yun¡¯s sight on her, thus the voice she used to answer was barely audible at the end. Gu Yun asked in a not light nor heavy tone, ¡°Die of illness?¡± The old mama¡¯s should slightly trembled before immediately nodded to say, ¡± The Imperial Physician said as such.¡± Gu Yun¡¯s arms folded her arms around her chest, like she was thinking about something. The old mama continued to keep her head down in a dutiful way. Gu Yun did not speak but Zhuo Qing spoke instead, ¡°How about those who had previously served her?¡± ¡°After the Consort was no longer around, the people who served her was dispersed to the various courtyards and palaces. Those who were of age were sent out of the Palace.¡± The old mama looked at Zhuo Qing and her heart was secretly relieved. The young female behind had a pair of sharp eyes that scared her. ¡°Do you know which concubine she was close with? Is her personal maid still in the Palace?¡± Finding the people around this Consort may be the clue in uncovering this secret of the handkerchief. ¡°The Consort was previously close with the Empress but her personal palace maid¡­¡± The old mama paused and Gu Yun suddenly spoke up, ¡°What is the name of her personal palace maid and where is she now?¡± It seemed that if the answer was not to satisfaction, this General¡¯s Furen would not let the matter drop. The old mama took a secret breath and no longer dodge the question as she replied, ¡°She is called Hui Jun. She was someone who knew her role but for unknown reasons, when the Consort left, she actually ran to the Empress¡¯s palace and was caught red-handed for stealing something. Usually after one is caught, they would have to endure caning and would be expelled from the Palace after one or two years. But who knew that she actually offended the Empress. This one heard that she injured her Ladyship¡¯s hand and thus was held in the Imperial Prisons, not knowing when she would be released.¡± Gu Yun took the small piece of rag out and asked, ¡°Do you recognize this kind of fabric?¡± The old mama looked closely for a moment before shaking her head, ¡°This old servant is only responsible for the mistresses¡¯ clothing suppliers. This piece of cloth is too small to be recognisable.¡± After asking almost everything, Gu Yun kept the rag and silk handkerchief well before saying, ¡°Many thanks.¡± The old mama was shocked and quickly greeted continuously, ¡°This old servant does not deserve the good fortune. This old servant does not deserve the good fortune.¡± Both of them did not say anything else and left the weaving department together. Gu Yun kept silent while Zhuo Qing chuckled, ¡°Was it that you have thought of something?¡± Gu Yun shook her head and replied, ¡°That Consort have some friendship with the Empress so why did her personal palace maid would attack the Empress? Qiu Lan¡¯s death that year was suspicious and perhaps is related to this case. First thing is to find Hui Jun and there should be some progress after some interrogation.¡± Gu Yun had the constant feeling that this case seems to be leaving more and more clues but it was like a line that was buried, tempting them to head towards one direction. However, Gu Yun was not confused or irritated, during the investigation of any case, one must not be afraid of more clues but be afraid of no leads. She could always find a breakthrough in all the clues. When both of them came to the Imperial Prison, it was already in the evening. When the guards saw two female coming over, they immediately stepped forward and said in a rude manner, ¡°Who are you people? The Imperial Prison is a forbidden place and no one should be loitering around.¡± ¡°Impudent.¡± The old eunuch that Gao Jing deployed over stepped forward and yelled, ¡°This two person are Prime Minister Lou¡¯s and General Su¡¯s Furen and had received the Imperial decreed to investigate. Go and call your Zhang Daren out.¡± After the guard heard Prime Minister Lou¡¯s and General Su¡¯s Furen, the arrogance immediately diminished more than half as he quickly nodded yes and ran in to announce. Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing looked at one another helplessly. As expected, in this Imperial Palace nothing was important than the ¡®indentity¡¯ of a person. After only a short while, a tall huge man walked out and when he saw both of them, he quickly greeted very politely and could be said as very attentively, ¡°So it is actually both Furens. This lowly official had been rude.¡± Gu Yun did not care in greeting him and said instead, ¡°I want to see a female prisoner by the name of Hui Jun.¡± ¡°Hui Jun?¡± Zhang Chen Yang frowned and was somewhat hesitant, ¡°This¡­¡± There are so many inmates in prison and he would not have remembered them by names. But this Hui Jun, he was aware of. Ten days ago, Imperial Concubine Qing came over to see that female once so he had some impression. That female have been locked up for six to seven years already, how could so many people be thinking about her? Seeing his eyes full of doubts and constant delays, Gu Yun said coldly, ¡°We are not allowed to see this person?¡± ¡°No no no.¡± Zhang Chen Yan waved his hands. Not to mention they were Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s sisters and he could not offend them, he could not touch Prime Minister Lou and General Su. Zhang Chen Yan quickly smiled apologetically, ¡°Naturally you are allowed to see this person but ever since she came in, she became insane. This lowly official is afraid that she will scare both Furens.¡± After walking for a day, Zhuo Qing was a little tired and said coldly, ¡°Just take us there.¡± ¡°Yes yes.¡± Zhang Chen Yan did not talk any more nonsense and took them to a prison cell deep in the Imperial Prison before pushing open the large heavy iron door. Gu Yun held Zhuo Qing¡¯s shoulders and said, ¡°I will go in first.¡± From Zhang Chen Yan¡¯s words just now, Hui Jun most likely was crazy and she did not want to put Qing in danger. Gu Yun entered the prison and found that the lighting in this cell was very dim. There was only a small window that allowed the light to enter and it was currently in the evening. Gu Yun looked around vigilantly and when her eyes to adjust to the darkness, she discovered that wasn¡¯t anyone in the cell at all. Just as she wanted to question Zhang Chen Yan, he stuck his head out and pointed towards the depth of the cell, ¡°Both Furens can question here. She is in that cell inside and is separated by the wooden fence, so it is safer.¡± Following the direction of Zhang Chen Yan¡¯s finger, Gu Yun found the wooden fence. There was indeed another prison cell but that cell was too dark and it was very quiet inside which made her not notice it initially. Hearing that there was a wooden railing in the middle, Zhuo Qing also walked in and said to the curious Zhang Chen Yan, ¡°Leave here first.¡± Zhang Chen Yan smiled embarrassingly and nodded his head in reply, ¡°Yes.¡± Chapter 111 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 111 Chapter 111: Gu Yun¡¯s Discovery After the persons outside the cell left, Gu Yun and Zhuo Qing looked into the room which was completely engulfed in darkness. They just stood there like that and there was no movement in the dark at all. Zhuo Qing looked at Gu Yun puzzled, as if silently asking, was there truly someone there? Gu Yun nodded her head. She had heard a strongly suppressing breathing from the corner. Pulling Zhuo Qing further away from the wooden fence, Gu Yun then approached the darkness and call out softly, ¡°Hui Jun?¡± Because of the call, heavy breathing sounded immediately from the darkness. It was unknown it was due to the fear or surprise. One could only hear noises from the darkness but not see anyone in there. Gu Yun thought for a while before she pulled the silk handkerchief from her sleeve and asked, ¡°Have you seen this silk handkerchief before?¡± In order to let the person inside see clearly, Gu Yun deliberately went to the small window where the light shone into the place. The moment Gu Yun unfolded the silk handkerchief, the person in the dark could no longer remain indifferent but she never would have thought that the moment when the silk handkerchief was unfolded, a dark figure immediately rushed out of the darkness and her hands reached out of the wooden fence as if they were trying to snatch the silk handkerchief from Gu Yun¡¯s hands. ¡°Who are you -¡± The hoarse voice sounded as sharp and piercing like tires screeching halt. The female pressed against the wooden fence, with an abnormally pale face and exceptionally thin body, looked obviously malnourished. Her hair was dry and sparse and her bloodshot eyes looked straight at the silk handkerchief in Gu Yun¡¯s hands like it was going to pop out from her sockets ¡°Who are you!¡± That female shouted as she came forward with gashing teeth and sharp fingers. Even though she looked terrifying, Gu Yun did not take a step back but now she had a headache. This person vision was disorganised and behaviour was manic, it seems that she was somewhat mentally abnormal. Interrogating people like that would not likely to gain anything. Her shoulders sunk as Gu Yun turned back and Zhuo Qing wink at her and smiled, ¡°Let me do it.¡± Gu Yun nodded her head and handed the silk handkerchief to Zhuo Qing. After determining that where she stand would not be in the reach of the female, she then quietly retreated to the side. ¡°Hui Jun, calm down a little. We have no ill intentions and only wanted to ask you a few questions.¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s voice was cold but her tone was soft and she spoke slowly. That female stared at the silk handkerchief in Zhuo Qing¡¯s hands and dash forward madly, turning a deaf year to Zhuo Qing¡¯s words. Zhuo Qing slightly frown, it seems to be a form of psychogenic paranoid psychosis. Zhuo Qing kept the silk handkerchief. Losing the source of stimulation, Hui Jun shifted her glaze to Zhuo Qing but that pair of eyes were gloomy peering. Zhuo Qing seized the opportunity and looked into her eyes and comfortably continued, ¡°You recognised the silk handkerchief, is it the Consort¡¯s silk handkerchief?¡± Both of them looked at one another and Gu Yun could felt that Hui Jun was much calmer but still did not answer Zhuo Qing¡¯s question. ¡°Do you know Yi Yue?¡± Zhuo Qing continued to ask but Hui Jun black bottomless eyes continued to stare at her. Her mouth moved a little but there was no sound. As the skies got darker, no one spoke any more. In the prison cell, one could only hear Hui Jun¡¯s heavy breathing as Gu Yun leaned against the wall to wait. ¡°That year, what were you looking for in the Empress¡¯s palace?¡± After a long time, Zhuo Qing¡¯s voice sounded again. As compared to before her voice was no longer gentle, as if there was a faint trace of control inside. ¡°Search for the letter¡­¡± The hoarse voice was suppressed very low. ¡°What letter?¡± ¡°Letter¡­¡± Hui Jun whispered as a thin layer of sweat formed on her forehead. ¡°What did the letter say?¡± Zhuo Qing asked in detailed. Hui Jun who had quieten down became restless at this moment. Her hands which were at her sides clenched to a ball of fist and her ashen face was filled with fear, ¡°No¡­ That is a secret. A secret¡­ If spoken will bring death!¡± Another secret? Gu Yun chest tightened a little more as she continued to listen. Hui Jun¡¯s mood swings were drastic and Zhuo Qing immediately changed to another question, ¡°Was the letter found?¡± ¡°It was found.¡± Hui Jun answered this question very quickly. ¡°Where is the letter now?¡± ¡°At¡­ At¡­¡± It was unknown what Hui Jun thought of as her eyes was infected by the craziness and she screamed loudly, ¡°Blood¡­ So much blood! Red! Red colour¡­ Red colour. Red colour!¡± ¡°Hui Jun?¡± Zhuo Qing wanted to say more but Hui Jun suddenly jerked into a squatting position and curled herself up. She hugged her head with erm arms and trembled as she kept repeating, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t know anything. Don¡¯t kill me. Don¡¯t kill me!¡± Zhuo Qing suddenly took a step back and Gu Yun quickly stepped forward to support her. Zhuo Qing looked very tiredly as she shook her head to speak, ¡°Nothing can be asked with her current condition. Let¡¯s leave.¡± Gu Yun glance at the female reduced to a corner and could only nod her head as she supported Zhuo Qing out of the jail. The skies outside was already dark and the late autumn breeze was slowly blowing, bring some strands of flower scent. Both of them took a long breath, removing the stuffiness air that was trapped in their chest. The unpleasant smelt and dim light in the prison made one endlessly depressed. After an entire busy day, Zhuo Qing felt tired and Gu Yun escort her out of the palace. As they walked, she asked, ¡°Hui Jun¡¯s condition can be treated?¡± Zhuo Qing was silent for a while before she exclaimed, ¡°A lot of time is required but now her environment would only make it worse.¡± Gu Yun recalled the memories and organised Hui Jun¡¯s reactions and words, trying to extract clues from them, ¡°In her condition, are her words credible?¡± ¡°Just now I tried to hypnotize her and the effect was not good. In her current condition, she would not lie but her words are confused of logic and what she imagined. So it would be misleading.¡± Gu Yun nodded her head and spoke of the preliminary result of the investigation and her own speculations, ¡°Yi Yue¡¯s death and Hui Jun¡¯s madness was due to a ¡®secret¡¯ and this secret involved with the Empress. The key point could be in the letter.¡± ¡°Another secret.¡± Both of them looked at one another before they laughed. That side when Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun left the Palace, this side Ru Yi had reported to Qing Feng their movements today, ¡°Your Ladyship, Lou Furen and Miss Qing went to the Weaving Department in the afternoon then went to the Imperial Prison and left after half a shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours).¡± Qing Feng listened quietly and spoke after a long time, ¡°You can withdraw.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi nodded her head and withdrawn. Their actions was much faster than she had expected. Qing Feng gently rubbed the warm jade but there was no warm in her eyes. Just investigate on like this and don¡¯t disappoint her. ***** Currently all the leads pointed towards the direction of the Empress so Gu Yun decided to make a trip to Yi Lan Palace. As Zhuo Qing had been accompanying her in the investigation for the past seven to eight days, her body was very much tired out. This morning, Gu Yun did not let Zhuo Qing accompany her and she alone went to Yi Lan Palace. After explaining the reason of her presence, the palace maid went in to report and a tall female clad in blue walked out. Her facial appearance was elegant and well-mannered. Walking to her, that female gave a slight bow and smiled, ¡°What is the matter for Miss Qing to come to Yi Lan Palace? The Empress is not feeling well and have yet to rise thus unable to see Miss today.¡± Gu Yun secretly looked that this person in front and felt that she was somewhat different that the others in the Palace. Her body did not portray any humbleness and there was wilfulness in her brows but she looked so gentle and her smile was perfect. Gu Yun felt that she was either very good at camouflaging herself or has a split personality. Gu Yun glance at the name placard that was hanging at her waist and said, ¡°No problem. Miss Shui Xin, can I ask you a few questions?¡± Shui Xin smiled and replied, ¡°Of course.¡± The last time at the full month banquet, she seen Qing Mo once and that time she felt that she was impressive in her young age and now confronting face to face, she find that her sharp eyes were very sinister and reminded herself to be careful when dealing with her. ¡°How was Yi Yue usually is?¡± ¡°Yi Yue had been very well-behaved all along and also did things very gently.¡± ¡°Did she have any grudges with anyone?¡± ¡°Did not see that she had any grudges with anyone.¡± Whatever Gu Yun asked, Shui Xin answered. After Gu Yun asked a few questions, she knew that she would not be able to get additional information from her and turned the direction of the questioning, ¡°Can I go to her room to look?¡± Gu Yun thought that Shui Xin would evade this question and did not think that she would have replied that readily, ¡°Of course.¡± Shui Xin let her into Yi Lan Palace and walked beyond the courtyard and towards a row of small houses. After being a police for so many years, Gu Yun had the habit of observing the surroundings. Many a times things would look like it was not special but could be the piece that tie all the evidence together. When she investigated she found that the well was the first crime scene and since this Yi Lan Palace had so many secrets, there was no guarantee there was nothing suspicious. Shui Xin walked to Gu Yun¡¯s side and saw her every movement. Her mouth curved to a faint arc and she slowed her pace down so that Gu Yun have the opportunity to look carefully at Yi Lan Palace. Finally both of them reached in front of a small room. Shui Xin pushed open the door and said, ¡°Yi Yue always live with Xiao Si but today Xiao Si is on duty so if there is any questions, she can be summoned over.¡± ¡°Not needed. I will look around by myself.¡± She had already called for everyone that Yi Yue often communicate with a few days ago. She only want to take a look and see if there are any clues in Yi Yue¡¯s room. Shui Xin smile lightly and turn to the side to let Gu Yun enter but she just stood by the door and waited. The room was not big and there were not much things. Gu Yun could feel a line of sight constantly observing her and she automatically ignored it. Gu Yun rummaged the room, thinking that perhaps Yi Yue found the letter and was killed because of it. As Shui Xin stared at the methodical search of the room, she carefully focus on the figure. She was really curious, the Qing family was only an ordinary house, how did they raise these three daughters? After searching for another round and not finding any leads, Gu Yun could only give up and walked to out the door, when she saw Shui Xin being somewhat lost thinking about something. Gu Yun took out a piece of cloth the size of a finger and asked, ¡°Have you seen this piece of cloth before?¡± After taking the cloth, Shui Xin looked carefully for a moment before replying, ¡°If I am not mistaken, this seemed to be like the material from the guards¡¯ uniform.¡± Guards? The guards¡¯ uniform were dark red in colour. Seeing the doubts in Gu Yun, Shui Xin smiled and continued, ¡°The material of the guards¡¯ uniform different due to the rank so the colour will also be different.¡± Placing the cloth back into the dark bag at her waist, Gu Yun nodded her head, ¡°Many thanks. I will leave first. If there are anything else, I would then have to trouble you again.¡± ¡°Take care.¡± Towards the gentle female voice behind her, Gu Yun had only one feeling. This Shui Xin was not simple at all. Her words was watertight that not one drop of water can leak out and with her magnanimous way of conduct had a ladylike demeanour. But there was small calluses on the knuckles of her index and middle fingers. She was a female official and naturally need not do menial task so where did the calluses come from? Gu Yun had seen someone with this kind of callouses and it was a bounty hunter that used flying daggers. Was this Shui Xin also a master in using hidden weapons? Chapter 112 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 112 Chapter 112: A Presumptuous Request (Part 1) As the weather becomes cooler, Qing Feng also became sleepier than usual. Usually she woke up after half a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) during her afternoon nap but lately would sleep an entire Shichen and was still unwilling to wake up. After opening her eyes and stretch, Qing Feng looked out the window and saw that the sky had turned red. She actually slept the entire afternoon? She pushed the quilt away and was preparing to get out of the bed for a walk when suddenly the door was pushed open and Ru Yi ran in. Seeing her awake, she anxious spoke, ¡°Your Ladyship, something went wrong¡­¡± These days she had let Ru Yi take note of that two persons¡¯ investigation, was it that something happened to both of them? Qing Feng¡¯s heart dropped as she quickly asked, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°The Imperial Prison caught fire. Hui Jun¡­ Was burned to death.¡± Dead?! Qing Feng was surprised for a moment before she reacted. Suddenly she felt that the air around her had turn cold as the ache in her abdominal started to act up. Qing Feng¡¯s face turn white and her hand was on her belly. Ru Yi was afraid that something would happen to her and urgently said, ¡°Your Ladyship, what is the matter? This servant will go now to invite a physician over.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡± Tightly grabbing Ru Yi¡¯s sleeves, Qing Feng took several deep breaths and only let go to speak when the wave of pain passed, ¡°Go and bring a cup of hot tea over.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi supported her to sit on the bed before going to brew a cup of hot tea and handed it over to Qing Feng¡¯s hands. Her hands clutched the cup as it to take the warmth from it as Qing Feng worked hard to calm herself down. Her trembling hands had exposed her heart¡¯s restlessness. The heavily guarded Imperial Prison actually caught fire and Hui Jun died like this. She did not know that Xin Yue Ning had so much power behind her and thus she felt fear for the child in her belly. If she did not have a child, she would have nothing to fear. The worst situation was just death. That two person was not her sisters and if they were really in danger, naturally Su Ling and Lou Xi Yan will protect them. She was not tied down and there was no attachments. But now it was not the same. She had a child and if she was unable to knock Xin Yue Ning off, what can the child do? Thinking of Zhi-er¡¯s death, her heart ached as it is filled with more panic. Xin Yue Ning could even think of such sinister methods, was she able to protect this child? Qing Feng did not drink a sip of the tea in her hands and it became cold. She just sat there like this blankly for almost half a Shichen (1 Shichen = 2 hours) and Ru Yi dare not disturb her. But just now a palace maid came over to inform that there were some people outside the main door and she thought that her Ladyship would want to see them. ¡°Your Ladyship¡­¡± Ru Yi lightly pat Qing Feng¡¯s should and whispered, ¡°Lou Furen and Miss Qing is here.¡± Qing Feng took quite some time before she recovered herself and handed the tea to Ru Yi. She tidied her clothes before saying, ¡°Invite them in.¡± Ru Yi led both of them in but Qing Feng felt a little ill at ease as she did not know how to face them. Even though she could feel that they had no ill intentions to her and even had¡­ Good intentions, these two persons were after all not Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister. This moment was not the time to question the truth so Qing Feng can only use the actions of drinking tea to hid her heart, ¡°Why are you both here?¡± ¡°Today we entered the Palace so we took the opportunity to come and see you.¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s and Qing Feng¡¯s pregnancy dates were very close and both of their figure were similar but now in comparison, Qing Feng was much thinner. Zhuo Qing asked worriedly, ¡°Are you alright?¡± Now hearing Zhuo Qing clearly concerned voice, Qing Feng felt an indescribable feeling and sighed before changing the subject. ¡°How is the investigation of the case going?¡± Zhuo Qing shook her head and replied, ¡°Just had a small lead but it is now broken.¡± Today they wanted to do a deep hypnosis on Hui Jun but to their surprise she was dead. Even though she knew about the prison fire and that Hui Jun¡¯s death would cause the entire case stall, now hearing it from Zhuo Qing¡¯s mouth, Qing Feng felt disappointment in her heart. ¡°Heaven¡¯s net has wide meshes and nothing will escape from it so there will always be other clues. Murdering someone to prevent them from divulging a secret meant that that person is running out of patience. The more action he does, it would give me more clues. I will definitely break this case open.¡± The clear voice was not loud but it rang soundly. Qing Feng lifted her head up and saw Gu Yun standing by the window with her back against the window frames. The sunset shone from her back and gave a dim glow to her face. She could not see anything but that person revealed a determination as it she could break the case by her words. Zhuo Qing was used to her style and only smiled as she was filled with frustration and belief. Qing Feng stared at the two as her heart strings were pulled and a thought formed in her heart. ¡°Ru Yi, go and close the doors and stand guard outside the doors. Do not let anyone near.¡± Qing Feng¡¯s tone was very cautious. Ru Yi nodded her head and exited. Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun exchange glances and guessed that she most likely had something to say so both of them no longer speak. Who knew that once the doors were closed, Qing Feng got up and walk to them and suddenly knelt down in front of them. Both of them was shocked as Zhuo Qing quickly step forward to support her as she urgently said, ¡°Qing Feng, what are you doing this for?¡± Qing Feng knelt down with her big protruding belly and said, ¡°I have a favour to ask.¡± Zhuo Qing was also pregnant so she did not dare to use too much force to pull her up. Both of them pushed and pull a few times when Gu Yun¡¯s brows frowned and she used one hand to wrap around Qing Feng¡¯s waist and place another under her arms to pull Qing Feng up from the floor, ¡°Just say what you want to say. You do not need to be like this.¡± Qing Feng felt the strength in Gu Yun¡¯s action, like a force firmly pulled her up. She could not resist it. Qing Feng did not think that a female would be able to have such strength and looked surprised at Gu Yun. Gu Yun was calm and cool as she look back at her. Until Qing Feng was the one who broke away, Gu Yun then slowly recovered her hands. Zhuo Qing saw the exchange but did not say anything. She pulled Qing Feng to a chair to sit and asked, ¡°What is exactly happened?¡± Seating properly on the chair, Qing Feng did not let go of Zhuo Qing¡¯s hands as she whispered her reply, ¡°I am very scared.¡± Scared? Zhuo Qing was more confused, ¡°What are you scared of?¡± ¡°Actually, I initially plan not to have any more children as I did not want my child to be born in this terrifying Palace. Thus I request the Ghost Physician for a medication so that I would not be able to get pregnant but he actually lied to me! The medication that he gave me not only did not make me infertile but had the opposite¡­¡± Qing Feng bit her lips and did not continue on. Zhuo Qing stared at her face for a moment and looked at her belly before her brows gradually frown, ¡°You must not be thinking of aborting the child right?¡± ¡°I¡­ Cannot bear to do so.¡± Zhuo Qing just gave a sigh of relief when Qing Feng¡¯s next words made her brows tighten up. ¡°I was thinking, to send the child secretly out of the Palace when he is born.¡± Qing Feng kept her head slightly bowed and her voice was rather low but she did not hesitate at all as her fingers got colder. Zhuo Qing voice lowered as she asked, ¡°Why would you think this way?¡± She couldn¡¯t bear to abort the child but bear to send him out of the Palace? Qing Feng fell into silence again. Gu Yun reached out her hand to close the half opened window before saying, ¡°Things are not as bad as you think. Actually Yan Hong Tian was not unaware of everything or had not taken any actions. This time he would not be careless. We will do our best to help you and you need not be so pessimistic.¡± Gu Yun did not know if Qing Feng and Yan Hong Tian had any communication so she did not say it in detailed. Qing Feng finally raised her head and looked into Gu Yun¡¯s eyes with a little more admiration. This person was really keen. She did not say anything and she already knew her concerns. A touch of a smile appeared on her face as she sighed, ¡°I know that he sent someone to take away the medicine dregs.¡± She knew? This answer invertedly surprised Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun. Both of them look at one another and saw a look of observing what would happen next in their eyes, so both of them did not answer to Qing Feng¡¯s words. Qing Feng seemed to also did not require them to say anything as she continued her words, ¡°I also know that he has Zhi-er in his heart and want to seek justice for him. But he is the Emperor and the monarch of a nation, thus his priority is country first, then family. I would not be able to bear another loss. I will go crazy. I will die. This Imperial Palace is like a large fighting ground and every dark area will extend claws. One would not know when that claw will tightly grab onto one¡¯s neck. I don¡¯t want my child to live in this terrible and scary place.¡± Feeling that the grip that Qing Feng had on her hands tighten and listening to her inner fears, Zhuo Qing was still thinking of how to comfort her but she saw her pair of bright eyes staring at her as she said in a slight trembling voice, ¡°You are also pregnant at this time, which meant that the Heavens are helping me. I will sent the child out and you will treat it as your child, you and Lou Xi Yan¡¯s child. Alright?¡± ¡°How is this possible?!¡± Zhuo Qing was apparently shocked by Qing Feng¡¯s proposal and just stared at Qing Feng, not knowing what to say as Gu Yun stayed silent. In the late autumn evening where it was quiet and comfortable and a wisp of begonia fragrance floated in from outside the window. It was exceptionally quiet in the room. Three female. Three different thoughts. This kind of silence gradually evolved into a pressurising environment. Other than Gu Yu constant deadpan expression, the other two female¡¯s expression was somewhat subtle. Finally Qing Feng slowly withdrew her hands back under Zhuo Qing and her voice was no longer agitated, ¡°I know that this would make things difficult for you. It is alright if you do not agree. When the time comes, I will think of a way to find a baby girl to sneak into the Palace and get the child out.¡± ¡°You may not necessarily give birth to a son. Don¡¯t be too sensitive¡­¡± Zhuo Qing really did not understand her stubbornness but Qing Feng was not willing to listen to her and interrupted her words. ¡°Even if it¡¯s a daughter, I want to send her away!¡± Gu Yun crossed her arms in front of her chest and cautioned, ¡°Your actions are too risky.¡± ¡°Better than suffering from others!¡± The corner of Qing Feng¡¯s lips hook up but Zhuo Qing could clearly see the resolution in her eyes. It would be pointless to discuss anything else with Qing Feng today. Zhuo Qing lightly cough and carefully relied, ¡°I need to think about this matter.¡± ¡°Alright. I will wait for your news.¡± Qing Feng did not continue entangling on this issue and called Ru Yi in to send both of them out. The house once again fell into silence and Qing Feng held onto the warm jade that was constantly by her side. After she heard the news of Hui Jun¡¯s death, her heart was filled with fear, anxiety and worry. For her to raise such a request today, perhaps it because of that two person inadvertently revealed their tenacity and determination. These two persons were not her familiar sisters but could give her the sense of security that her Eldest Sister and Youngers Sister could not give. After calming down to think, by sending the child out of the Palace would perhaps free her from the endless fear. She could send the child out of the Palace but once outside, she still could not protect him. But if she were to pass to Qing Ling, with both of their relationship, Qing Mo will not just be a bystander and with Lou family and Su family protecting, this child would be safe. But¡­ If Yan Hong Tian knew about this matter, how would it become? Perhaps he would want to strangle her. Qing Feng¡¯s anxious heart was tangled and Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun did not fare any better. Both of them walked all the way in silence until they were out of the Palace gates. Gu Yun only whispered her question when walking on the bustling streets, ¡°How do you see it?¡± Zhuo Qing smile bitterly, ¡°She is being once bitten, twice shy. With her stubborn character, as what she said, even if we were not to agree, she would still proceed with it but the question is who will the child be handled over to.¡± Gu Yun¡¯s brows slightly raised as she laughed, ¡°Well, what are you plaining to do now?¡± ¡°I need to discuss with Xi Yan.¡± She totally did not expect that Qing Feng would have this kind of idea. This was definitely not a trivial matter. Even though she wanted to help Qing Feng, she was unable to decide by herself how to help her. ¡°Definitely need to discuss.¡± After all this was a child, a life and moreover this child was Yan Hong Tian¡¯s. Both of them initially only wanted to take the opportunity to see Qing Feng and did not expect that such a thing would happen. Gu Yun shook her head and decided to put this problem away before asking, ¡°What is your view on the Imperial Prison catching fire?¡± ¡°Hui Jun was indeed burned to death but from the morphological of the corpse, even though she inhaled a lot of smoke, there was no signs of struggle so most likely before the fire was set, she had already fainted. There were no signs of injury on her head and neck areas, so she was not knocked out. There were some remains of food in her stomach and currently the food was not yet identified but the likelihood of finding a drug that causes unconscious is high.¡± Zhuo Qing quickly give a conclusion from a forensic point of view because as compared to Qing Feng¡¯s problem, this was much easier. ¡°I also had investigated the site of the crime and found that the fire origin was very near the location of Hui Jun¡¯s cell. It was obvious with the traces of arson. To leave traces of arson and to drug her, it seems that there are some traces of desperate actions. This indicated that the direction that we are investigating is correct and the person behind the scene is now panicking. Oh yes, do you remember that Hui Jun mentioned before that that year she went to the Empress¡¯s palace to find the letter and she actually found it. She was seized in Yi Lan Palace before directly held in the Imperial Palace, so with that it would meant that that letter most probably in Yi Lan Palace, just that we do not know where she hid it.¡± When Gu Yun spoke about the case, she was always in high spirits and get excited. Zhuo Qing was not as optimistic as her, ¡°After so many years, would it still be there?¡± ¡°I will first investigate the two leads, the fire and the guards and would explore Yi Lan Palace when there is an opportunity. You need not worry about the case.¡± Gu Yun used her shoulder to gently bump Zhuo Qing¡¯s and whispered, ¡°For the other matter, it would bother you the most. Who ask you to be the Eldest Sister~¡± Zhuo Qing rolled her eyes at her. What time was it already, this woman still have the time to poke fun at her! But what Gu Yun said wasn¡¯t wrong as she was vexed. Qing Feng threw such a problem to her that she ate very little during dinner. Lou Xi Yan was very busy recently but especially rushed home to accompany his wife for dinner. At the end Zhuo Qing kept feeling ill-at-ease as if her thoughts were at somewhere else. Till dinner was finish and both of them returned back to the room, Zhuo Qing still had a very distressed look. Lou Xi Yan pulled her down to the bed to sit and he half-squatted on the floor and held Zhuo Qing¡¯s hands to ask him in a warm soft voice, ¡°What is the matter? You have been like this since returning from the Palace. Is the case very difficult?¡± Lou Xi Yan¡¯s hands all along was somewhat cold and as Zhuo Qing¡¯s palms were covered by familiarity, she sighed and replied, ¡°I am not worried about the case. She is continuing investigating the case and there is nothing to worry about. I am worried about Qing Feng.¡± Lou Xi Yan smiled alluringly and waited for her to continue. Zhuo Qing look at Lou Xi Yan¡¯s gentle gaze and said difficultly, ¡°Today¡­ She begged me for a matter.¡± This request should be very difficult, else she would not be so hesitant about speaking it. Lou Xi Yan gently grasp Zhuo Qing fingertips as he smiled, ¡°What matter is it?¡± Zhuo Qing saw encouragement in Lou Xi Yan¡¯s eyes but thinking of Qing Feng¡¯s proposal, she felt helpless. Zhuo Qing shook her head and said in distress, ¡°She want to wait till after the child was born and exchange it with a baby girl before sending it out of the Palace as¡­ Our child¡­¡± Zhuo Qing carefully watched Lou Xi Yan. As expected, even the usually calm person like him also froze at that moment. Fortunately it was only for a short while as Lou Xi Yan softly asked, ¡°You agreed?¡± ¡°No. I wanted to discuss with you.¡± Zhuo Qing mouth twitched, if she had agreed, she need not be so troubled now! ¡°You want to help her?¡± Other than being a little surprised in the beginning, Lou Xi Yan looked the same as always and Zhuo Qing was unable to guess what he was thinking. She did not bother to guess and said what she had in her mind, ¡°Even if I do not help her, she would still do it. At that time, no one will know where she put the child up at.¡± Lou Xi Yan was silent for a moment before he said, ¡°This matter need not need to worry in advance as it is still two months away from both of your delivery. Even if the exchange was to be carried out, a suitable child is required.¡± Lou Xi Yan¡¯s reaction was far too little and Zhuo Qing could not believe it, ¡°You¡­ You don¡¯t disagree? That is Yan Hong Tian¡¯s child¡­¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s pair of large eyes stared at him, making Lou Xi Yan unable to laugh or cry, ¡°I did not agree. It is as you said, if you do not help her, we would not know where she would send the child to. The next time when you enter the Palace, you must think of more ways to persuade her.¡± ¡°I will do my best.¡± Zhuo Qing was pessimistic about this. She did not have too much time to spend with Qing Feng but she understand her character clearly. It would be extremely difficult to make her compromise. Gu Yun was busy with the investigation in the Palace and Zhuo Qing was busy advising Qing Feng but in the half a month, both had little success. These days Lou Xi Yan would be so busy that he only returns near midnight. Zhuo Qing did not rest and sat on the couch to wait for him. Normally even if she waited, she would take a book out to read as she wait but today, she just sat there with a worried look. ¡°How is it?¡± Lou Xi Yan entered the room and took off his outer robes. Zhuo Qing shook her head and helplessly said, ¡°She is very stubborn. When entering the Palace these two times to visit her, she was not willing to say more to me.¡± It was already early winter and the weather was turning cold. Zhuo Qing wore little which made her protruding belly obvious. Lou Xi Yan walked over and help her up the couch and sat on the bed. He pulled a blanket over her belly and legs before saying, ¡°Since it is so then promise her then.¡± Lou Xi Yan spoke casually and Zhuo Qing stared at him as she asked, ¡°Are you serious?¡± Lou Xi Yan sat beside Zhuo Qing and hugged her from behind. He let her lean against his embrace and whispered back, ¡°It is better for the child to be by our side than living somewhere else. But this matter must be done in great secrecy. Let me go search for the baby girl that to be exchange in the Palace.¡± Lou Xi Yan even thorough thinking about the problem of the baby girl. Zhuo Qing believed that he was serious and thought about another thorny problem, ¡°And Yan Hong Tian, he¡­¡± Zhuo Qing only mentioned Yan Hong Tian when the hands around her waist tighten slightly. The same gentle voice sounded by her ears, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I am here.¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s heart warmed. For her, the world¡¯s best words of love was in fact not ¡®I love you¡¯ but ¡®I am here¡¯. No matter what the situation, facing what kind of person, there would be one person that would be standing with you together. No one will hid in the wings of the other and only need to face the wind and rain with you. Chapter 113 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 113 Chapter 113: A Presumptuous Request (Part 2) In the spacious room, there was a beautiful carved wooden screen in the middle, dividing the room into two. There were only two lamps in the room which was not bright at all. A barely visible female sat on the couch with a cup of tea in her hands, was portraying some laziness while a flustered male paced the other side of the screen in stark contrast. ¡°That Qing Mo is pushing in every step and actually investigate into the guards. If this continued on, sooner or later she would investigate me!¡± After the last time Yi Yue heard his and Shui Xin conversation, he now no longer dare to speak casually outside. Thus he came over secretly tonight as he was upset and wanted to discuss it with Shui Xin. Half leaning on the couch, Shui Xin leisurely replied, ¡°Who told you to use arson to murder. You really think she will just do nothing.¡± If the enemy don¡¯t move, I would not move. If the enemy advanced, its correct for me to make my first move. But it depends on who the enemies were, what action to make and if they would move. Guo Yi this idiot would sonner or later be defeated at the hands of that girl. Listening to the casual voice of Shui Xin, Guo Yi got angry, ¡°If I do not do it, if she really dug out anything from Hui Jun¡¯s mouth, what can be done?!¡± ¡°Did you not think that even though she dug whatever out from Hui Jun, you can just clench your teeth and deny everything when she question you.¡± The voice from the inner chambers had a laughing intent in it which made Guo Yi¡¯s face turn black. He stared at the person at the other side of the screen and said quickly, ¡°Shui Xin, you would just look on without lifting a finger?¡± Look on without lifting a finger? Shui Xin¡¯s lips hooked up and she sighed with a hint of helplessness, ¡°The old man did not want me to interfere, how do I dare to make the decision myself?¡± ¡°You!¡± Guo Yi knew Shui Xin more than one or two years and knew that her means were sinister and her mind is unpredictable. Since when would she listen to others plan. Seeing that Shui Xin wanted to disregard him, Gou Yi panicked and crossed the screen and scolded Shui Xin, ¡°Shui Xin you better not be so proud. If this matter is exposed, no one can escape from it!¡± ¡°Really?¡± A low hum sounded and Gou Yi suddenly felt a flash of silver and quickly avoided it. His shoulders felt a sharp pain which caused Guo Yi to retreat many steps back. At the position where he just stood, there were a row of needles on the screen and half of the needle were hammered into the word. Gou Yi broke into a cold sweat as he saw them. ¡°Get out.¡± A low voice sounded from the inner room. Gou Yi did not dare to stay any longer and immediately ran out. This Shui Xin is getting more and more perverse. He want to go and look for the old man! As time was fleeting by, everyone was busy with their things and winter came. In the General¡¯s residence study, Gu Yun and Su Ling was standing at each side of a leather map. Their eyes focus on the map as their brows showed moodiness. ¡°How come both the East Sea and Northwest border would simultaneously request emergency assistance?¡± Gu Yun did not understand, the pirates of the East Sea was already exterminated a year ago, so why would it be in chaos a year later? The Northwest border had always been Mu Cang¡¯s territory and she was not the type that would pick a fight thus considered to be living in peace for so many years. Why would the Northwest garrison be fighting at this exact time? Su Ling did not answer her question but only asked, ¡°Will you be going with me?¡± Gu Yun thought for a bit before shaking her head in reply, ¡°No. Not this time. Both of their delivery date are in another ten days so I cannot go.¡± The last time she left, Qing Feng¡¯s child died when she returned. This time both of them will be giving birth at the same time, she cannot stop worrying for them. Su Ling seemed to have guessed that she would say that and nodded in reply, ¡°It¡¯s also good but you have to be careful when you stay in the capital.¡± Be careful? Gu Yun looked up and slightly raised her eyebrows as she asked, ¡°Be careful of what?¡± Su Ling lowered his head and continued to look at the map on the table with some unnatural look on his steadfast face, ¡°Nothing. Just worried for you when I am not around you.¡± He avoided her line of sight so Gu Yun felt that something was wrong. She walked to Su Ling¡¯s side and leaned against the leg of the table as she asked, ¡°Is there anything else to handover?¡± Su Ling finally raise his head and turned around so that the table was between Gu Yun and him as he replied, ¡°There is nothing to handover. Just that you must carry Bing Lian (the sword name) everywhere. First for self-defence, second point is that even though it cannot command the Su family army, the Su clan will obey you.¡± The usual sharp eagle eyes were now jumping due to anxiety. Even though it was well hidden, Gu Yun still found it out. Su Ling did not speak clearly like he did not finish his words, was it because he did not want to say it or was it that he was unable to say it? Gu Yun did not continue to ask but she suddenly felt as if there was an approaching storm. The Imperial Concubine Qing was in a bad mood for several days that her temper was very fiery. Many people were thrown out by her thus the main doors of Qing Feng Hall was tightly closed. Everyone knew that Imperial Concubine Qing¡¯s temper was increasing erratic but in fact it was a different circumstances in the house. Ru Yi held a towel and gently wipe the sweat on Qing Feng¡¯s forehead as she anxiously said, ¡°Your Ladyship, how are you?¡± ¡°So painful!¡± Because of too much force used, the hand that was clutching the sheets turn white. Qing Feng dare not call out too loudly as she bit her lips till it broke and stain her white teeth scarlet, making other people worried. Ru Yi thought of the last time where Qing Feng gave birth prematurely and find that it was almost the same but that time there was a group of Imperial Physician beside and the situation was dangerous. But now in the house there was only her and a midwife. Ru Yi hands were trembling and her voice was tearful, ¡°Your Ladyship, let this servant go and invite a Imperial Physician.¡± ¡°No!¡± Qing Feng grabbed Ru Yi¡¯s hand forcefully, making Ru Yi¡¯s hand feel so much pain that the towel that she was holding fall. There were tears in Ru Yi¡¯s eyes as she quickly said, ¡°Your Ladyship, this servant will not go, don¡¯t worry!¡± As her hands loosen her grip, Qing Feng¡¯s conscious was somewhat blurred due to the pain as she continued asking, ¡°Qing Mo¡­ Qing Mo is here already?¡± Ru Yi wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes forcefully as she replied, ¡°Had went to inform early in the morning.¡± ¡°Alright, just wait¡­¡± She believed them. They had already agreed to it and since they agreed to help her, they would not go back on it! The contractions became increasing frequent and longer as Qing Feng struggled to tolerate when suddenly a sharp pain was felt at her abdominal and Qing Feng could no longer bear it as she shouted, ¡°Ah ¡ª¡ª¡± The midwife who was by the side quickly flip the quilt over and immediately exclaimed, ¡°Your Ladyship, this cannot wait any longer and must be delivered.¡± ¡°Bang bang bang!¡± The smooth rhythmic knocks on the door made everyone in the room hesitate. Qing Feng half propped herself as she anxiously said, ¡°Go¡­ Quickly go and see¡­ If it is her.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ru Yi ran out and soon ran back in. Qing Feng saw that it was Gu Yun who followed her in and her hanging heart finally settled after the entire day. She fought back the almost unbearable pain as Qing Feng asked weakly, ¡°The girl¡­ Is the girl brought over?¡± ¡°En.¡± Gu Yun place the basket carefully on the table by the window and walked over to the bed. Seeing the pale green face of Qing Feng as she laid on the bed, Gu Yun asked, ¡°How are you?¡± Qing Feng shook her head, that excruciating pain made her speechless. Gu Yun was pushed aside by the midwife and Ru Yi as she was of no help and could only wait outside the screen. Gu Yun actually felt conflicted, even though Zhuo Qing and Lou Xi Yan agreed to Qing Feng¡¯s request, she did not expect the outset as she felt that this was not the best method but yet could not do nothing about it. Fortunately Gu Yun only waited for half a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours) to hear the midwife cries of joy, ¡°Congratulation your Ladyship, it¡¯s a Prince!¡± It was indeed a son. Gu Yun smiled as she walked into the inner chambers. Qing Fen was laying on the bed as she looked dreamingly at the midwife cleaning the baby up with eyes full of nostalgia. Gu Yun walked over and supported Qing Feng to lean against the bed before saying, ¡°Carry the baby over here.¡± The midwife wrap the child quickly and carried over to Qing Feng. Not caring of her weak condition, Qing Feng immediately carried the baby and as she look at the little fellow obediently laying in her arms, Qing Feng¡¯s heart warmed. She was very clear that the next thing that would happen was separation and even though her heart aches, she would not change her decision. At the moment her eyes did not stray from the child as Qing Feng asked softly, ¡°How about that girl?¡± Gu Yun was supporting Qing Feng and was unable to move, so she pointed the bamboo basket to Ru Yi. Ru Yi nodded her head and gently open it up to see a small bright eyed baby and she praised, ¡°What a beautiful child.¡± The baby girl also looked very small and fair as she quietly slept. The most eye-catching feature was the mole at her brow, which was against a snow white skin. Such a beautiful baby like this, no one will suspect when one say it¡¯s her Ladyship¡¯s child. Ru Yi carried the baby girl over to let Qing Feng see. When Qing Feng saw this beautiful and well-behaved girl, fondness grew in her heart. In the future, this was¡­ Her daughter. The skies turn dark early during winter and Gu Yun reminded softly, ¡°It is getting late.¡± Qing Feng trembled, what should come would still come. Her heard turn cold as Qing Feng gave the baby boy to Gu Yun and took the girl from Ru Yi. The action was completed at one go as she knew that if she did not do so, she would not be able to let go the next moment. As Gu Yun carry the baby boy and stood up, her sleeves suddenly tighten. ¡°Let me¡­ Let me see him one more time.¡± Gu Yun sighed in her heart but she still squatted down and place the baby boy in front of Qing Feng. Qing Feng reached her hand out and touched the child¡¯s delicate face, as if carving it into her heart. Holding the girl tightly, Qing Feng controlled the sadness in her heart and nudged Gu Yun lightly as she turned her head the other side so that she would not look at that new-born child. She said in tolerance, ¡°You should quickly go¡­ Quickly leave!¡± Gu Yun wrapped the baby efficiently and place him in the basket and carried it away without giving Qing Feng an additional look. Since separation was decided, an addition moment of pause would meant an additional moment of cruelty. Only upon gearing the doors of the room opening and then closing, Qing Feng then looked up. The room seemed like it was suddenly empty like her heart. Qing Feng sat on the bed with a dejected expression until the child in her arms moved, most likely because it was held too tightly. Qing Feng then recovered to her senses as she stared at the beautiful baby girl in her arms. Finally Qing Feng said in a little anger as she looked at the two person, who did not know what to do, beside her, ¡°Midwife, you stay here. Ru Yi, go to the Medical Court and say that Bengong is about to delivery. And you both must keep in mind that Bengong delivered a daughter. Understand?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Both of them replied softly and do their own work as they know in their guts that what happen today must be buried deep in their heart. Because of the investigation, Gu Yun have been entering and exiting the Imperial Palace many times in these past few months. As most of the soldiers at the gates recognised her, no one made things difficult for her when she carried a bamboo basket in this morning. So when Gu Yun carried the basket out now, she should not attract much attention but just when she was about to walk out of the palace gate, the basket shook and a cry similar to a small animal came out of the basket. ¡°Wait up!¡± The leader of the guards raised his hand to stop Gu Yun and stared suspiciously at that small bamboo basket to ask, ¡°What is inside the basket?¡± Gu Yun stopped and replied plainly, ¡°A kitten.¡± ¡°Kitten?¡± Gu Yun had an indifferent look and did not seem to be lying but the leader of the guards felt some doubts and kept staring at the bamboo basket. Gu Yun let him look as she explained in a smooth voice, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing felt bored in the Palace so she wanted to rear a cat to play with.¡± ¡°Then why it is brought out?¡± ¡°It is almost time for her Ladyship to delivery and will now not have any desire to take care of the kitten so she doesn¡¯t want it now.¡± Gu Yun had never been nervous and there was not the slightest change in her facial expression but her back was already wet. If this continued on, the baby in the basket would cry and the secret would be revealed. Just as Gu Yun got anxious, a male voice sounded from behind, ¡°What is this about?¡± The lead guard looked up and his expression stiffen as he immediately stood at attention and respectfully called out, ¡°Commander Ming.¡± Gu Yun looked back and saw a tall young man standing behind her. As he saw her, he laughed heartily, ¡°It¡¯s Miss Qing.¡± He was¡­ Yan Hong Tian¡¯s Commander of the Guards, Ming Jian?! The hand holding the bamboo basket tighten as Gu Yun nodded in his direction and said, ¡°It is getting late and there are still matters in the General¡¯s Residence. I need to hurry back.¡± Ming Jian did not say anything and waved his hands slightly as he smiled, ¡°Then I would not delay Miss Qing.¡± ¡°Release.¡± Ming Jian gave an order and the few guards that were in front of Gu Yun immediately stepped back and a path was formed. Gu Yun looked at him and could not see anything in his smiling eyes. Without any delay, she left a word of ¡°thanks¡± and quickly walked out of the gates and boarded the carriage that was waiting by the side. Until the carriage was out of sight, Ming Jian still stood at the Palace gates with a pensive look. Chapter 114 Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 114 Chapter 114: Palace Changes Qing Feng gave birth to a princess and even though it was not as glorifying as giving birth to a prince, the Empress Dowager and Empress came to congratulate with the concubines. Yan Hong Tian also came over to see her a few times. Perhaps it was because she felt guilty for changing the baby, Qing Feng would pretend to be sleeping most of the times. Yan Hong Tian would not disturb her sleep and left after seeing his daughter. This morning, when Qing Feng was carrying the baby girl to play on the bed, Yan Hong Tian suddenly came. Not sure if it was that he did not rest well, his expression was not good but he had some joy. He strode to Qing Feng¡¯s bed and sat in front of it and smiled, ¡°Three days ago, your Eldest Sister gave birth to a pair of fraternal twins.¡± ¡°Really?¡± The baby was carried away seven eight days ago. Finally there were news. Qing Feng quickly said, ¡°How is she and the children?¡± ¡°Mother and children are safe. Lou Xi Yan gave the children names. The girl is call Lou Chen, the boy is called Lou Xi.¡± ¡°Chen, Xi¡­ Really good names.¡± Qing Feng softly whispered. Xi-er, youthful energy and also full of hope. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s large hands pat the little girl who was openly staring at him with wide open eyes and asked, ¡°What name do you want to give her?¡± Qing Feng looked down at the baby girl in her arms and saw the cinnabar mole that was like a snow plum. When she grow up, she would presumably would be beauty that can enrapture an entire city. She did not know who were the parents of this child that would be able to produce such an alluring girl. They must not be ordinary but Qing Feng had another expectations, ¡°Give her the ¡®Ning¡¯ word. Hope that this child¡¯s life would be calm and peaceful.¡± ¡°Yan Ning.¡± Yan Hong Tian nodded his and spoke out, ¡°Granted.¡± The little girl suddenly grinned and her two little soft hands were also forcefully thrown apart. Yan Hong Tian and Qing Feng looked at one another and also followed her in laughter, ¡°Seem that she also like it.¡± The little girl was very lively as she kept shaking her head, making Qing Feng laugh amusingly, consolidating the regrets that she had of Xi-er not at her side. Qing Feng played with the child as Yan Hong Tian, who was hugging her from behind, did not speak. Qing Feng thought that it was because he did not like to play with kids so she was not bothered but after some time, Qing Feng felt that Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands that was holding her shoulder tighten so much that it hurts her. ¡°Sss.¡± Qing Feng took in a breath of cold air in pain. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s hands that was grabbing her shoulder finally let got but the next moment his entire body totally leaned against her back. Qing Feng place the child forward and thus did not press onto her. Qing Feng frowned as she place the child at the inside of the bed. She was a little frustrated and wanted to tell him off when she turn her head but when she saw his pale face, she was shocked, ¡°What.. Is wrong with you?¡± It was currently winter but there was a thin layer of sweat on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s forehead as his face turn pale and his sharp brows tightly twisted together. The usually calm and deep dark eyes seemed to be experience great pain as it was closed and his tall body could not even sit up. This kind of Yan Hong Tian frighten Qing Feng. She place her hands on his shoulder and Qing Feng quickly called, ¡°Ru Yi, Ru Yi!¡± Ru Yi heard the sound and rushed in to see the Emperor half leaning against her Ladyship and her Ladyship was shouting in panic, ¡°Quick, quick summon the Imperial Physician!¡± ¡°Oh. Yes!¡± Ru Yi was so scared that she almost tripped over the door ledge. Just now it was good, why was it like this in such a short time. Ru Yi quickly ran to the Medical Court and called Imperial Physician Wang, Imperial Physician Zheng and Imperial Physician Lin over. When they returned to Qing Feng Hall, the room was packed with people and the Empress Dowager and Empress had arrived. The child was carried out by the wet nurse and Yan Hong Tian laid on the bed as his face turned green then to ash white. The Empress sat by the bed urging the Imperial Physician. Qing Feng stood at the end of the bed in silence watching the person laying on the bed. Lou Shu Xin stood in the middle of the room as she walked anxiously, without that usual aloof and arrogant look as she muttered, ¡°Why suddenly fall ill?¡± Several physician took the pulse many times but did not utter a single word. Lou Shu Xin could not help but urgently said, ¡°Imperial Physician Wang, what is the condition the Emperor is suffering from?¡± Wang Zhi Yang kept his head down as he replied, ¡°The Emperor. The Emperor is not ill.¡± ¡°Not ill then why is it like this?¡± ¡°The Emperor¡­ The Emperor¡¯s body has signs of¡­ A strange poison.¡± Finishing, Wang Zhi Yang also broke into a cold sweat. ¡°Poison?¡± Everyone in the room was shocked. Lou Shu Xin have yet to recover to her senses when Xin Yue Ning asked hastily, ¡°What poison is it and is there an antidote?¡± ¡°It has been going for some time. Afraid it was due to the consumption of food.¡± This was terrible! Lou Shu Xin angrily called, ¡°Someone come and bring in the person in charge of the Emperor¡¯s food to Aijia.¡± In a short time the guard brought the Imperial Kitchen steward and Xu Yi to Lou Shu Xin. The eunuch in charge of the Imperial Kitchen kept denying his crimes, saying that the Emperor¡¯s food had been Xu Ji¡¯s responsibility. Lou Shu Xin stared at Xu Ji angrily, ¡°Xu Ji, what did you all give the Emperor to eat?¡± Xu Ji quietly look at Qing Feng and hesitantly replied, ¡°This servant¡­ This servant had always prepare the meal per usual but these days, Imperial Concubine Qing gave this servant some medical powder to let this servant put it in the soup that the Emperor drink. This servant really did not think that her Ladyship would harm the Emperor! This servant deserve to die, this servant deserve to die!¡± Qing Feng heard the meaning of his words and quickly said, ¡°When did I give you medicine to put in the Emperor¡¯s meals?¡± Xu Ji shrank his shoulders as if he was afraid of her, ¡°Your Ladyship said that the last time the physician that healed your face had great skills and gave you some secret medicine to condition one¡¯s health and to let this servant add into the soup for the Emperor to drink.¡± ¡°You are slandering venomously!¡± At this moment, Qing Feng¡¯s entire body was ice cold. She was being framed but unable to dispute at all. Wang Zhi Yang walked to Xu Ji and asked, ¡°Where is the powder?¡± Xu Ji took a paper bag from his waist and passed it with trembling hands over to Wang Zhi Yang. Wang Zhi Yang took it over and open to see. It contained white powder and he took it to the other two physician for discussion. After a while Wang Zhi Yang turn back and spoke to the Empress Dowager, ¡°It is this.¡± It was indeed Qing Feng? Lou Shu Xin look at Qing Feng with her cold pair of eyes as Qing Feng¡¯s lips tighten, portraying a stubborn look. At this time Xin Yue Ning suddenly stood up and look at Qing Feng profoundly to say, ¡°Empress Dowager, actually there is a matter that Chenqie did not verified before and thus dare not anyhow say. But seeing the situation now, Chenqie cannot not say it.¡± ¡°What?¡± Lou Shu Xin¡¯s eyes looked at Qing Feng and Xin Yue Ning back and forth several times. Xin Yue Ning gently raised her hand and a palace maid came in with a small box. Xin Yue Ning opened the box and handed the letter to Lou Shu Xin¡¯s hand. Xin Yue Ning gave an anguished look and said, ¡°These are the secret letters that Chenqie secretly intercepted. Empress Dowager, all these are Hao Yue¡¯s instruction to the Qing sister. They sent the Qing sisters to Qiong Yue not with the heart of surrendering. The Qing sisters seduce the Emperor, Prime Minister Lou and General Su, to shake the foundation of our Qiong Yue.¡± Seeing the pieces of letters from Hao Yue and then looking at Yan Hong Tian laying on the bed with a pale face, Lou Shu Xin did not have the mood to read the content of the letters and threw them on Qing Feng¡¯s face as she scolded in anger, ¡°Qing Feng, the Imperial family treated you well and you dare to actually harm the Emperor! You deserve to die a thousand times!¡± ¡°I¡­¡± The paper landed on her cheek and cause it to hurt. This was obviously Xin Yue Ning¡¯s trap and this time she was unable to break free of it. ¡°Ke ke.¡± The person who was laying on the bed suddenly sat up. The Imperial Physician immediately approached to support Yan Hong Tian to sit on the bed. At this moment even though his face was ashen grey, his eyes was much clearer and brighter than before as it locked onto Qing Feng. Qing Feng did not know if he just heard the words from Xu Ji and Xin Yue Ning as she look into his cold dark eyes. She wanted to explain and was very eagerly explaining, ¡°I did not! You must believe me! I am not a spy and did not let anyone put poison in your food. This so call accusations are forged.¡± Qing Feng expect to see a little bit of trust or even hesitation is good but other than coldness, she could see nothing else in that pair of eyes. Xin Yue Ning went up and quickly said, ¡°Emperor, you shouldn¡¯t listen to her words anymore. This woman¡¯s heart is vicious and she has ulterior motives.¡± ¡°Someone come and take Qing Feng to the Board of Investigation¡¯s prison. Announce Zhen¡¯s instruction and sent the other two Qing sisters to the same prison together.¡± The deep voice was without any trace of emotion, making Qing Feng not believe that this was the man who was warmly discussing baby names with her just now?! ¡°Yes.¡± The guards that were on guard outside heard Yan Hong Tian¡¯s words and quickly entered the inner chambers and two of them dragged Qing Feng out. The pain from the twisted arms was still raw but Qing Feng did not fell any pain. She now could understand the feeling Chen Zhen have when she was banished to the Cold Palace. This man no longer trusted you, what else could be said? Unfortunately she was not Cheng Zhen and would not quietly bear it herself. When she turned around, Qing Feng look at Yan Hong Tian and said word for word, ¡°Yan Hong Tian, I hate you.¡± ¡°Emperor! Emperor!¡± At the moment when she was dragged out of the door, there were terrified cries sounded behind her. When Qing Feng turned back to look, she only saw black blood stains on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mouth. Most of the time the door of Yong Hua Palace would be closed. Since the afternoon, Fu Ling kept hearing all kinds of noises from the outside and the neat rapid footsteps of the guards emitted a restlessness. She vaguely felt that something must have happened but she did not go out to find out and thus felt ill at ease. Carrying Prince Han in her arms, Fu Ling walked around the courtyard. Yan Han is already a year old and could not speak yet but love to babble and play with Fu Ling¡¯s air. Usually Fu Ling would let him play as she smile but today she grabbed the child¡¯s hand and hugged him tightly. It was really strange today. It was already long passed Youshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 pm) but she did not see Ming Ze coming her. Usually he would come over a quarter of a shichen earlier to Yong Hua Palace but why would he be late today? Fu Ling walked dozens of round in the courtyard but her heart failed to calm down. As time pass by, she felt even more uneasy. Fu Ling was about to call of a mama to bring the Prince back into the house so that she will go out on her own to look when the main doors of Yong Hua Palace finally opened and the tall figure of Ming Ze walked in. He usually put on a cold look and Fu Ling was already accustomed to it but today there were obvious worries and doubts on his face. She had not spoken to him for many months but she had to break it today. Fu Ling carried the Prince and went up to ask, ¡°What is going on outside?¡± Ming Ze turned around and closed the doors back again before whispering, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing plotted the Emperor¡¯s murder and is currently held in the prison of Board of Investigation.¡± Fu Ling was surprised, ¡°How is this possible?!¡± She had be by Mistress¡¯s side for so long and did not see her do anything that could harm the Emperor. Moreover Mistress just gave birth to a Princess for the Emperor, how could she plan to murder the Emperor? Fu Ling¡¯s heart was feeling distress as she wondered if she should leave the Palace to seek help from Lou Furen and Miss Qing. Before Fu Ling could think clearly, the main doors that were tightly closed was suddenly forced open from the outside. Fu Ling only felt her waist tighten and Ming Ze had already held her and the Prince in her arms to withdrew seven or eight steps back. Fu Ling just stood firm and Ming Ze already unleash the sword on his waist as he stood in front of her. The person who came in was actually the guards lead by the leader of the guards, Guo Yi. Ming Ze saw the people approaching and place the sword at his side. He did not point it at the approaching people but did not sheath his sword, as he stared at them alertly. Fu Ling looked at the dozen people who rushed in and could not help but frowned. She calm herself down and took a step forwards as she hugged Yan Han to speak, ¡°What are you all doing?¡± Guo Yi gave her a look and finally his eyes landed on Yan Han as he coldly replied, ¡°Qing Feng colluded with Hao Yue and plotted harm on the Emperor. Prince Han should not longer be brought up by her. This official is here on the Empress¡¯s decree to bring him to Yi Lan Palace.¡± He actually did not bow when he saw the Prince and that look in his eyes made goosebumps form on Fu Ling¡¯s body and also scared Yan Han into moving. Seeing that the two guards had stepped forward to forcefully grab, Fu Ling hastily took a few steps back from them to avoid their hands and asked in a strong calm voice, ¡°Do you have the Emperor¡¯s Imperial decree?¡± Guo Yi did not put her in his eyes as he replied, ¡°This official¡¯s action is in accordance to the Empress¡¯s instruction.¡± Guo Yi gave a look to the two guards and they did not dare to neglect their duties. They rush towards the child in Fu Ling¡¯s arms. In Fu Ling¡¯s panic, she hid behind Ming Ze¡¯s back and thought that it was not an option to just hid, so she quickly said, ¡°Hold on! The Emperor have decreed that Prince Han will be brought up by Imperial Concubine Qing and the decree was read out in front of an entire court of civil and military officials and even to the world. If you want to take Prince Han away, unless you have the Emperor¡¯s decree, else please leave.¡± The two guards hesitated for a moment and looked back at Guo Yi. Guo Yi did not expect that a palace maid would actually dare to stop him and stared at Fu Ling angrily, ¡°Impudent. This official¡¯s orders is not what you a palace maid¡­¡± ¡°I am the female official that the Emperor granted personally and is ranked at fifth upper rank. Guo Official do not need to wave your authority in front of me. Without an Imperial decree, I will not let you take the Prince away!¡± Fu Ling dare not give in. If she back away, this child cannot be saved! Ming Ze was somewhat surprised. He turned his head sideways and saw that female who did not fear or retreat at all. He did not think that she had this side of her. In Ming Ze moment of thought, Guo Yi angrily shouted, ¡°It is not up to you!¡± Finishing, he pulled the blade from his waist and strike at Fu Ling¡¯s direction. ¡°Ah¨C¡± Fu Ling never had imagine that he would actually use his sword and she was still carrying the Prince?! If in the beginning she was only suspicious of the purpose these people were carrying, at this moment she could be sure that they were targeting the Prince¡¯s life! The blade forcefully brought the cold air over and Fu Ling had no time to avoid it. She could only use her body to protect the child in her arms as she closed her eyes in fear. ¡°Kuang dang¡± sounded and the sound of sword clashing shook one¡¯s heart. The pain did not come as expected so Fu Ling opened her eyes and saw Ming Ze¡¯s sword in his arms blocking that fatal strike. ¡°Ming Ze¡­¡± Fu Ling eyes was somewhat heated as words choked in her throat. ¡°Ming Ze, what are you doing? You actually dare to stop this official!¡± Guo Yi did not think that this usually silent and cold person would actually stop his sword for a palace maid. Ming Ze did not say anything to him and held one sword in front of the guards with one hand as he protected Fu Ling with the other to withdraw to the gate, ¡°Quickly leave! Go to Dong Sheng Palace.¡± When Ming Ze finish, he pushed Fu Ling out the door and gave a back kick. As Fu Ling fell out, the doors were slammed shut. ¡°Ming Ze!¡± Fu Ling screamed but no one replied her. She only heard the continuous sound of sword clashing. Fu Ling dare not stay back and dare not look back as she held Yan Han tightly and rush towards the direction of Dong Sheng Palace without addition thoughts. Seeing Dong Sheng Palace in sight, she only need to pass the winding corridor to reach it. The skies were getting dark and Fu Ling¡¯s legs weaken as the hands that were carrying the Prince were shaking. Fu Ling grind her teeth as she walked on the stone steps of the winding corridors when suddenly her hand felt pain and a hand firmly gripped her arm. ¡°Ah!¡± At this time any little movement was enough to scare Fu Ling. Fu Ling cried out in shock and that pair of hands immediately covered her mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t scream!¡± The lowered voice was very familiar so Fu Ling looked over and saw clearly the person who was holder her. Fu Ling finally quieten down and that person also loosen the grip. Fu Ling murmured, ¡°It¡¯s you¡­¡± ¡°Right now, Dong Sheng Palace is also not safe.¡± The person made a silencing gesture and looked around before heading towards a small trail. Fu Ling look towards the direction of Dong Sheng Palace and then back to the person before finally following the person¡¯s footsteps and quickly disappeared into the night. Chapter 115 After Qing Feng was brought out of the Palace, she was immediately taken to the prison of the Board of Investigations and locked in a very big cell. It was empty inside and there were straws spread out on the floor as the sunlight shone in from the large square window, brightening up the area. At the same time the cold wind also blew in from there making the entire cell feel cold. Qing Feng lean at the corner of the cell and laugh self-deprecatingly. Once again Yan Hong Tian threw her into a cell. The only consolation is that this was much better than the Imperial Prison but unfortunately her mood was very much different. When she was thrown to the Imperial Prison, even though she felt pain all over and worried about her Youngest Sister¡¯s situation, her heart was calm. But currently now her heart was in utter chaos and grief. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s distrust made her disappointed and at the same time felt resentment. Shouldn¡¯t she be happy when she saw him spitting out blood when she was leaving? Why then was her heart feeling pain like it was being hammered? Her feelings towards Yan Hong Tian was like having a thin fish bone stuck in one¡¯s throat. One was unable to swallow and it may not be very painful but every time one swallow or breath, it would hurt her without any peace. When the cell doors were pushed open, Qing Feng knew that someone came in but she stubbornly kept her eyes closed as she lean against the corner. She did not want to be bothered by anyone. Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun entered the cell and saw Qing Feng curling herself in a corner. Zhuo Qing asked softly, ¡°Qing Feng, are you alright?¡± Qing Feng did not answer which made Zhuo Qing worried that she was injured. She walked over to take a closer look and found her with her eyes closed with a look of indifference. Zhuo Qing also just gave birth a few days ago and was currently in confinement. Gu Yun gathered the straws on the floor and piled up the other corner before supporting Zhuo Qing to sit. Zhuo Qing half leaned on the heap of straws to sit. Even though it was not all that comfortable, it was very warm. Zhuo Qing look towards Qing Feng¡¯s direction and gave a look and Gu Yun lightly nodded. Gathering another pile of straw, she walked to Qing Feng¡¯s side and made another pile as she asked, ¡°What happen in the Palace? Why were charges of being spies suddenly emerge?¡± Qing Feng still remain silent with a look of cannot be bothered about anything. Gu Yun was not in a rush. After she piled up the straw, she then talked to herself, ¡°This should be related to the Empress¡¯s secret.¡± The person leaning against the wall moved a little but still remained silent. Gu Yun continued, ¡°Maybe it can be said that it is related to Guo Yi.¡± Qing Feng open her eyes big as she looked towards Gu Yun, ¡°You¡­ Found it out?¡± Seeing her reaction, Gu Yun had confirm her theory that Qing Feng was not unaware of everything. Pulling her to the heap of straws to sit, Gu Yun lean against the wall in the middle of them and said softly, ¡°I was initially speculating and did not have conclusive evidence but it seems now that what I said was correct. I have investigated the cloth material in the hands of the deceased and found that it was part of the uniform that the leader of the Imperial Guards and above rank would wear. Like that only four people including Guo Yi was suspected. When the Imperial Prison caught fire, the other three had an alibi for it but Guo Yi did not have one. In such a coincidence, he was also on duty that day. This person was too suspicious so I started to focus on investigating him. Apparently he used to be Xin¡¯s residence guard and¡­¡± Gu Yun turn the other side to look at Zhuo Qing as she smiled in delight, ¡°Remember the letter that Hui Jun mentioned about? I found it.¡± ¡°Where?¡± Zhuo Qing also smiled and asked, ¡°Really at Yi Lan Palace?¡± ¡°No. She was all along hidden in the Imperial Prison. After the fire, I went back to the scene of the fire many times and once to see if Hui Jun had left behind anything, I found that there was nothing much in the cell after the fire but I discovered that in the deepest corer of it the dirt was particularly higher and especially firm. If Hui Jun often squatted there then it justify why the dirt have harden but because of the long term of pressing, the area should be concave in so I felt that there was something wrong at that time. I dug down for more than a Che (1 che = 1 foot) and found the letter.¡± Zhuo Qing nodded her head and asked back, ¡°What did the letter say?¡± ¡°After so many years and going through a fire, most of the areas were destroyed but one can probably see the meaning which is the Empress commit adultery with someone. With the clues combined, the adulterer is most likely Guo Yi.¡± After Gu Yun finished, she turned to look at Qing Feng at the corner. Listening to Gu Yun¡¯s analysis and meeting her seemingly all-knowing eyes, Qing Feng was lauding her as she also felt that there was nothing else to hid. She replied, ¡°What you say was not wrong. Yan Jing is not Yan Hong Tian¡¯s son. He is the child of Xin Yue Ning and Guo Yi.¡± ¡°How did you know?¡± Xin Yue Ning actually committed adultery and Yan Jing was not Yan Hong Tian¡¯s child was not anything strange but Gu Yun was curious how did Qing Feng spoke so clearly of the matter. She had been investigating for months before able to find out that the Empress committed the adultery only. Gu Yun stared at her as if she wants to see her through. Qing Feng suddenly laughed, since they have come to this point and want to know so she would tell them. She leaned deeper into the stack of straws and replied slowly, ¡°Yi Yue was discovered after hearing the conversation between Shui Xin and Guo Yi. She bump into me when running away and told me everything. I had seen Hui Jun when I was confined in the Imperial Prisons and after investigating a little, I then know her identity. Thus I was suspicious of the Consort¡¯s death. I also went to look for Hui Jun and according to her, that year the Consort was also suspected that the Empress was having an affair and sent someone to investigate but at the end she was killed. This letter was sent into the Palace from the person that the Consort sent to investigate but it was intercepted by Xin Yue Ning. Hui Jun wanted to steal it but was caught. Actually Hui Jun was not that insane as you have previously seen. When I pressed her for the letter, she was unwilling to disclose. After that she suddenly shouted and became crazy so nothing else can be dug out.¡± Zhuo Qing stared at Qing Feng calm and indifferent face and asked, ¡°Since you know everything, why not tell Yan Hong Tian or us?¡± ¡°Tell?¡± Qing Feng looked at her with eyes full of irony, ¡°How could I tell? Just based on a low rank palace maid or a female who was imprison for seven to eight years till she is delirious to testify? Will Yan Hong Tian believe me? Tell you both? You all will not believe me. Xin Yue Ning murdered my Zi-er, I want her to die! So I can only set everything up and wait for you to slowly tear open Xin Yue Ning true colours. You all have Lou Xi Yan and Su Ling as your backing and if you dug out anything, the results would make others believe.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± The Qing Feng in front of her was unfamiliar. Zhuo Qing looked at her and for a moment did not know what to say. ¡°You no need to put on that look.¡± Qing Feng stared fiercely at Zhuo Qin and laughed coldly, ¡°I had already known that both of you are not my sisters at all. All the things I have done from the start to the end was only using you.¡± Qing Feng turn her face away and not look at them as she waited for both of them to accuse or scold her. As the time passed, the cell became much calmer. They actually did not even want to scold her? Qing Feng slowly turned her head over and saw Gu Yun half leaning against the wall and look at her calmly. Zhuo Qing was even smiling as she said softly, ¡°Using us but you still feel assured to hand me your own child.¡± Just one sentence was able to break Qing Feng¡¯s indifferent pretence into many pieces. Yes, she had handed the most importing person in her heart to them. In fact, even though in her heart she knew that they were not her real sisters, she could not help by trust and rely on them but was also scared that once the truth was exposed, they would look at her with despise thus she could only cover herself up with an icy exterior. ¡°What you have all done was just to take revenge for the child and we can understand it. Moreover we had never thought of deceiving you. Since you had guessed that we are not your sisters, it was also what we also wanted you to know. As for the so-called making use, if it was to find out the truth then it would not be considered as making use.¡± Gu Yun dissolved all of Qing Feng¡¯s guilt, anger before squatting down to look at her at the same level to ask, ¡°Qing Feng, I will only ask you one question. Did you kill the women in the well?¡± She sympathised with her and can tolerate her but if she kill someone due to her own selfish interest than she would be a murderer. No many how much difficulties and reason she had, it would still be punishable by law. ¡°No.¡± Qing Feng answered very quickly and firmly, ¡°That is someone I found in the death row which has a similar stature with Yi Yue.¡± ¡°Where is Yi Yue?¡± ¡°I have sent her out of the Palace.¡± Under Gu Yun clear eyes, Qing Feng felt glad the first time that she did not do the wrong things for the sake of revenge at that time, else this pair of eyes that she was facing would be filled with rejection. Gu Yun nodded her head lightly, ¡°Alright, I believe you.¡± A word believe made Qing Feng¡¯s heart tremble as her eyes were lightly affected when looking into Gu Yun¡¯s eyes. Lowering her eyes, Qing Feng took a deep breath and asked, ¡°I also want to ask you both a question. My Eldest Sister and Youngest Sister, are they¡­ Already dead?¡± Gu Yun look at Zhuo Qing and after Zhuo Qing wrestle with how to respond for quite some to minimise the damage to Qing Feng, Zhuo Qing then whispered, ¡°We are not your sisters, we do not know where Qing Ling and Qing Mo went to. When we woke up, we were already in these bodies.¡± ¡°They left me after all.¡± Zhou Qing did not use the word death but the ending speaks for itself. The night at the ruined temple became a farewell. The gentle Eldest Sister and the shy Youngest Sister would never come back to her. In this world, from now onwards, she will be the only one left. As tears filled her misty eyes, Qing Feng stared at the two persons in front of her as their face blurred. They were after all not¡­ Not¡­ Tear wet that beautiful face and the endless grief and despair filled her eyes. Even though it was separated by tears, it still hit both Zhuo Qing¡¯s and Gu Yun¡¯s heart. Both of them look at one another, as they could not bear it. Zhou Qing stood up and Gu Yun went forward to support her. Both of them walk to Qing Feng¡¯s side and reached out to hold onto Qing Feng¡¯s ice cold hands before softly saying, ¡°If you are willing, we are still your sisters.¡± With eyes filled with tears, Qing Feng was unable to see both of their expressions and could only hear their low voices in her ears and felt the warmth from their pairs of eyes. Qing Feng closed their eyes and leaned gently against Zhuo Qing¡¯s shoulders as her tears continued flowing silently but she had a place to rely upon. Gu Yun could see that even though Qing Feng could not let it go, she did accepted them and she was secretly relieved. She also did not want to see that even though they were in the body of three sisters but became enemies with one another. As for the knot in Qing Feng¡¯s heart, it finally was able to unravel slowly. Qing Feng cried until she was tired and looked up, even though three of them were not emotional people, at this moment they were also lost for words. Gu Yun lightly coughed and changed the subject, ¡°Alright, now let¡¯s discuss about what exactly is the spies issue?¡± Qing Feng recapped what happened the entire morning in Qing Feng Hall. Gu Yun listened seriously and her brows tighten as she reached the end, ¡°You say that Yan Hong Tian spit out the poisoned blood?¡± Thinking of the scene when she turned her head, Qing Feng¡¯s heart tighten as she softly made an ¡°En¡± sound. Gu Yun shook her head, ¡°This is not quite right. If one were to set you up, one do not need to poison Yan Hong Tian.¡± A flash of thought crossed her mind and Gu Yun looked towards Zhuo Qing and urgently said, ¡°Did Lou Xi Yan went to Bian City yesterday?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± And he left in a hurry saying that there was a sudden influx of refugees that the local government cannot handle. ¡°Su Ling had been sent to the Northwest border half a month ago to handle the unrest, Lou Xi Yan was sent away yesterday and today Yan Hong Tian vomited blood due to poisoning. All these are too coincidental.¡± Gu Yun¡¯s expression became solemn. There were not so many coincidences in this world. Yes. These were too much of a coincidence. As Qing Feng listened to Gu Yun¡¯s words, her expression turned pale as she whispered, ¡°Yan Jing is not Yan Hong Tian¡¯s son. The more you all investigate, this secret would be dug out sooner or later. Could it be that the Xin family are cornered and bit back by attacking Yan Hong Tian?¡± If it is like this then the one who was most dangerous is Yan Hong Tian. Just now she was angry because of Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mistrust but now she was filled with anxiety, fearing that her prophecy was true. Gu Yun lightly pat Qing Feng trembling back and consoled, ¡°Things might not be as bad as you think. Both of you just gave birth recently and should not think too much. Lay down and rest for a while. Now what we can do is to wait and observe.¡± Three of them were trapped in this little cell and after discussing for the entire day, many unclear areas were straightened out. Zhuo Qing and Qing Feng was after all in their confinement period and their body lack of energy. When the skies turned dark, both of them lean against one another and fell asleep as Gu Yun sat near the door with her eyes closed. When it was almost fourth of the five night watch periods (modern timing: 1 ¨C 3 am) Gu Yun heard light footsteps in the large quiet prison. When Gu Yun heard that it did not sound like the bailiff, she opened her eyes in alert and call out softly, ¡°Who is it?¡± Gu Yun shout awakened both Zhuo Qing and Qing Feng who was lightly sleeping and three of them stared alertly at the dark passage. ¡°Fu Ren, it is us.¡± The deep voice sounded as Jing Sa¡¯s and Mo Bai¡¯s figures appeared at the cell door. Three of them sighed in relief at the same time and Zhuo Qing asked, ¡°Mo Bai and Jing Sa? Why it is both of you?¡± ¡°Master let this subordinate to fetch you all out.¡± Jing Sa took a strike with his sword and the strong locks on the wooden door broke and fell on the floor. ¡°Xi Yan has returned?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hearing that Lou Xi Yan had returned, Zhuo Qing was first delighted but after some thought, she guessed that Xi Yan must have returned after receiving the news. It stood to reason that three of them were only framed as spies and Yan Hong Tian only handled them to the Board of Punishments and not imprison them in the Imperial Prison so they should not be in any danger temporarily. For Xi Yan to return this anxiously, the matter was not as simple as they thought. Zhuo Qing was still rearranging her thoughts when she asked, ¡°We were only in jail for a day and not even interrogated, how can we leave like this?¡± Gu Yun glanced at the broken lock and frowned, ¡°Is this a prison break for us?¡± At that time she obediently let the officials lock her into prison was first to figure out what was happening and second, not to blow things up and make things difficult for the Su family. If they were to escape now, wouldn¡¯t they be further mired in controversy? Jing Sa opened the cell doors and even though his voice was suppress lowly, one could hear the impatience. ¡°The situation is critical and cannot be explained easily. Will speak more after leaving.¡± Usually Lou Xi Yan had a stance and position when he did things and within this entire day and night, they did not know what was happening to the situation outside. Three of them finally decided to leave the prison first before saying more. Under Mo Bai¡¯s and Jing Sa¡¯s shields, three of them smoothly got out of the prison and sat on a small horse carriage. The carriage was not big but its¡¯ speed was very fast. The carriage speed all the way and only stopped after a Shichen (1 shichen = 2 hours). When three of them open the curtain up, they discovered that they were already in the suburbs. The skies were not bright yet and they were surrounded by darkness as Lou Xi Yan stood waiting for them by a large horse carriage. Lou Xi Yan stepped forward to support Zhuo Qing out the horse carriage. When her feet were firmly on the floor, Zhuo Qing immediately asked, ¡°Xi Yan, what exactly is going on?¡± Lou Xi Yan shook his head as his expression was never this solemn, ¡°The situation is now very tense. The Xin family is mostly forcing the Emperor to abdicate.¡± Forcing the Emperor to abdicate?!¡± Three of them were taken aback. Just a day passed, how could it become like this! ¡°Yesterday evening, I requested an audience with the Emperor immediately after I came back but was unfortunately unsuccessful. The Empress said that the Emperor is ill and refused all the audiences of all ministers. Ming Jian was also given a sentence of ¡®unable to protect the Emperor¡¯ and was imprisoned.¡± Ming Jian was also imprisoned. Then¡­ Qing Feng urgently said, ¡°Now the Imperial Guards are currently in the hands of Guo Yi?¡± ¡°En.¡± Lou Xi Yan kneaded his brows and replied tiredly, ¡°If there was not another existence of Prince Han, I¡¯m afraid it would not be forcing the Emperor to abdicate but to kill the Emperor and crown Prince Jing as the Emperor.¡± At this moment the Imperial Guards were in the hands of Guo Yi, wouldn¡¯t Han-er be in danger? Qing Feng¡¯s heart immediately tugged, ¡°How is Han-er?¡± ¡°Yesterday evening, Prince Han escaped the Palace under the protection of Ming Ze and Fu Ling and is currently hiding in the General¡¯s Residence safely.¡± If the Xin family really want to force the Emperor to abdicate then Prince Han is the biggest obstacle. How would they let him escape the Palace with a guard and maid? And the three of them were sent at the same time to prison which was very strange. Gu Yun felt that this was already longed planned. Gu Yun looked at Lou Xi Yan and speculated, ¡°Could it be that this imprisonment was arranged by Yan Hong Tian?¡± Under Gu Yun sharp watchful eyes, Lou Xi Yan¡¯s bright eyes shimmered as he nodded as frankly replied, ¡°Yes. The Emperor made use of their plans to defeat them. The Emperor was already determined to get rid of the Xin family, and the Xin family must have felt it thus they took such a risk. The Xin clan¡¯s influence must not be underestimated. At that time me and General Su was not in so the Emperor felt that he would not be able to protect you all thus he imprison all of you all and handled over to Dan Daren. Like this, first to temporarily stabilise the situation with Xin family, second since all three of you will be at the same place, it would facilitate the rescue. I am afraid that as it goes on, you all would be in danger, thus decided to save you all out first.¡± So he sent her to the prisons was not because of not trusting but was for protection. This made the pain in her heart that she felt the entire day lighten. Lou Xi Yan had been secretly watching Qing Feng¡¯s expression all along and seeing her furrowed brows loosen, Lou Xi Yan suddenly took a step forward and consoled, ¡°Your Ladyship shouldn¡¯t be too worried as the situation today have yet ended. You all should leave the capital to hide and wait till everything pass. The Emperor instructed this official to protect you and the Prince well. This official will definitely¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± Qing Feng gradually relaxed face became pale after listening to Lou Xi Yan¡¯s words, ¡°You are saying¡­ He¡­ He knows¡­ That I exchanged the child?¡± Lou Xi Yan thought for a moment before he sighed softly, ¡°Naturally he knows. Else how would a official like me would dare to place an Imperial line under the Lou clan. How would Qing Mo able to bring the child out of the Imperial Palace out so easily.¡± Gu Yun thought back of the situation that day and exclaimed, ¡°No wonder when I took the child out of the Palace, coincidently Ming Jian came to my rescue. So it was all not a coincidence.¡± He knew¡­ He knew everything! How nice would it be if our child is able to grow up in an ordinary family and not as a Prince or Princess? Qing Feng thought about that day when she told him that sentence, the look of both anger and pained expressions that Yan Hong Tian had and her numbed heart since two days ago started to heart and her feet weaken so much that she almost could not stand. Gu Yun, who was standing beside her, quickly supported her as she gave a slightly disgruntled look to Lou Xi Yan. He must have done that on purpose. Gu Yun did not understand why would Lou Xi Yan deliberately agitate Qing Feng at this moment? After finally steadying her mind, she suddenly thought about the scene of him spitting out blood and Qing Feng hurriedly seized Lou Xi Yan¡¯s hands to ask, ¡°He was really poisoned? Or was it also something that he had arranged?¡± Qing Feng truly wished it was the latter. Unfortunately Lou Xi Yan shook his head and replied with some concern, ¡°The Emperor is indeed poisoned and is feared to be under house arrest. This one do not know what is the current situation.¡± When the two words house arrest was heard by the three persons, it was automatically interpreted to three different meanings. Qing Feng¡¯s heart was in chaos as she thought of Yan Hong Tian being poison and also under house arrest. With his violent temper, she was afraid he would suffer a lot. Gu Yun had a thoughtful look on her face while Qing Feng felt that if Yan Hong Tian was under house arrest, it meant that his life was currently not critical. Lou Xi Yan seemed like he did want to give them too much time to think and say after looking at the skies, ¡°Alright, the skies are about to brighten, you all should change to another carriage. Chen-er and Xi-er is already inside and it will leave immediately.¡± Gu Yun who had been silent all this time suddenly spoke, ¡°I will not leave with you all. I want to head to the barracks of the Su family army.¡± When Qing Feng recovered to her senses, she pulled Gu Yun¡¯s hand and said urgently, ¡°If you return now, I am afraid that there would be danger.¡± Even though this person was not her doted Youngest Sister, she knew that this girl was kind-hearted and tenacious good female. In her eyes, she already treated them as family and did not bear to see her take risks. Zhuo Qing also had a concern look on her face which made Gu Yun¡¯s heart warm. She turned towards them and smiled, ¡°Do rest assure. If it wasn¡¯t me willing, they would not be able to catch me so easily. Now Su Ling have yet to return and Yan Hong Tian is poisoned, Su Ren would not dare to pass down certain orders but it would be better with me there.¡± Finishing, Gu Yun looked at Lou Xi Yan and asked in a not heavy nor light tone, ¡°Elder brother in-law, what do you say?¡± Lou Xi Yan slightly raise his eyebrows but did not stop her as he replied, ¡°That is also good. Go ahead.¡± ¡°No need to be too worried, everything will pass.¡± Gu Yun had always been someone who respond with action she said those words by Qing Feng¡¯s ears before removed a horse from the horse carriage. She got on the horse and lightly kicked the horse and the black horse immediately galloped away. Zhuo Qing did not have a chance to tell her to be careful when the person and horse disappeared into the night. Lou Xin Yan lead Zhuo Qing towards the side of the large carriage but Qing Feng still stood at her original place thinking of something. Lou Xi Yan gently called, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing, let¡¯s go.¡± Qing Feng remained motionless and it was fast approaching Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am). The sunlight had not yet pierce through the clouds and the skies were greyish blue. Qing Feng looked up like she was searching for something. She finally found that brightest star and looked at it foolishly for quite some time before a light smile dawn on her very pale face. Lou Xi Yan did not call her again and stood by the horse carriage with Zhuo Qing quietly. After a long time, Qing Feng finally walk to them but faced Zhuo Qing to say, ¡°I would like to speak to you.¡± Zhuo Qing loosen the hand holding Lou Xi Yan and followed Qing Feng to another side. Both of them stood face to face as Qing Feng look at Zhuo Qing for a while, as if she was looking at her own Eldest Sister yet also like she was looking beyond the body and seeing the person inside. She only spoke softly after a long time, ¡°In the future, would have to bother you with Xi-er.¡± ¡°What do you want to do?¡± To say these things at such a time like this, Zhuo Qing had already guessed that she would not leave with them. ¡°I¡­ Want to return to the Palace.¡± Sure enough as she had expected, Qing Feng still wanted to go back. Zhuo Qing¡¯s brows twisted as she wanted to persuade her but Qing Feng suddenly smiled brightly. That smile had too complex emotions behind it that Zhuo Qing was unable to say what was it but she could not seem to say any words of persuasion. She only hear a light soft voice speaking, ¡°Me and him are all too stubborn. I put up a brave appearance, he is overbearing and both of us did what we thought were correct. Both of us are like hedgehogs. When anyone come closer, we will close our hearts and hurt the other but¡­ Every time we would not be able to help but to be closer.¡± ¡°You love him?¡± Zhou Qing asked in doubt. This kind of helpless and sad tone, was it love? She did not even need to dwell if it was love or not, she only wanted to return back to see him now. Can this be counted as love? Qing Feng shook her head, ¡°I do not know. In this world, if one is able to fall in love at first sight and hold one¡¯s hand for the entire life together, it should be the most fortunate thing. But just how many people would have this kind of luck? It is predestined fate to meet him in this life.¡± Predestined fate? To Zhuo Qing, a person from the modern world, those words were mysterious but she did not know how to refute them. Qing Feng directly bypassed her and walked to Lou Xi Yan calmer than previously, ¡°Lou Xi Yan, I want to request something from you. Lou Xi Yan seemed to have guessed that she would say that and replied, ¡°What is the matter?¡± ¡°I want to return to the Palace.¡± ¡°Now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Is your Ladyship worried about the Princess?¡± Lou Xi Yan¡¯s voice had always been gentle and had the ability to console others, ¡°The Princess should currently be by the Empress side. The Xin family did so many things in order to force the Emperor to abdicate and not to rebel so they would not harm the Empress Dowager openly. As the Princess is not a Prince, her life is not in danger, thus you need not worry.¡± Qing Feng shook her head gently, ¡°I want to go back and see him.¡± Lou Xi Yan was silent for a while before he replied, ¡°You should know that if you were to return now, nine out of ten would die.¡± Qing Feng firmly said, ¡°I want to return.¡± Lou Xi Yan was somewhat hesitant and Qing Feng did not wait for him to think and just said softly, ¡°If you are not willing to help me, I would still think of other ways to return. Just help me to take care of Xi-er.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Lou Xi Yan could not win against her and finally said, ¡°Wait here for a while, I will arrange it for you.¡± ¡°Many thanks.¡± Qing Feng was secretly relieved. Since Lou Xi Yan was willing to help her, there would be a higher chance of her to be able to see him. Lou Xi Yan called Jing Sa over and whispered a few sentences into his ear. Jing Sa nodded and brought another house over to replace the horse that Gu Yun took from the carriage and moved the carriage in front of Qing Feng. Qing Feng did not think much of it and immediately went up the carriage. Seeing the small carriage galloping swiftly towards the direction where they came from, Zhuo Qing sighed, ¡°Perhaps we should not let her return back to the Palace.¡± At such a dangerous time, Qing Feng would not be of use if she were to return and it would be an additional person that was thrown into jeopardy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there is no harm.¡± There were some smile in his voice which made Zhuo Qing frown. They were already a couple for quite some time and she more or less understood Lou Xi Yan¡¯s temperament. Even though during times of crisis he would behave calmly but at this moment he was obviously feeling good about something and what he said about the crisis situation was clearly inconsistent. Recalling Gu Yun¡¯s look before she left, Zhuo Qing faintly felt something and stared at Lou Xi Yan¡¯s eyes. Zhuo Qing lightly coughed and said, ¡°You should have something to tell me clearly right?¡± Seeing that a lot of things had happen in the entire day and night, he would have a lot to explain. As the view of the West side gates appeared from the carriage, Jing Sa stopped sixty to seventy paces away and handed her over to a sixty over year old gonggong. Qing Feng had never seen him before but he took a glance at Qing Feng but could not see any special expression from her. The old gonggong disguised Qing Feng as a eunuch and put her together with the eunuchs who had done the purchase of the day before returning to the Palace. Chenshi (modern timing: 7 ¨C 9 am) had passed and the Imperial Palace was exceptionally quiet today. Usually one would be able to commonly see the guards but at this moment, not one could be seen. Qing Feng kept her head low and dared not look around. She walked all the way to the Imperial Kitchen when a eunuch walked to her and said, ¡°Follow this servant.¡± The old gonggong gave her a look and Qing Feng quickly step forward to keep up. The eunuch lead her to the main doors of Zhen Yang Palace and softly tell her, ¡°You go in yourself.¡± Without waiting for her response, he quickly walked towards the side road. Qing Feng stood frozen on the spot, what if it was heavily guarded inside and if she was to just walk in like that, she would fall right into the trap. But if she did not go in¡­ She was already here, where else would she go if she did not enter? Qing Feng steadied her mind and shifted her hat down a bit before walking into Zheng Yang Palace with her head bowed. She held her breath as she entered but no one stopped her from entering. Qing Feng felt that it was abnormal and raised her head slightly and found that there wasn¡¯t a single person in the entire huge Zhen Yang Palace. She did not see Xiao Yu or Gao Jung. Did the trusted people by his side were all taken away? Even though it was not heavily guarded, what could he do without any trusted people by his side when he was poisoned? She was anxious but dare not call for anyone. Qing Feng walked to the Imperial Study and did not see Yan Hong Tian so she went to bed chambers. The doors of the bed chambers were open but there was no one on the bed. As Qing Feng felt disappointed, her gaze swept over to the windows and saw a Yan Hong Tian in a black robe half leaning on a couch. He did not look very well as his eyes were lightly closed and brows furrowed. Even though he was just half laying down and there was no one at his side, he still look overbearing from afar. However upon a closer look, in that forever cold face revealed fatigue. Qing Feng stood at the doorway for quite a while before her feet started to move on its own consciousness and walked towards that person. Yan Hong Tian felt that someone was walking over and scolded, ¡°Withdraw.¡± Yan Hong Tian did not expect that that person would not only not leave but walked over to him. Who was that bold! Yan Hong Tian opened his eyes as his cold gaze landed on the oncoming person. After seeing clearly that it was Qing Feng cladded as a eunuch, a look of surprise flashed on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face. It was very quick but he regain his usual look, watching her quietly with his deep black eyes. Both of them just look at each other coldly and the surrounding air seemed to freeze around the, Qing Feng finally moved and half knelt as she looked at him expressionless and said coldly, ¡°Yan Hong Tian, I hate you so much.¡± If sounds were weapons then that sentence would be a sharp dagger. She come here only to say this sentence? Yan Hong Tian felt somewhat tired and continued to lean again the couch and not look at her as he said deeply, ¡°Then why have you returned back? Want to take action yourself?¡± ¡°Did you know that your one word of ¡®want¡¯, cause my parents to die and we had to leave our hometown. I finally with great difficulty put my hate down and had Zhi-er. You said that you will protect us but at the end you broke the promise with me. Even though I said from my mouth that I hate you, after so many days and nights, I did not really hurt you. You however did not believe me and throw me to prison before even giving me a fair hearing. Yan Hong Tian, you are so hateful.¡± Her eyes were clear like dead water, her mouth speaks of hate but her face was filled with hurt as tears fell down her fair cheeks and landed on the wooden handle of the couch. Her voice was very soft but when Yan Hong Tian hear it, it was a different experience altogether. Yan Hong Tian frowned as he got up helplessly. He raised his hands and tried to help her to wipe away her tears but his hand gestures were not particularly gentle. As he wiped, he said, ¡°Since you hate me and want to kill me, just do it now. Why are you crying?¡± Hearing him say that, the calm Qing Feng suddenly fired up and grabbed his hand before shouting, ¡°I do hate. I hate that you obviously knew that I want to send our flesh and blood out of the Palace and you let me be that unruly. I hate that you were already aware that danger is approaching but did not thought of warning me. Do you know how much despair I felt in the prison? I resent you for not trusting me, I¡­ I am more afraid that you did not trust me! You made my heart go from ice to fire, what exactly do you want to do?! Why is it when others love another, they are able to be childhood sweethearts and playmates? And can be filled with tenderness and filled with love for a long time? But I would need to be entangled with life and death without a moment of peace with you?!¡± Qing Feng almost broke down in tears and when she got to the end, she herself did not know what was she even saying. She had refused to admit that in those endlessly entangled days, this man had already walked into her heart. When she heard from Lou Xi Yan that he was really poisoned, at that moment her heart was in so much pain and distress as she was suddenly afraid that she would never see him again. The various complex emotions that her heart underwent the past few days were like a large rock pressing on her heart. At this time it was like she had vented it out. Qing Feng could not help to cry as she was not willing to let Yan Hong Tian see her being useless. She squatted at the side of the couch and tightly grabbed on the handle as she bend her forehead down to her knees, letting the tears wet her clothes as she refused to look up. He looked at this crying female in front of him. Every sentence of hers said that she hated him but at this time, she still come back to his side. Yan Hong Tian carried her into his arms and whispered, ¡°You should not have come back.¡± Hearing footsteps from afar, seeming from a group of people. At this moment Yan Hong Tian sighed but it was a different meaning in Qing Feng¡¯s ears. Feeling the spring¡¯s sun warmly shining on her, Qing Feng suddenly smiled and went in deeper into Yan Hong Tian¡¯s embrace and said lightly, ¡°I am tired. Be it love or hate, I do not want to go anywhere else. To die with you together would be a clean cut.¡± This was in fact good. Perhaps only at this moment, she would truly feel close to this man. Yan Hong Tian heard the mumblings that the woman in his arms were saying with a lightest of light smile on her face, which was more dazzling that the early spring sunshine. Yan Hong Tian was flabbergasted. She¡­ Actually came back to die with him? Yan Hong Tian could not tell clearly what he was feeling and could only hug the female in his arms tighter and at the same time his heart was deeply doubting what exactly did Lou Xi Yan said to her¡­ As the footsteps came nearly, a group of people stood outside the door and saw the Emperor hugging a person clad in an eunuch attire with eyes full of affection. That shocked everyone as they stood there stunned, not knowing what to do. ¡°Emperor¡­¡± The approaching person saw this scene was shocked and did not know if he should make his report. Hearing the familiar voice, Qing Feng was surprised and looked over puzzled. She saw Ming Jian wearing his official robes and standing upright, with thirty to forty Imperial Guards behind him. Qing Feng was shocked, ¡°Ming Jian, you. Aren¡¯t you¡­¡± Locked up in prison? Qing Feng was still at a loss when Yan Hong Tian aske with a faint deep voice, ¡°How is it?¡± Seeing that the person clad in the eunuch uniform was Qing Feng, Ming Jian secretly let out a breath and replied sternly, ¡°Reporting to the Emperor, last night at Zishi (modern timing: 11 pm to 1 am), General Su had captured all the rebels at fifty Li (1 Li = ? km) outside the capital. The Xin residence and all the related Xin clan related officials were all thrown into prison today at Maoshi (modern timing: 5 ¨C 7 am). The Empress and Prince Jing is currently confined in Yi Lan Palace, awaiting for the Emperor to dealt with.¡± Last night? Su Ling was already back last night? If till here Qing Feng did not hear any inkling, she would be stupid. ¡°What is actually going on here?¡± Qing Feng wanted to sit up and take a good look at the man hugging her. Qing Feng wanted to move but the hand around her waist tighten and Yan Hong Tian laughed, ¡°You still need to wait tens of years later to die with Zhen.¡± Looking at the man smiling with mischief, Qing Feng coldly said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you under house arrest? Aren¡¯t Ming Jian also thrown into prison?¡± Yan Hong Tian vaguely guessed it and faintly smile at her already cold face with dried tears and asked, ¡°Who told you Zhen was under house arrest?¡± It¡¯s¡­ Lou Xi Yan¡­ Lou Xi Yan! It was at this moment that Qing Feng knew she was being fooled. That man with a mouthful of nonsense should die! So hateful! Last night when he took them out from the prison, it was not because of any critical situation but because the influx of officials that were sent to prison and transferring them out only! In the beginning they had already arranged it well. She was actually fooled by these men. The more Qing Feng thought, the angrier she became. She reached her hands out to wipe the tears from her face and wanted to get up to run out. ¡°Today you have walked right into the trap, where else can you run?¡± How would Yan Hong Tian let her run away? Qing Feng felt her wrist tighten and before she could stand up, she fell into the arms of the person behind and the voice by her ear made her go crazy. Qing Feng go more annoyed, ¡°Yan Hong Tian, you let go of me.¡± Yan Hong Tian did not only not let go but tighten his grasp and whispered into her ears, ¡°You yourself said that you will struggle with Zhen in this lifetime. How would Zhen let go?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± That warm breath by her ear was very itchy and she thought about the words that she said to herself incoherently. Qing Feng¡¯s face was so hot as if it was on fire. If she did not think that he was poisoned severely and was also under house arrest, her heart would not be in chaos and she would not have said all those words! In a feat of anger, Qing Feng raised her hand and beat Yan Hong Tian¡¯s shoulder. This punch was not light. Yan Hong Tian stared at Qing Feng, ¡°You dare to beat Zhen?¡± ¡°Beat you¡­ I¡­ I also want to bite you!¡± She who was usually bad tempered was now in the fit of anger and to be shocked by Yan Hong Tian, Qing Feng immediately lowered her head and bit directly down on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s neck. ¡°Sssss¨C¡± She really bite?! Ming Jian quietly back out with the guards he brought, as he was afraid that the Emperor would not have time to settle the matter on the traitors¡­ ¡°Yue Ning of the Xin clan, brought disaster to the Inner Palace and brought harm to the Imperial descendants, that crime itself is punishable by death. The entire Xin clan substituted the army rations and wreck the country and brought ruin to the people and thus is punishable by death to nine branches of the family. However due to the benevolences of his Majesty and taking into consideration of the many years of services by the Xin clan, it would be lesson. Today the Imperial family would be merciful and not put the sins onto the nine branches. The entire branch of the Xin family will be exterminated and the rest of the relatives of the Xin family would be demoted to commoners, with their assets confiscated and expelled from the capital. End of the decree.¡± An Imperial Decree shocked the entire court as the mighty Xin family fell down from disgrace. After the Xin Yue Ning was stripped off the title of the Empress, Yan Jing was also stripped off the title of a Prince and were thrown into prison with the rest of the Xin clan members to be executed. But afterwards, Ming Jian searched the entire Palace and even the entire capital, yet could not find the shadow of Shui Xin at all. She just disappeared like that. The Xin family was prosperous for hundreds of years and were the moving force of the court but now that tree has collapse and disappeared. This made everyone have a deeper understanding of the rise and fall of a favourite and it was all a game from someone at the top. He can make people admire you and let you enjoy the glory but at the same time can also make you feel hopeless as if your life was worthless. All the officials in the court felt insecure and Yan Hong Tian also took this opportunity to re-arrange the officials of the various ministries. Even though it was a dangerous turn of events but it allowed Yan Hong Tian to be fully control the power and not be subjected with any family influence. After the East Empress Dowager knew that the children that died prematurely were most likely murdered by the Empress, she fell ill and bedridden. The Empress was dethroned and the only eligible person to sit on that position was only Impress Concubine Qing. The rest of the concubines naturally dare not act rashly and hid in their own palace and got out lesser. Therefore even with the many changes in the court, the Inner Palace was exceptionally calm. Spring was actually a beautiful season as it stands for rebirth of all living things as it swept away the winter call and brought warmth back to the world. Unfortunately Qing Feng did not particularly like it as she stood in the warm spring sunlight. Qing Feng was in high spirits painting the winter plum blossoms. A huge piece of paper was spread across the stone table and almost reached the floor. The dark outline of the plum tree was thick as the shades of ink fell into designated trails and each winter plum blossoms vividly moved on the paper. Perhaps at this moment, Qing Feng¡¯s feelings were different thus the plums blossoms that were drawn were wild with a touch of casual. ¡°What are you drawing so early in the morning?¡± The familiar male voice behind had some laughing intention and Qing Feng treated it as though she did not hear it. Although Lou Xi Yan came over to confess, saying that even though the situation had indeed stabilised, the danger that day was indeed real and if Yan Hong Tian did not take precautions and act decisively, the master of country would have changed but they have deceived her so badly. Seeing Zhuo Qing¡¯s and Xi-er¡¯s face, she would not care about Lou Xi Yan but Yan Hong Tian¡­ Hmmm. She still want to ignore him. Qing Feng was as usual, giving a sullen face as Yan Hong Tian comfortably seated on the stone table. After waiting for half a day, the plum blossoms were almost finished but she did not even cast a single glance at him. Yan Hong Tian felt unhappy in his heart and reach his hand out to grab her waist but suddenly he thought about something. He then retrieve his hand back and lowered his head to cough. Qing Feng¡¯s hand that was holding the brush paused a little as she looked over. Yan Hong Tian was crouching as he coughed violently. Thinking of the Imperial Physician mentioning that he was truly poisoned and it was yet fully cured, at the end Qing Feng did not bear the grudge at him and said softly, ¡°Why come over if your body isn¡¯t feeling well. Return to the palace to rest.¡± ¡°Zhen finds that coming over to disturb you for a bit will feel much better.¡± The person who said that did not look sick at all as his hands took the opportunity to go round her waist. ¡°You!¡± Qing Feng really wanted smash the brush over and see if it would shatter that annoying smile on his face. Taking a deep breath, she could not bear to be apart from her brush thus Qing Feng lifted her foot and stepped on his food with her hell severely. Her lean physique made that painful but Yan Hong Tian put up an act and grunted, ¡°Your temper is really not small.¡± ¡°Try being deceived by someone!¡± Every time she thought of how anxious she ran back and said so many things made him tease, Qing Feng felt very angry. Qing Feng started to struggle but Yan Hong Tian placed his lips at her ears and whispered, ¡°You never deceive Zhen before?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± She naturally deceived him before, especially on the matter of Xi-er, she acted on her old and felt guilty towards him, ¡°I am sorry¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian seized the opportunity to bring her tighter into his embrace and the beauty finally became gentle. Finally achieving his purpose, Yan Hong Tian deviated from the topic, ¡°You particularly like painting plum blossoms?¡± Qing Feng was moved with his rare consideration and let him hold her as she added the last strokes on the branches before smiling, ¡°I do paint other flowers but it was only recently that I especially like plum blossoms.¡± ¡°When would you want to paint peonies?¡± (Peonies is said to the Queen of flowers, which also indicate Yan Hong Tian intention for her to be the Empress) Qing Feng¡¯s spine was somewhat stiffen as she coolly replied, ¡°Have never thought of it.¡± The concubines in the Palace usually have big hairdos so that they would look solemn and virtuous but Qing Feng love to keep her hair down all the while. If it was not for an important occasion, she would only use a hairpin to pull her hair together and leave the end of her long hair hanging behind her. Yan Hong Tian hugged her from the back and her mischievous hair often brush against his arms. Curious to what the black satin-like hair would feel like, Yan Hong Tian loosen the hand around Qing Feng¡¯s waist and played with the passing wisp of black hair as he seemingly casually said, ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡± The long hairs were captured in his hands and it was moving from time to time. Qing Feng felt somewhat unnatural and she rolled her eyes at him before replying, ¡°Why do you seek the hardship? To confer the title of an Empress to a foreign female, your those loyal officials would definitely oppose to dead and at that time it would make me seem like I am an evil spirit that have seduced the monarch, bring damage to the country and cause suffering to the people.¡± For no reason he mention about peony and use that kind of questioning, Qing Feng naturally could guess his intention. It¡¯s not that she did not like it but it was that she cannot be bothered about it. Yan Hong Tian laughed out loud indicating his good mood. He would like to see who would oppose to death! But¡­ ¡°Seducing the monarch?¡± Yan Hong Tian laughed muffled, ¡°Aren¡¯t you doing that?¡± After finishing painting the last red blossom, Qing Feng put down her brush in satisfaction and wisely did not continue Yan Hong Tian¡¯s words. She said, ¡°The empty position of the Empress position should not be a long term thing. I feel that¡­ Chen Zhen is suitable for the Queen of flowers.¡± A hint of a smile crossed Yan Hong Tian¡¯s eyes as her cooling hair brushed against his fingertips. Seeing that he did not speak, Qing Feng turned around and removed the hair from Yan Hong Tian¡¯s fingers and seriously said, ¡°Chen Zhen has the ability and political skills and she also delivered Han-er for you. Moreover Chen family does not have any power in the court, which would remove the possibility of another Xin family to occur. Am I right?¡± She was right. The two sisters of the Qing family were now the Prime Minister Furen and the General Furen. Naturally the Lou family and Su clan would be tied together with Qing Feng. If she were to made the Empress, it would also meant that the Lou and Su family would be pushed to the position where the winds and waves were sharp. Qing Feng had always been a very intelligent person and also thought things thoroughly. Yan Hong Tian put his hands round her waist again and laughed, ¡°You don¡¯t want to be the Empress, then what do you want?¡± Her eyes fell on the just finished painting of plum blossoms before Qing Feng sighed, ¡°I missed that sea of bamboo.¡± The winter the year before last, he had promised to bring her to view the plum blossoms last year but at the end the trip was not made. This time he would definitely satisfy her thus Yan Hong Tian out rightly replied, ¡°It is already spring and the plum blossoms would have already wither. After a few days, Zhen will accompany you to see the spring bamboos.¡± ¡°There is one thing that I always wanted to ask you.¡± After enduring it for so long, Qing Feng still asked the question that was entrenched in her heard for so long, ¡°Why did you¡­ Agree to send Xi-er out of the Palace?¡± ¡°At that time the Xin family colluded with Liao Yue and many officials were also eager to make trouble. Zhen was afraid that protection for both mother and son would not done properly at that time. If you deliver to a Prince, the Xin family would use endless variety of methods and Zhen was afraid that danger will fall upon you and the child. If it was a Princess, with the Lou family and Su family backing you up, perhaps you would still be safe. If in this world, anyone was to be the father of Zhen¡¯s child, only Lou Xi Yan have that qualification. Zhen is considered assured to pass the child to him.¡± The East Sea and Northwest border had unrest and even though the troops can protect the bothers but the Capital defenders was reduced from fifty thousand to less than ten thousand. If the troops were not deployed, then Liao Yue would take the opportunity to conquer more territory. If so, how would Qiong Yue be able to claim to be the leader of six nations in the future. A smile was constantly on Yan Hong Tian¡¯s lips and his voice was soothing as if the situation then was as light-hearted as he spoke. Qing Feng felt the bitterness hidden in the smile. He even let her send his son out of the Palace, obviously he was also gambling with chance. Qing Feng lightly leaned into his embrace and whispered, ¡°It was I that was too selfish.¡± That time he only thought about her own fear and did not even thought about the feeling of him as the father of the child and understand his situation. Both of them were always like this. Would Yan Hong Tian talk to her if this kind of situation occur again? Would she go to Yan Hong Tian for help? Maybe¡­ It would not happen¡­ Qing Feng was rarely gentle and agreeable so Yan Hong Tian carried her and stroke her long smooth hair. He suddenly felt that the sunshine from the early spring was so beautiful that made one intoxicated. After another period of cup of tea (modern timing: 15 mins), Qing Feng still let him hold her motionlessly. Yan Hong Tian felt that there was a hint of something wrong and lowered his head to look. He only saw Qing Feng leaning against him but she was staring over his shadows at the red plum blossoms painting on the stone table with her thoughts flown to somewhere else. She did not hide the yearning in her eyes at all and Yan Hong Tian felt a stab of pain in his heart. He pushed her leaning shoulders and coldly said, ¡°You want to leave the Palace right?¡± Qing Feng was surprised for a moment. She did not think that he was able to see it through with her been so careful. Qing Feng no longer wanted to hide, ¡°This Imperial Palace have too many unpleasant memories. There are not too many rules outside the Palace and I can often go to Eldest Sister¡¯s and can also see Xi-er. If you are free, then come over to the residence to take a look at us, both mother and daughter. Without the Palace¡¯s schemes, conflicting interest , we would be able to have a normal life. How nice would it be?¡± Again with the normal life? He as Yan Hong Tian could have anything he wanted except for an ordinary life. It would never belong to him. The warmth faded from Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face and anger flashed in his dark eyes. The atmosphere between tem seemed to have gone back to the first time where they first met. Qing Feng looked down and laughed self-deprecatingly. She was truly raving like a lunatic, how would Yan Hong Tian possibly¡­ She felt a sudden pain on her shoulder and was already tightly hugged by Yan Hong Tian. His breath instantly occuplied her senses and for a moment Qing Feng¡¯s mind went blank. When she finally recovered she only hear a sigh by her ear. ¡°You are truly selfish.¡± The entire Xin clan was executed and Chen Zhen was vindicated. Even though the Emperor did not restored her Imperial Concubine Hui title, he let her return to Ling Yun Palace. As Ming Ze¡¯s arm was injured by swords when he was protecting Fu Ling and Yan Han, he rested for half a month before returning back to Yong Hua Palace for duty. When he return, everything inside was changed. Yan Han has begun to learn to walk and Chen Zhen¡¯s caregivers refused to leave his side. The servants in Yong Hua Palace had been changed and it should be the Chen Zhen¡¯s trusted ones thus Fu Ling was no longer in Yong Hua Palace. Ming Ze leaned against the palace doors to guard. He did not know why but he was feeling a little bored. Where did she go? The next morning, after he has hand over the duty with the guards on morning duty and was about to leave, he saw Fu Ling carrying a basket and walked over. Both of them saw one another and immediately broke eye contact. Fu Ling handed the basket and quickly came out to see that Ming Ze was still standing by the door and walked over after some thought, ¡°Is your injuries better already?¡± Ming Ze awkwardly gave a sound ¡°En¡±. Because of his usual indifference, Fu Ling was not bothered by it. Both of them fell into silence again and it was Fu Ling again who spoke, ¡°After a few days, I will be following Mistress out the Palace and in the future, perhaps there would not be any opportunities to meet again. You¡­ Should take care.¡± She actually did not want to speak with him but it was because that day he saved her, or maybe he was saving Prince Han and she was creating unrequited feelings again, she was grateful to him. Anyways she was about to leave already, so she should treat this as¡­ A goodbye. ¡°You want to leave the Palace?¡± Ming Ze himself also did not discover that this usual low voice was somewhat higher. ¡°I actually have reached the age to leave the Palace.¡± Two of them just stood there, Ming Ze was in eternal silence and Fu Ling also did no know what else to say as she felt somewhat awkward, ¡°There are many things to pack up, I will leave first.¡± Fu Ling walked away so fast like she was fleeing. Ming Ze look at her back view as his heart felt uncomforted. As to why it was uncomfortable, he was unable to say so until Ming Jian came to find him three days later and asked, ¡°Imperial Concubine Qing will be permanently staying at the other residence and the Emperor is worried about her safety, so currently suitable personnels are selected to go along for protection. Previously you did protected Imperial Concubine Qing and after that you receive merit for saving Prince Han. If you were to go, you should be able to be promoted three times to the rank of upper forth rank. But I hope that you will stay by the Emperor as it would be more beneficial for your career. What do you think?¡± Ming Ze did not think more before he replied, ¡°The Palace is not suitable for me.¡± Towards Ming Ze¡¯s choice, Ming Jian was somewhat helpless. It was not easy for this younger brother to talk nicely to him so he exclaimed, ¡°Alright. Then you will go to the Shu Mountain Residence.¡± Shu San Residence. Not bad. The depressing heart that Ming Ze felt these days were swept away. Xiao Mountain outside the capital Winter has passed and spring was coming. The fragrance of spring spread across the land and on the summit of Xiao Mountain, a female clad in black was standing in the early spring light, holding a letter in her hand. There was a touch of a smile on her lips but there was no pleasure at all in her smile and instead had some satire in it. The strong male who was standing behind her was quietly paying attention to the female¡¯s expression and a thin layer of sweat surfaced. The wind was very strong on top of the mountain so the female place the letter on her palm and suddenly waved her hands and with her inner power, she had turned it to scraps of paper. Shui Xin folded her hands in front of herself as she watch the scraps scattered in the win with sharp eyes. The information that Lin Shui Alliance sold to Liao Yue was correct but that did not mean that they would be able to be controlled by them. Without her pulling the strings, how would the Xin family be able to gang up with the Imperial family of Liao Yue. Bai Yi actually reprimanded her in the letter for not helping the Xin Sui to force the Emperor to abdicate and being an incompetent. Humph! She was not even afraid of Yan Hong Tian, Bai Yi that newly titled Crown Prince, she did not put him in her sight at all. ¡°What are the status of the matters?¡± A clear cold female voice was heard and one was unable to hear any emotions from it. The strong man quickly bowed and replied, ¡°It is completed. The Xin family bones have been buried and Furen was also buried with Xin Sui per Master¡¯s instruction.¡± After hearing it, Shui Xin suddenly laughed heartily. She was an illegitimate daughter and she really didn¡¯t know what charm Xin Sui possessed that made her mother bear constantly in her mind that her dying wish was to be able to be buried in the Xin family tombs and be a Xin family member upon death. If not for her particular wish, she herself would not have stayed at Xin Yue Ning¡¯s side for almost ten years with her own free will. Unfortunately that old man really treated her as a pushover and made use of her time after time but did not put her mother¡¯s ashes in the Xin family tomb. Since it was as such, that one cannot blame her. Now it was better this way, not to mention the Xin tombs, even to let them be buried together and scatter all the ashes of the main family, who else could stop her?! Hearing Shui Xin¡¯s frenzied laughter, the strong male standing behind lowered his head and dare not speak. He waited until she finished laughing before cautiously asking, ¡°Currently, Master¡¯s wanted notice is pasted everywhere, does Master want¡­ To escape for a while?¡± Listening to the strong male¡¯s words, Shui Xin¡¯s expression did not change and her mood seems to be much better, ¡°It¡¯s also good. Set off tomorrow, towards Liao Yue.¡± It would not be so easy for them to find her! Before Shui Xin went down the mountain, she looked back towards the direction of the capital and the smile on her lips widen. The only person that caught her eyes was only one. Qing Mo, I hope that we would have the opportunity to compete. Chapter 116 The beginning of autumn should be the best of the season, the cool air and atmosphere made one feel refresh in every breath. The plum blossoms at the Shu Shan Residence was no longer like how it was previously. Great care was put into the endless plum tree forest that their branches were full of foliage. Even though there were no blossoming flowers in autumn, looking at the growth of the vigorous branches, they too have a different type of beauty. A lean figure stood in the middle of the plum blossoms as the cool autumn wind blew the pale blue dress as it fluttered around. A large hand suddenly came out from behind and Qing Feng was enveloped in a warm embrace. ¡°It is almost autumn and you still don¡¯t wear an additional layer of clothes.¡± The person behind seem to be not happy as the hand around the waist tightened. Qing Feng comfortably lean against this familiar embrace and did not seem to care about that person¡¯s temper but instead laughed, ¡°This year¡¯s plum blossoms must be better than last year.¡± Yan Hong Tian glanced at the plum blossom forest which was of no difference to previous years and asked, ¡°How could you tell?¡± ¡°With me taking great care of it, of course the blossoms would get better.¡± Speaking of this made Yan Hong Tian not happy. He rarely came over to Shu Shan Residence but Qing Feng was either busy with the plum blossoms or thinking of the bamboo forest behind the mountain else she would be busy taking care of Ning-er. She did not even see eye to eye at him. How could Yan Hong Tian not be angry. He held onto Qing Feng¡¯s shoulder and turn her around to face him. Yan Hong Tian lightly cough, ¡°No matter how good, one would need to also give thanks.¡± Seeing Yan Hong Tian¡¯s poor expressions, Qing Feng started the chuckled as she replied without fear, ¡°That is true but the good thing is that it would still flower next year.¡± She was getting not afraid of him! Yan Hong Tian glared at her and suddenly raised his hand. Qing Feng did not hide and only felt her hair gently moved. She curiously asked, ¡°What is it?¡± As Qing Feng asked, one of her hand reach up and touched a hairpin like thing on her head. She took it down and saw that it was indeed a hairpin. The purple gold long hairpin was very unique, on the front of the slender body of the hairpin was a captivating red plum blossom and below the blossom the tassels were hanging down like water. At the end of the tassel, there were pieces of jade carved into small bamboos. The hairpin was not large but it was especially beautiful. ¡°Since you like plum blossoms, you now can have a plum blossom that would not wither.¡± Yan Hong Tian put up a relaxed look but his eyes kept on staring at Qing Feng¡¯s face, as if he feared of missing any of her expression. Qing Feng does not like to wear jewellery and did not wear the usual stuff that was bestowed. This hairpin was found after great pains. The red colour and red ruby inlay already took half a year to prepare and was only completed recently. Yan Hong Tian waiting for a long time but Qing Feng only stared at the hairpin and did not say anything. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s brows gradually twisted up, ¡°Don¡¯t like it?¡± Putting back the hairpin lightly into her hair, Qing Feng then slowly raised her head. Her eyes was filled with warmth but she said¡­ ¡°Only one is considered little.¡± Yan Hong Tian was surprised for a moment before laughing, ¡°What a greedy female.¡± She reached her hands out to circle around Yan Hong Tian¡¯s neck and buried her face between his shoulders and neck as she replied muffled, ¡°Now then you know?¡± Previously she felt that she would be satisfied to be able to get out of the Palace to live freely at this place and occasionally see him. Who knew that she had underestimated herself. Even now when he see her almost every few days, she still felt that it was not enough. She was greedy. Naturally Yan Hong Tian did not know Qing Feng thoughts at the moment but it was rare for this beauty to throw herself into his arms so Yan Hong Tian would certainly not let go and tighten his arms around her. ¡°Xi Yan, do you find that this plum blossom forest seemed a little small that one is unable to hide anywhere.¡± Suddenly a female voice sounded behind that killed the joy. Yan Hong Tian turned back and saw Lou Xi Yan and Zhuo Qing standing not far away with a look of entertained. Qing Feng retrieved her hands back from around Yan Hong Tian¡¯s neck as a touch of flush appeared on her fair face. She slightly struggled a little but Yan Hong Tian continued to hold on. What a joke. He was a monarch of an nation and this is his territory so the people who should withdraw should be that people who are annoying the lovey dovely of a couple. Unfortunately this couple were not ordinary people and had no intentions of withdrawing thus the most embarrassed person was Qing Feng. It was fortunate that her obedient daughter came to rescue her. ¡°Daddy¡­¡± A childish voice sounded and Yan Hong Tian looked down seeing Yan Ning pulling the corner of his clothes as she look at him with her big watery eyes as if she wanted him to carry her. Seeing his own daughter by his feet, Yan Hong Tian was then willing to let go. When he just squatted down, the little body threw herself into his arms. Yan Ning was not over two years old thus she was not able to walk properly or speak much but the word ¡®daddy¡¯ was carefully taught by Qing Feng thus it was said particularly clear. Yan Hong Tian enjoyed listening to it as it was much more to his liking than the ¡®Imperial Father¡¯ that was used to listening. Little Yan Ning was already perfect at such a young age, especially that small cinnabar mole like it was a red plum embedded between her brows. ¡°Be good Ning-er.¡± Yan Hong Tian carried his daughter and sat her on his lap pampering. He took out a bag of candy and gave it to her. Yan Ning¡¯s little eyes shone bring as she grab one piece and put it in her mouth as she happily smile with her eyes closed. Seeing two little figures standing not far away, Yan Hong Tian smile, ¡°Chen-er, Xi-er, come over here.¡± The two children tottered over to Yan Hong Tian¡¯s side and he handed the candy to them. Both of them look at one other before Lou Xi reached his hand out to take one piece but handed it to his sister. Lou Chen took the piece of candy from him but did not eat it and instead put it into Lou Xi¡¯s mouth before reaching out to take one piece of candy for herself to eat. Yan Hong Tian watched in laughter at the interaction of both children when a candy was placed near his lips. Yan Ning sweet voice followed with it, ¡°Daddy¡­ Eat¡­¡± Yan Hong Tian slightly frown. He usually do not like to eat these disgustingly sweet thing but the little girl seems set in heart and pushed the candy into his mouth. Yan Hong Tian was helpless towards it and can only open his out to eat. Lou Xi saw his Eldest Sister Ning had fed Yifu (husband of mother¡¯s sister) a candy so he also learned from her and picked one candy to place near Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mouth. Yan Hong Tian felt a moment of loss, if it was someone else, he did not have to eat but this person was Xi-er. Let alone candy, if it was poison, he would also swallowed it down. Lou Chen saw the entanglement and look at Yan Ning before turning to see Lou Xi. She thought about it and also pick up a candy to place it at Yan Hong Tian¡¯s mouth. His mouth was already filled with two candies but seeing Lou Chen big bright eyes, Yan Hong Tian bit the bullet and also ate the other candy up. The three little fellows surrounded Yan Hong Tian and seemingly falling in love with the game of you feed one candy, I feed another game. Yan Hong Tian finally had too much and called out, ¡°You all just stand there by the side-lines?!¡± Qing Feng stood by the side smiling while Zhuo Qing pretended not to have seen it. Only Lou Xi Yan took two steps forward and gently sighed with his soft voice, ¡°It¡¯s truly a touching scene.¡± The three of them refused to lend a helping hand which made Yan Hong Tian just about to make things difficult when Fu Ling hurriedly ran over. Seeing that Yan Hong Tian was here, she quickly bowed and greeted, ¡°May the Emperor have thousands of blessings.¡± Seeing her abnormal expression, Qing Feng asked, ¡°What had happened?¡± ¡°The General¡¯s Furen is about to deliver but after one day she have yet to deliver. The people from the General¡¯s residence came over and would like to bring Lou Furen over.¡± The people there were stumped for words. Gu Yun was about to deliver? Wasn¡¯t it not due for another few more days? Zhuo Qing was too hurried to ask more questions and said, ¡°Where are the people from the General¡¯s residence? I want to go there now.¡± ¡°In the front hall.¡± Zhuo Qing nodded her head and ran over. Qing Feng was also worried that it would be a difficult birth for Gu Yun and shouted to Zhuo Qing¡¯s figure, ¡°Wait up, we will also go.¡± After finishing, she did not even ask Yan Hong Tian as she handed the three children to Fu Ling and pulled his hand to head out. Yan Hong Tian¡¯s face darken, his official¡¯s wife was about to deliver and what logic was it that he, as an Emperor, would go over to look? Just as he was about to pull Qing Feng back to say that he would not be going, he saw Qing Feng strained look as she tightly pulled his hand. Yan Hong Tian changed his mind after some thought. Never mind, will go and be concern about this younger sister-in-law. It would not matter much. He looked over and also saw that Zhuo Qing was pulling Lou Xi Yan along and he had a helpless smile on his face. Seeing that, his heart became much better¡­ General¡¯s Residence When they rushed over to Ling Yun Court, where Gu Yun was staying, they were almost shocked at the scene. Qing Feng stood frozen for a moment and if the atmosphere was not like that, she would have laughed out. In the huge Ling Yun Court, other than the area in front of the door where Su Ling was pacing anxiously, the rest of the area were densely packed. Gu Yun was delivering a baby and a group of soldiers were crouching outside to wait. What exactly was this scene?! Zhuo Qing went into the house to help while Qing Feng went to inquire about the whole story. So it was said that Gu Yun felt that since there were several more days before the birth, she went to see the army exercise today. Who knew that after watching half of it, her abdomen started to hurt and that immediately brought chaos to the entire disciplined and orderly General¡¯s residence. At that time Gu Yun was in so much pain that her entire face was white, which scared the entire platoon of soldiers. What kind of person was Gu Yun, during normal trainings they have all seen it, she would not even complain or make a single sound no matter how hard it was but now there were screaming coming out of the room from time to time. Listening to the screams made them feel absolutely horrified as they worried incessantly, thus they just crouch nearby to wait for the news. In the room, after much efforts from Zhuo Qing and the midwife, the child was finally born. When the crisp cries from the child sounded, the atmosphere outside was boiling. Zhuo Qing wrapped the child well and showed to Gu Yun as she smiled, ¡°Yun, it¡¯s a daughter.¡± After being torment for the entire day, no matter how good Gu Yun physical strength was, she can only now lay on the bed and not move. Gu Yun slightly looked up at the quieten baby and nodded her head. It¡¯s good as long as there was no mishap. ¡°I will carry out for them to take a lot and also call Su Ling in.¡± Gu Yun lightly coughed and when Zhuo Qing opened the door, she saw Su Ling¡¯s tall huge figure blocking the way as he spoke to her in a hoarse voice filled with anxiety, ¡°How is she?¡± ¡°Both mother and child are safe, you can go in to see her.¡± Before Zhuo Qing could finish, Su Ling ran into the room in a flash, without even asking if the child was a boy or a girl. Zhuo Qing slightly smile as she carried the baby to the courtyard, ¡°Congratulations, it¡¯s a daughter.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Zhuo Qing¡¯s face stiffen as the elders in the Su family stared at her with enlarged eyes and voices as loud as thunder. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s a girl?!¡± Even the usually elegant Su Ren¡¯s facial expression were strange. ¡°How could it be a girl?!¡± ¡°Really a daughter?¡± ¡°Furen actually gave birth to a daughter?!¡± Seeing the extremely shocked expressions on this group of men, Zhuo Qing was very confused. Even Yan Hong Tian and Lou Xi Yan had an incredible look on their face like it was a strange thing that Yun could deliver a girl. Zhuo Qing¡¯s heart was somewhat unhappy as she coldly retorted, ¡°What is wrong with a daughter?¡± ¡°Daughter¡­ A daughter is great!¡± ¡°The ancestors have gave their blessings!¡± ¡°Quick. Quickly go back to report to the elders that there is a daughter in our Su family!¡± Zhuo Qing previously thought they valued sons and belittled daughters and was unhappy about it. But they fell into chaos as they took in the good news. Zhuo Qing stood frozen there, suddenly not knowing what was going on as this group of males in the Su family surrounded her with a look of joy on their faces, staring at the baby in her arms as they sing praises. ¡°What a pretty baby girl. Her little face looks really good.¡± ¡°Yes, really look good.¡± ¡°What soft and supple skin, will definitely be a great beauty when grown up!¡± A group of men stared at the little baby girl until they were almost drooling and that made Zhuo Qing entire body filled with goose bumps. She finally remembered Xi Yan mentioning that all these years the Su family always had sons and never had daughters before. No wonder they had such a cherish look on their faces. She could imagine in the future, this little girl would be spoilt by this group of men. Seeing each one of them seemingly have stars in their eyes, Zhuo Qing push the child forward and said, ¡°Let you carry to slowly look at her.¡± When Qing Feng just finished her words, the originally excited men surrounding her seemed to have suffered a great shock and immediately jumped seven to eight steps away from her. ¡°No no no, you should carry instead.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a baby girl! What if she was carried incorrectly?¡± Zhuo Qing was speechless and at this moment she start to worry about this precious daughter of the Su family that would be loved by thousands. To grow up by the side of this group of men and with Gu Yun as her mother, was it¡­ Really not a problem? Chapter 117(End) Sixteen Years Later In the afternoon of the beginning of autumn at a huge side courtyard, three young girls were sitting under a tree. All three of them were very beautiful but each were a different type of beauty. The female that was sitting nearest to the door was dressed in a green white dress as her expression was as calm as water as she silently wipe the thin blade she was holding. The sword was very thin but it was extremely sharp. By her side, the red clad girl was very different from her. As the crimson clothes outline her face, there was a cinnabar mole in the middle of her brows, as bright as fire. She sat tall and straight with her brows arched like there was some sort of noble atmosphere. As compared, the white clad female was much more lazy as she prop her chin with one hand and held a cup of tea with the other. There was a calculated smile in her eyes and she did not hide it, ¡°Elder Sister Chen, Elder Sister Ning, after a few more days it would be my sixteen birthday. Do you¡­ Have any indications?¡± The red clad girl look at her and asked frankly, ¡°What kind of indication do you want?¡± ¡°Oh. What you gift is your intention, why let the birthday star mention what gift to receive?¡± ¡°Intention?¡± Yan Ning frowned but she soon replied, ¡°This is simple.¡± Seeing that she ready did not continue questioning, Su Su was somewhat anxious and turn the subject around, ¡°But nonetheless¡­ Since I am so considerate, I will definitely not let my two elder sisters headache. I will reluctantly give my requests.¡± Having known that she had something she want, Yan Ning smiled, ¡°Say it.¡± ¡°Ke ke.¡± Faking a cough, Su Su said loudly, ¡°I want to have¡­¡± The end of the sentence was dragged on but she did not continue for a long time. Yan Ning had a look of intolerance, ¡°Speak!¡± Su Su hesitantly replied, ¡°I want an Lin Lang legendary luminous night pearl.¡± Yan Ning frowned, ¡°What do you want it for?¡± Su Su snickered but did not answer. The person who was sitting at the side, carrying a sword spoke coldly, ¡°I¡¯m afraid the luminous night put in the military building is broken and she is trying to replace it.¡± The Su family¡¯s military building was a place used to develop fire weapons and fire cannot be found near it. Lin Lang luminous night pearl is much brighter than ordinary luminous night pear and would be best for lighting purposes. Su Su¡¯s face turn red as she quickly said, ¡°How can it be?!¡± Lou Chen slightly glanced up at her and under her cold gaze, Zu Zu pouted and did not refute. So actually she had already created a problem. Yan Ning laughed, ¡°You have your Eighteen Lian Bu and you are still afraid of Youngest Auntie¡¯s punishments.¡± Talking about the Eighteen Lian Bu, it was truly the supreme Qinggong skill in the entire world. Faster and graceful than birds flying and it only require a blink of an eye for that figure to leap out of ten Zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet). With one breath one would be able to use much energy to jump up a ladder, much less ten Zhang. If she really wanted to run, Su Ling would not be able to keep up. It was said that for Su Su to be able to master this skill, she would need to thank her dearest mum, Gu Yun. As the only daughter of the Su family, Su Su was never afraid of anyone, even with that high up above Emperor Uncle, she would also dare to talk back but to one person, she would immediately be like a mouse meeting a cat and droop down. But this Miss Su was not a well-behaved person since young and it would be impossible for her not to create trouble or laze around. So since young, she was always punished by Gu Yun. Because of Gu Yun¡¯s sword skills were exceptionally good but she did not have any Qinggong (ability to move swiftly and lightly at superhuman speed) knowledge, thus in order to hide from Gu Yun, Miss Su other martial arts skills were mediocre but her footwork were not lacking. After practicing, after she was twelve years old, Gu Yun was unable to catch her in a fit of anger. Just like¡­ Now. Lou Chen and Yan Ning only felt that the scene in front of them blurred and a white figure flashed past. The teacup was left on the table was still turning but Su Su¡¯s shadow was not to be seen. Both of them looked at one another and a smile appeared on their lips. Without saying anything, they knew that Youngest Auntie was here already and sure enough a voice called out from the door, ¡°Su Su ¡ª¡± No matter how fast she run, at the end she still need to be punished. Miss Su had do thirty laps of leapfrog round the field under everyone¡¯s view. When she return back to her room, her legs were trembling like sieves and had to usher in her sixteen birthday on the bed as she laid on the bed for two days. In the side room of one of the wings of the residence, Su Su laid lazily on the bed that even if others entered, she was too lazy to get up. ¡°Do you still want the luminous night pearl?¡± Yan Ning was playing with a fist sized luminous pearl. Even in broad daylight, one can see its glow, needless to say how it would be at night. The person on the bed rolled her eye and turn over and humph, ¡°Not needed. Already suffered the punishment, so why do I still need it.¡± A fair hand suddenly stretched out and Su Su saw the small embroidered box in front of her. She happily sat up and opened it impatiently. There laid ten dark green pills with a medicinal fragrance. Su Su¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Nuan Xin Pills?! Elder Sister Chen is the best!¡± In order to heal Lou Xi Yan¡¯s health, Zhuo Qing devoted herself in learning traditional medicine and with the integration of traditional and western medicine, her medical skill were at a higher level. Lou Chen was naturally smart since young and with that influence, her medical skills was also not low. She would occasionally would make some blood circulation or pain pills. As for the kind of suffering Miss Su was suffering from, it was naturally a good thing. Lou Chen faintly replied, ¡°Take lesser.¡± ¡°I know I know.¡± As Su Su spoke, she threw two pills into her mouth to chew. Yan Ning shook her head, already pained for a few days and it would be alright to just tolerate. She even ate two pills and this was considered taking lesser? Anyways Lou Chen did not speak more and just spoil her, so Yan Ning was also lazy to tell her off and handed the rectangular box over. What thing was it? Su Su was filled with curiosity and open the box to take a look. It was a map of Hao Yue on a leather. It was actually rare to have a map and if it was in a common family, it would be considered as a treasure but Su Su was not attracted to it at all as there were different kind of maps in the Su family. Su Su threw the map back into the box and asked, ¡°Elder Sister Ning, why do you gift me a map?¡± Taking the map out and spreading on the table, Yan Ning eyes fell onto a place somewhere on the map as her gaze heated up, ¡°Don¡¯t you all find boring being shut in the capital?¡± ¡°Of course bored.¡± Seeing the map on the table before looking at Yan Ning, Su Su was finally willing to get up. She propped her chin up and smiled, ¡°Elder Sister Ning, have you thought of something fun?¡± Yan Ning looked up and gave a rather mysterious smile, ¡°Why not let¡¯s make a bet.¡± ¡°What kind of bet?¡± ¡°The world is so big, let¡¯s see who can find a treasure on their own abilities. Taking one year as the timeline, we will do the comparison next year this time.¡± ¡°One year? Does this mean running away from home?! My mum will definitely skin me alive.¡± Even Miss Su was saying that, her eyes were shinning with excitement. ¡°Then do you want to bet on it or not?¡± ¡°Bet!¡± That one word was able to show the world her lust for the world. Yan Ning look towards the silent Yan Chen who was sitting at the side. Yan Chen has always had no expression and also did not have many words but her mind was exceptionally keen. Yan Ning was somewhat nervous, ¡°How about you?¡± Lou Chen glance at the map on the table and looked back at Yan Ning before a rare smile was raise on her lips as she replied, ¡°Alright.¡± In the third of the five night watch (modern timing: 11 pm ¨C 1 am), three figures blotted to the city walls and actually climbed over the wall before leaping down. They fell at the other side of the wall lightly. This was considered nothing to them which showed their extraordinary martial arts skills. The three person ran out ten Zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) before stopping. ¡°The dateline is a year.¡± ¡°Take care.¡± After saying those simple words, three of them ran towards three directions without looking back. Yan Ning kept running ahead but she felt apologetic in her heart. Chen, Su Su, I am sorry, I must go to that place. Only upon deceiving you all out, it would then scattered the family¡¯s resources and thus would not be able to bring me back that quickly. Forgive me. Forgive me! As compared to Yan Ning¡¯s urgency, Miss Su was much more leisured. She was ben on seeing the magnificent scenery of the sea and naturally chose the East Sea. Until she played enough, she would then go to Ju Ling Island to visit Uncle Ao and get a treasure conveniently. Maybe she would win the yearlong agreement! Lou Chen had a cold look in her eyes as her expression was indifferent. Her pace was calm as she headed toward the west. Then¡­ She will travel further away, how about Liao Yue? Three person, three different thoughts. In any chase, their journeys would unfold. ¡°Would there be any danger for the three of them to just run off like this?¡± In the tall city tower, there stood a few people watching three of them going away. Qing Feng was still somewhat worried. Zhuo Qing looked very relaxed, ¡°They are already this big, it is nothing to go out to tour around.¡± Thinking of his own daughter¡¯s negligent character, Su Ling whispered, ¡°Should we send someone to secretly protect?¡± ¡°Not allowed.¡± There was a bit of pride in Gu Yun¡¯s clear voice, ¡°They have learned a number of skills in these years. What is the meaning of having people to protect when they go out.¡± ¡°That is true.¡± Zhuo Qing and Qing Feng thought about it and actually nodded. During the conversation, the three slim figure completely disappeared into the night. The females at the city towered turn to leave and left the three men who are currently in a dilemma. After all, they were their own precious daughter. ¡°Really don¡¯t care?¡± Su Ling and Lou Xi Yan looked at Yan Hong Tian at the same time. He was the monarch and they are his officials so naturally they would listen to him. Yan Hong Tian shook his head as his lips formed a smile as he replied, ¡°This is a family matter and base on that, Xi Yan the Eldest brother-in-law.¡± Su Ling turn and looked at Lou Xi Yan unbothered, anyways it would not be his turn to make the decision and be blamed. Lou Xi Yan black eyes slightly narrowed as he leisured replied in a moist voice, ¡°Furens only said not to secretly protect and did not say that we can¡¯t secretly ¡®monitor¡¯.¡± This was alright? Lou Xi Yan was indeed Lou Xi Yan¡­ Ten days later In the large hall the General¡¯s residence, there knelt three persons with full of shame on their face. ¡°This solider is useless, had lost Princess Ning in the Hei Shan Feng forest.¡± ¡°This solider is useless, had lost Miss Chen in Wu Men border.¡± ¡°This solider is useless, had lost Miss Su in Mao city.¡± The brows of the three men who were sitting down wrinkled below it slowly released. There were some pride on their faces. Lou Xi Yan¡¯s lips hooked up with a faint smile, ¡°It seems that¡­ We have underestimated them.¡±