Volume 2 Chapter 1 - Establishing Authority! Slapping Hua Yuxuan
The next morning, as Leng Jiu woke up, she found a piece of paper on her bedside. She asked Ziyu about it, but Ziyu said no one had entered. However, the paper was indeed there! Opening it, she saw the identities of two people and the forces they represented. Leng Jiu raised her eyebrows slightly after reading it; the information exceeded her expectations.
Pursing her lips, she threw the paper into the fire to burn it! The paper must have been sent by Leng Yue, and it arrived quite quickly. Given his diligence, she decided not to hold a grudge against him for dragging her into the General’s mansion yesterday!
Looking at the sky, she saw the weather was good today, but Leng Jiu didn’t leave the palace. Instead, she called Ziyu and Qiuxin inside, closed the door, and spoke to them. She needed two capable and absolutely loyal maids by her side!
After indoctrinating Ziyu and Qiuxin, Leng Jiu called for Duheng: “Why haven’t I seen Lu Chang?”
“Eunuch Lu left when Ziyu and Qiuxin came in. This servant does not know where he went!”
“You don’t know?” Leng Jiu lowered her eyes slightly.
Duheng immediately knelt: “This servant has failed in his duties. Please forgive me, Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu looked at him quietly, but Duheng felt an overwhelming pressure, like a mountain on his back. In just a moment, sweat appeared on his forehead. After a while, Leng Jiu finally spoke leisurely: “Tell me what you’ve heard these days!”
Duheng quickly responded: “The day before yesterday, the Emperor summoned Noble Consort Ning to his quarters. In Hua Guifei’s palace, a set of fine golden silk jade butterfly teacups was broken. In Noble Consort Li’s palace, a second-class palace maid named Ruer hurt Noble Consort Li while combing her hair and was punished with twenty strokes. As for Noble Consort Hui…”
He spoke clearly and to the point. Leng Jiu listened quietly, unable to help but nod in appreciation: “How did you find out so much?”
“Replying to the Empress Dowager, this servant used to work in the imperial kitchen and has acquaintances in every palace. With some small incentives, it’s easy to gather some information!”
Leng Jiu nodded. No wonder! After a moment of thought, she suddenly asked, “What do you think of Lu Chang?”
Duheng cautiously glanced at Leng Jiu’s expression and said, “This servant has followed Eunuch Lu for less than a year, so I don’t know him well. However, Eunuch Lu is very kind and treats us well!”
Leng Jiu tapped her fingers and smiled slightly: “Indeed, Lu Chang is easy to get along with!”
She looked silently at Duheng, who was kneeling on the ground. He was steady and tactful, a good talent. Calling Ziyu, she had Ziyu bring out a bag of gold pieces. Leng Jiu weighed it, walked down herself, and placed the gold in Duheng’s hands: “I’ve heard that there is strife and exclusion among the palace servants. Tell me, if someone were to offer them refuge when they are oppressed, what would they do?”
Duheng’s eyes lit up instantly as he received the gold: “This servant understands!”
Leng Jiu smiled slightly, stood up straight, took a few steps, and then turned back as if she had just remembered something: “Lu Chang is busy. In the future, report these matters directly to me!”
Although Duheng was not very old, he had been in the palace for many years and naturally understood the meaning behind his master’s words: “This servant understands!”
“You may leave.”
“Yes!”
Leng Jiu turned back into the hall and saw Qiuxin holding a small plate of beef, trying to coax Kano, but Kano ignored her no matter how she tried. Qiuxin was so frustrated that her face puffed up. Leng Jiu couldn’t help but smile at her childish behavior. She was indeed still a child!
“Empress Dowager!” Seeing Leng Jiu enter, Qiuxin quickly put the plate down and stood respectfully.
Leng Jiu walked over, poked Kano’s buttocks, and when it was about to get angry, she picked it up and gently stroked it: “Am I that scary?”
Qiuxin quickly shook her head!
Leng Jiu smiled: “Then why do you act like you’re afraid I’ll eat you?”
Qiuxin lowered her head: “Please forgive me, Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu turned to Ziyu in confusion: “Did I say she was guilty?”
Ziyu smiled and shook her head: “No!”
“Then what is she asking me to forgive her for?”
“Probably for being stupid!”
“Haha! That’s a good crime!”
Qiuxin looked at them talking and felt a bit lost. Ziyu scolded her: “The Empress Dowager didn’t blame you, so why are you asking for forgiveness? You’re just bringing trouble on yourself!”
Qiuxin half understood. She was younger than Ziyu and, despite her cleverness, was still quite naive.
Seeing her like this, Leng Jiu explained: “You were happily teasing Kano just now, but as soon as I came in, you became so reserved, as if I were scary. I don’t like people who don’t know the rules, but I also don’t like those who pretend to be reserved in front of me. Be yourself, and as long as you don’t make mistakes, I won’t punish you!”
She then handed Kano to Qiuxin: “Hold it and find something it likes to eat. It doesn’t like beef; try venison or fish.”
Qiuxin carefully held Kano, afraid of dropping it. After a while, she realized what Leng Jiu meant and quickly responded with a smile: “This servant understands!”
Leng Jiu waved her hand: “Go on!”
Relieved by Leng Jiu’s words, Qiuxin left with Kano, her steps much lighter and less restrained than before.
Ziyu smiled at this: “Qiuxin’s name means ‘sorrow,’ but she has such a cheerful personality!”
Leng Jiu was intrigued: “Ziyu, you can read?”
Ziyu bowed: “My father is a teacher at an academy. I grew up with him and learned some words.”
“And can you manage accounts?”
“I learned a bit from the stewardess, but I can’t say I’m proficient, just passable.”
Leng Jiu smiled: “It seems I’ve found a treasure!”
Ziyu smiled: “The Empress Dowager is joking!”
Leng Jiu thought for a moment and said, “You need to learn everything. I’ll give you control of the small storeroom for now. Manage it and show me what you can do.”
Ziyu, a bit overwhelmed by the trust, immediately knelt down to thank her: “Thank you for your trust, Empress Dowager!”
Leng Jiu didn’t like the concubines of the harem coming to pay their respects. Since Hua Yuxuan was reprimanded last time, she hadn’t returned. Leng Jiu didn’t leave Weiyang Palace, and Long Yi didn’t come either, making it quite peaceful for a while.
The next day, Leng Jiu changed her clothes and left the palace. With some free time now, she had things to take care of!
Holding her token, she left the palace. After walking a few steps, she smiled. They’re still following me? This time, the followers were more skilled in martial arts, as she couldn’t sense their presence. However, her intuition, honed through numerous life-and-death experiences, told her that someone was trailing her, and she never doubted her intuition!
This time, she didn’t have Gong Yu to use again. After thinking for a bit, she headed to the General’s Mansion. After half an hour, she arrived at the mansion gate, knocked, and walked in under the surprised gaze of the gatekeeper. She pushed open the study door and saw Leng Yue there. Leng Yue was surprised to see her, but she didn’t care. She walked over and found a place to sit: “There are two tails outside. Give me a hand!”
Leng Yue raised an eyebrow and lightly tapped the table with his fingers, which bore an eagle-winged ring: “Why should I help you?”
“Aren’t you my brother? Brothers should protect their sisters. Now is your time to shine!” Leng Jiu said matter-of-factly.
Leng Yue’s lips twitched, unsure whether to laugh or be angry at her shamelessness. After a moment, seeing her determined look, he finally waved his hand. Someone immediately left without needing instructions, clearly to deal with the two tails.
Not long after, the person returned silently, and Leng Jiu stood up, clapped her hands, and smiled at Leng Yue: “Thanks, big brother!”
Then she left gracefully! The hidden person was surprised: Did the young lady notice his presence?
Leng Yue lightly tapped the table, his dark eyes growing even deeper.
After leaving the General’s Mansion, Leng Jiu found an inn to change clothes and then headed straight to the house where Mo Di and his sister lived. Mo Di was about to leave, and upon seeing Leng Jiu, he turned to go. Leng Jiu didn’t want to chase him, but she needed him for something: “Wait!”
She jogged to catch up and handed him two pieces of paper under his indifferent gaze: “Go check on the families listed here.”
Then she left, not wanting to see his cold face.
Mo Di took the papers from his arm, looked at them briefly, and then put them away before stepping out.
When Leng Jiu went to see Mo Yina, she was practicing walking. But after watching for a while, Leng Jiu was speechless. Is she trying to walk like a cat or twist like a pretzel?
“Sister Jiu! You’re here!” Mo Yina beamed with joy and immediately clung to Leng Jiu. Since learning Leng Jiu was two years older, she became a little sister and stuck to her in various ways.
Leng Jiu held her head before she could snuggle into her chest, exasperated: “Can you stop clinging like a puppy?”
Mo Yina bit her lip, looking pitiful: “Does Sister Jiu hate me now?”
Leng Jiu: …
Seeing her helpless look, Mo Yina burst into laughter, linking arms with Leng Jiu: “Sister Jiu is the best; how could you hate me, right?”
She led Leng Jiu to a seat, poured her a cup of water, and suddenly asked gossipy: “By the way, did you run into my brother on your way here?”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow after taking a sip: “What if I did? What if I didn’t?”
Seeing her indifferent attitude, Mo Yina slumped in her seat, puzzled: “So many girls on the prairie like my brother. Why do you seem so indifferent? Has my brother lost his charm?”
Leng Jiu flicked her forehead: “If you have time to think about this, practice properly and don’t embarrass me!”
Mo Yina rubbed her forehead and stood up: “Come on! I’ll practice well!”
Leng Jiu opened the bundle she brought, which contained two sets of men’s clothing: “Put these on!”
Fifteen minutes later, two handsome young men appeared. Mo Yina looked at Leng Jiu in amazement, her face growing redder, her amber eyes full of admiration, almost drooling!
Leng Jiu gave her another flick: “Stop drooling; I’m a woman!”
Mo Yina clung to Leng Jiu’s arm: “Even if you’re a woman, I’d marry you, Sister Jiu, no, Brother Jiu!”
Leng Jiu shivered and pushed her away in disgust: “Stop grossing me out, will you?”
Mo Yina giggled: “You’re so good-looking. Now I understand why you’re indifferent to my brother. Dressed as a man, you’re as attractive as him, if not more. Who knows how many hearts you’ll steal!”
Leng Jiu rolled her eyes: “Let’s go!”
Dressed in white, elegant and handsome, Leng Jiu led the way. Mo Yina, a bit awkward in her servant’s clothes and a hat covering half her face, followed behind, barely noticeable.
“Young Master! Over here!” As soon as they stepped into the street, sharp-eyed girls noticed Leng Jiu and shyly waved handkerchiefs.
“Young Master, this way!”
“Young Master, come here!”
Leng Jiu walked gracefully, while Mo Yina felt overwhelmed. What kind of place is this? And why is Sister Jiu so natural, more dashing than those playboys, leaving her speechless!
“Come on!” Leng Jiu pulled her into the largest brothel, “Red Sleeve House.”
“Oh my! Such a handsome young master!” The madam welcomed them with a broad smile, waving her red handkerchief: “Is this your first time here? Come, come, upstairs! Our girls are the prettiest, sure to please you!”
Mo Yina rubbed her arms, goosebumps all over, while Leng Jiu responded with a light smile. Mo Yina was amazed at how she could tolerate the madam’s eagerness, even though she was a woman. Why was the madam so enthusiastic?
Under Mo Yina’s bewildered gaze, Leng Jiu slipped a banknote into the madam’s barely-covered bosom, even giving it a squeeze. Despite the lewdness, her face remained dignified: “Bring your top girl to me!”
The madam’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the hundred tael note, her smile widening. She coyly waved her handkerchief: “Oh, you! Wait here, I’ll bring her right away!”
She then called a passing girl: “Take this young master to the Hibiscus Room and serve him well!”
The girl blushed at the sight of Leng Jiu and responded shyly: “Don’t worry, madam, I understand!”
She then bashfully gestured to Leng Jiu: “This way, young master!”
Leng Jiu followed with a smile, slowing her pace when she reached the second-floor corridor. She pulled Mo Yina aside and whispered so only the two of them could hear, “Watch closely. This is a man’s world, but in this place, not only can men dominate women, but women can also dominate men.”
She hooked her arm around Mo Yina’s shoulder and continued, “There are many kinds of prostitutes. The lowest are those who make money with their bodies at very cheap prices, serving men without status who just want to vent. Slightly better ones have some talent and skills; they live a bit better but still rely on their bodies.”
“Going up another level are the so-called top courtesans. They have good looks and talents, some pride, and they become famous in their establishments. They might attract some young noblemen’s favor and are considered the best in this place.”
Mo Yina knew Leng Jiu was teaching her, so she listened intently. “Is there someone even higher than a top courtesan?”
“Of course,” Leng Jiu paused, “but they are no longer called prostitutes. They don’t sell their bodies or smiles. They move among nobles, holding their secrets, loved and hated by those men, but untouchable and often holding power over them.”
Mo Yina was excited. “There are such people?”
Leng Jiu smiled. “They aren’t born that way. They need training, not only mastering many arts but also being bold and clever, knowing how to act in different situations. They need to understand the times to survive in that circle. Do you understand?”
Mo Yina nodded seriously, half understanding. Leng Jiu pointed downstairs at the madam. “She’s somewhat related to those people but lacks the skills. Watch how she handles things, not to imitate but to find what you can learn.”
They arrived at the Hibiscus Room as they spoke. Leng Jiu let her go. “We’re here.”
“Please come in, sir. I am Xiu’er. Just tell me what you need.” Xiu’er looked at Leng Jiu with a seductive gaze.
Leng Jiu smiled wickedly, lifted Xiu’er’s chin with a long finger, and said flirtatiously, “You’re quite pleasing to the eye. Stay and serve me.”
Xiu’er was delighted and curtsied. “Yes.”
Leng Jiu sat down, and Mo Yina stood obediently beside her. She couldn’t sit down; her heart couldn’t take it.
After a while, two women entered. One wore a crimson gauze dress, seductive and bewitching, the other a light green thin shirt, charming and graceful. Both were beautiful and well-trained, their every move alluring. Mo Yina, also a woman, found them mesmerizing.
“We are Haitang (Yuzhu). Greetings, sir.”
Their voices were sweet and seductive, like orioles singing, naturally enticing.
Leng Jiu stood up, taller than the two women. She put an arm around their shoulders, charmingly saying, “Such beauties, come and drink with me.”
Soon, the three women were lying on the table, drunk. Mo Yina almost dropped her jaw. Leng Jiu had outdrunk them all, though she only had a few sips, making the other three drink several pots. It was an impressive skill.
Leng Jiu dusted her sleeves, stood up from among the three, and placed silver notes in their bosoms before elegantly adjusting her cuffs. She proudly raised an eyebrow at Mo Yina. “How was it?”
Mo Yina immediately bowed. “Master, I am your disciple.”
Leng Jiu laughed, hooked an arm around her shoulder, and said, “Let’s go.”
They left the Red Sleeve House, Mo Yina still excited. She had looked down on such people, but Leng Jiu had shown her a new perspective. Now, she had a goal—to become that kind of person.
As they walked down the street, Leng Jiu suddenly stiffened and stopped. Mo Yina looked at her curiously. “What’s wrong?”
Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “Nothing, just a little trouble.”
She grabbed Mo Yina’s hand and started running, followed by six or seven burly men. They were the casino thugs from last time. Leng Jiu’s eye-catching white clothes gave her away.
“Wow! They’re chasing us!” Mo Yina realized they were being pursued and ran too. “What did you do to them?”
“I don’t know, maybe I’m too handsome and they’re jealous.”
Mo Yina: “…”
“Stop! Don’t run!”
“You’re dead meat! Stop running!”
“Not running means I’m dead!” Leng Jiu shouted, continuing to run. Soon, she was furious when they hit a dead end.
“Haha! Kid, you can’t run now!” The seven men laughed, cracking their knuckles, ready to fight.
“Run? Where to now?”
“Brothers, this pretty boy got us beaten by the boss. Let’s give him a good lesson!”
“Right! Let’s beat him up good and take him to the young master. We might get a reward!”
“Enough talk! Let’s get him!”
Leng Jiu calculated. If she fought and accidentally killed someone, would she have to pay for it? While she pondered, a figure darted out and quickly took on the seven men.
In a moment, the seven men were on the ground, groaning. Leng Jiu sighed at Mo Yina. “If I knew you could fight like this, I wouldn’t have run.”
Mo Yina shrugged innocently. “I told you I know martial arts. You forgot.”
“Then why did you run?”
“Seeing you run scared me, and I forgot too.”
Leng Jiu: “…”
Stepping over the groaning men, Leng Jiu happily decided to always take Mo Yina along—a free, powerful bodyguard.
Back at the courtyard, Leng Jiu taught Mo Yina more things. Having observed today, Mo Yina had noticed some details and learned attentively. Leng Jiu was slightly satisfied.
On the street again, Leng Jiu felt lost, unsure where to go or what to do, feeling idle. She decided to wander aimlessly.
“Doctor Wang! Please help my mother; she’s dying!” A skinny man in his thirties begged an old doctor.
“I have no time!”
“But my mother really can’t make it, Doctor. Please, have some compassion!” The man grabbed the old doctor’s hand and was about to kneel down.
The doctor had to stop, looking helpless. “Your mother’s illness is of the heart, and it needs a remedy of the heart. Otherwise, there’s nothing I can do. I have to go treat the Prime Minister; don’t hold me up. If I am delayed, neither you nor I can bear the consequences!”
Hearing this, the man’s face fell into despair. “I’m sorry to trouble you, Doctor.”
The old doctor sighed, looking very helpless. “Go home and watch over your mother. Make sure she takes her medicine on time. There’s nothing more I can do.”
“Alright.”
The old doctor let out a long sigh and walked away.
“Doctor, please wait!” For reasons unknown, Leng Jiu called out to the old doctor.
The doctor turned around, seeing a delicate girl, and smiled kindly. “Is there something you need, miss?”
“You just mentioned that the Prime Minister is ill. Is it serious?” Leng Jiu asked.
The doctor, having no reason to be cautious, replied, “The Prime Minister caught a cold from the rain two days ago. It’s not a serious illness.”
Hearing this, Leng Jiu breathed a sigh of relief. It was just a cold, nothing serious. However, the doctor continued, “Though it’s not serious, the Prime Minister has been in a coma and refuses to take his medicine. I managed to lower his fever last night, but he still won’t take his medicine today. I just came back to get some things and see if I can find another way.”
“The day is getting late. I must hurry, miss. If you have other matters, let’s discuss them next time.”
Leng Jiu nodded, letting him leave, though her mood darkened. She had indeed hurt him deeply, but she didn’t regret it. Short-term pain was better than long-term suffering. Once he got over it, everything would be fine.
Walking a few more steps, Leng Jiu suddenly lost interest in wandering. Passing by a shop selling bead flowers, she picked two and then returned to the palace.
“Empress Dowager! You’re finally back!” Ziyu saw Leng Jiu and immediately approached, her usually composed face showing signs of anxiety.
Ziyu was always composed and wouldn’t act hastily, so Leng Jiu knew there was trouble. “What happened?”
“It’s Qiuxin! She took Kano out, but Kano mischievously ran into the imperial garden where the concubines were gathering. The concubines found Kano adorable and wanted to hold him, but Kano dislikes being touched by strangers and ran around causing chaos. Several concubines were startled and fell into the lake; Kano scratched two of them. Consort Hua was also frightened. The guards caught Kano, but Qiuxin grabbed him back and got slapped a few times. Luckily, Eunuch Lu rescued her.”
“Now, Consort Hua is bringing them to Weiyang Palace to demand justice. She even went to get the Emperor. If you don’t return soon, things will get out of hand!”
“So, that little beast caused trouble!” Leng Jiu wasn’t worried. “Help me change clothes first.”
“I’ve already prepared them!”
“Let’s go.”
At the entrance of Weiyang Palace, Consort Hua stood at the forefront in her palace attire, flanked by two concubines with scratched faces, the bloody marks very visible. Several others, looking like drowned rats despite having changed clothes, were shivering together. A crowd had gathered to watch, filling the palace entrance.
Eunuch Lu stood at the door, silent. Next to him knelt Qiuxin, her head bowed, face unseen. Kano, in a cage nearby, haughtily held his front paws like a master.
“The Emperor is here!”
“Greetings, Your Majesty!” The concubines all knelt in unison.
Long Yi strode over, his gaze sweeping past Consort Hua and the disheveled concubines. His brow furrowed. “Who can tell me what happened here?”
“Your Majesty!” The concubines wanted to complain but were silenced by a look from Hua Yuxuan.
Hua Yuxuan stepped forward. “Today, I invited my sisters to enjoy the flowers in the imperial garden. Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager’s pet caused chaos, frightening several sisters and scratching two. I had to punish the maid guarding the pet, but Eunuch Lu intervened. I thought of letting it go, but my sisters felt wronged and wanted Your Majesty to uphold justice.”
She spoke elegantly, making it seem like none of this was her fault and she was just being fair. But it was clear the situation was more than just a fright.
“Your Majesty!” The two scratched concubines knelt, weeping. “Our faces are ruined. How can we live like this?”
“Please, Your Majesty, seek justice!”
The others joined in, crying, “Please, Your Majesty, seek justice!”
Long Yi’s brows tightened as his gaze fell on the cage holding Kano and Qiuxin on the ground. “Where is the Empress Dowager?”
Eunuch Lu replied calmly, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is resting. I didn’t dare disturb her, so I held the concubines at the door.”
Long Yi took a large step forward. “Open the door! I want to see the Empress Dowager!”
Eunuch Lu hesitated. “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is napping. It would be inappropriate to disturb her.”
“Then let me go in and invite the Empress Dowager,” Hua Yuxuan suggested, stepping forward.
Eunuch Lu still hesitated. “The Empress Dowager dislikes being disturbed while sleeping. I don’t dare.”
“I will bear the consequences. Open the door!”
Eunuch Lu tried to block but couldn’t stop the Emperor. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Slowly, Eunuch Lu moved to open the door, like a tortoise, but finally, it was pushed open with a creak. Ziyu didn’t even look at the people outside as she opened it wider.
“Just a nap, and what’s all this noise?” Leng Jiu emerged, dressed in white palace attire, hair unadorned, looking drowsy and lazy, clearly just woken up. But some knew she hadn’t really been sleeping.
Long Yi looked at her, his eyes deep. “You seem to have slept well, Empress Dowager.”
“It would have been better without the noise.” She smiled at Long Yi, glancing at the gathered crowd. “I’ve not dealt with outside matters for a few days, and the palace has gotten quite lively!”
She looked at Hua Yuxuan. “Consort Hua manages the palace well. The Emperor should reward her!”
Hua Yuxuan replied indifferently, “Thank you for the compliment, Empress Dowager, but I am just doing my duty.”
Long Yi, impatient, interrupted, “Empress Dowager, shouldn’t you explain what happened to these concubines?”
Leng Jiu looked puzzled. “I just woke up to find the Emperor and Consort Hua with so many people at my door. Shouldn’t the Emperor explain to me? Why am I being questioned?”
“Your Majesty, let me explain to you instead,” Hua Yuxuan said with a slight bow, recounting what she had just told Long Yi word for word. Her tone was calm and measured, making it difficult to find fault.
“So that’s what happened?” Leng Jiu feigned surprise, then her voice turned cold. “Where’s Qiuxin? Why hasn’t she come over yet?”
Qiuxin quickly knelt before Leng Jiu, speaking in a soft voice, “This servant deserves to die. Please, Your Majesty, punish me.”
Leng Jiu bent down slightly and lifted Qiuxin’s chin, revealing her swollen, bruised face. Leng Jiu’s eyes flashed coldly. “Tsk tsk! Swollen like a pig, you indeed deserve to die!”
Tears welled up in Qiuxin’s eyes but she didn’t dare let them fall. “Please, Your Majesty, punish me.”
Leng Jiu released her face and clapped her hands. “Those slaps were delivered with skill. Who hit you?”
She looked around at everyone present, her smile tinged with coldness and a palpable sense of pressure. Some concubines couldn’t withstand her gaze and quickly lowered their heads. A palace maid behind Hua Yuxuan flinched under Leng Jiu’s scrutiny.
Hua Yuxuan stepped forward. “I had her beaten. If there is blame, please direct it at me.”
“So it was you, Noble Consort,” Leng Jiu said with a smile, stepping closer to look past Hua Yuxuan at the palace maid behind her.
“She may be a mere palace maid, but she serves in my palace. When did it become acceptable for others to slap my maids?”
Long Yi’s face darkened. “Your Majesty, today is not about this matter!”
Leng Jiu sneered. “I nearly forgot. The Emperor even dares to strike me, so it’s no big deal for the Noble Consort to slap a maid!”
Long Yi’s demeanor grew colder as he stared intensely at Leng Jiu, but he said nothing.
“I’m the Empress Dowager, though without real power or abilities. If someday the Emperor tires of me and sends me to a cold palace, what right would I have to complain?”
Seeing Leng Jiu’s escalating words, Hua Yuxuan attempted to mediate. “Your Majesty, today is just about a maid’s misconduct. Let’s not let it affect our relations.”
“Smack!”
Before Hua Yuxuan could finish her sentence, a resounding slap interrupted her. The concubines below looked up in shock, unable to believe the Empress Dowager had just slapped Hua Yuxuan in public.
“Your Majesty!” Long Yi’s voice was full of anger.
Leng Jiu withdrew her hand and looked coolly at Long Yi. “I can hear just fine. No need to shout.”
Long Yi clenched his fists, speaking with controlled fury. “She is the Noble Consort!”
“You remember she’s the Noble Consort but forget that I’m the Empress Dowager? Should I praise your memory, Your Majesty?” Leng Jiu took a handkerchief from Ziyu and wiped her hand. “I am the Empress Dowager, the highest-ranking person in this harem. Even if she becomes Empress, she still must respect me. Since when did she get to discipline my people? And since when could a consort interject while I’m speaking with the Emperor?”
She bent down to open the cage holding Kano. Knowing it was in trouble, Kano obediently climbed onto Leng Jiu’s shoulder, acting docile. Leng Jiu stroked its fur and looked at the concubines. “Kano may be mischievous, but it never causes trouble unless provoked. Did any of you touch it first because you found it cute?”
Facing Leng Jiu’s intimidating gaze, none of the concubines dared speak up, knowing she spoke the truth.
Seeing no one respond, Leng Jiu softened her tone. “Kano’s claws aren’t sharp. I’ve been scratched too, but it doesn’t leave scars if treated properly. I have some healing ointment. Use it after the wounds have healed, and there will be no scars.”
The injured concubines were delighted to hear this and quickly expressed their gratitude. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Leng Jiu waved them off. “Go see the physician immediately. Delay and there might be scars.”
“Yes!” The two concubines, grateful, quickly retreated, their grievances forgotten. Unlike Hua Yuxuan, who had refused medical treatment to stir trouble, Leng Jiu showed genuine concern, winning their favor.
Seeing them leave, Leng Jiu addressed the others still shivering from the cold. “It’s autumn, and the lake water is freezing. Why are you still here? Don’t you know how precious a woman’s health is? Go bathe and change immediately!”
Relieved and grateful, the concubines hurriedly excused themselves. “We take our leave!”
In a moment, only Long Yi and Hua Yuxuan remained.
Leng Jiu smiled at them. “Anything else, Your Majesty?”
With a flick of his sleeve, Long Yi left in a huff.
Hua Yuxuan, left alone and fuming, could only follow suit. She turned back angrily, nearly trembling with rage. “Your Majesty, may I know what else you wish to say?”
Leng Jiu pointed to the palace maid behind her. “That maid struck one of mine. Naturally, she must stay for my judgment.”
Seething, Hua Yuxuan had to comply, knowing she was outmatched. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
The abandoned palace maid trembled before Leng Jiu. “Please, Your Majesty, forgive me.”
Leng Jiu’s eyes swept over her with a chilly smile. “I thought the Noble Consort would argue more, but I see you’re not that important. Keep kneeling.”
“Yes!”
“Your Majesty!” Qiuxin called softly, still fearful.
Leng Jiu helped her up, trying the hairpin she bought earlier on Qiuxin’s head, but then showing distaste. “You looked decent before, now you’re like a pig, wasting my effort!”
She tossed the hairpin at her. “Go apply medicine. If you ruin my appetite, you’ll pay for it!”
Qiuxin smiled through her tears, clutching the hairpin. “I’ll go now, Your Majesty.”
“Then why are you still standing here?”
“Oh!” Qiuxin hurried off, holding the hairpin, her steps light and happy.
Ziyu laughed. “Good thing it’s Your Majesty. Any other consort would have made her suffer more.”
Leng Jiu looked at Lu Chang. “Prepare some food. I’m hungry.”
Lu Chang smiled. “As you command.”
Ziyu followed Leng Jiu inside, where she handed her another hairpin. “Here, just a trinket from the street. Take it.”
Touched, Ziyu accepted. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Enough!” Leng Jiu waved dismissively. “Check the storeroom for any tonics. Have them made into medicinal meals and sent to those who fell into the lake.”
Ziyu was puzzled. “But Your Majesty, your words already gained their gratitude. Why go further? It might look like you’re currying favor.”
Leng Jiu chuckled. “Why would I curry favor? Those tonics would go to waste otherwise. Giving them earns goodwill. I rarely see them, but this way they’ll remember me. Besides, if it annoys Noble Consort Hua, it’s worth it.”
Ziyu smiled, understanding. “I’ll deliver them myself.”
“Good.”
While tranquility returned to Weiyang Palace, fury reigned in Furui Palace. Hua Yuxuan, still fuming, slapped two of her maids to vent her anger. But it wasn’t enough. She slammed the table. “Bring pen and ink! I need to write to my father!”
—
Author’s Note:
Dear readers, this is the first update. More to come later, with over 12,000 words in the second update. Thanks again for your support! Look forward to some Hua Jinzhi content and the appearance of the elder brother!