When the Virtuous Consort heard this, a flash of wild delight crossed her eyes. She suddenly grabbed Xia’er’s hand, asking urgently, “Is this true? Did you see it with your own eyes?”
Xia’er trembled violently, her teeth chattering so hard her words were barely coherent. “Y-Yes… this servant saw it with my own eyes. Lu Guiren and that guard were meeting privately inside the hall. This servant went to deliver tea and happened to see everything clearly.”
“Lu Guiren even discovered this servant and said if I dared to reveal it, she would take my life. I beg Your Ladyship to save this servant…”
Hearing this, the Virtuous Consort’s face bloomed with victorious delight. She gently patted Xia’er’s cheek, her tone soft yet filled with absolute determination. “Good child. I will rescue you from fire and water. Just stay calm.”
As she spoke, she slowly rose to her feet. Her gaze sharpened, as if she could already see Lu Jingning falling into the abyss.
Madam Li asked, “What is that guard’s name? This is extremely important to us.”
Xia’er bit her lip until it turned white. Cold sweat covered her forehead as she tried to recall how the guard was addressed.
After a long moment, she finally said in a trembling voice, “This servant only remembers that the Guiren spoke to him intimately, calling him Guard Han. As for his full name, this servant truly doesn’t know.”
Her eyes were filled with panic and fear, as though saying even a single wrong word could cost her life.
Madam Li frowned deeply and pressed on, “Guard Han? Do you remember what he looks like?”
Xia’er struggled to recall, her brows tightly knit. After a long pause, she whispered, “It was dark that day. This servant only saw that he was very handsome… the rest, this servant really can’t remember…”
The Virtuous Consort nodded lightly, a faint smile on her lips. “You may go now. Don’t let Lu Jingning discover anything.”
Hearing this, Xia’er’s eyes flickered with hope, though unease lingered. She asked cautiously, “Then… what about my younger brother…”
Before she could finish, the Virtuous Consort’s expression sank slightly. A shadow of displeasure crossed her brows. Her tone turned cold. “After the matter is done, you will naturally receive your benefit. Must you rush to ask now?”
With that, she waved dismissively, signaling Xia’er to withdraw.
Xia’er’s heart tightened. She did not dare speak another word and hurriedly bowed and left Zhongcui Palace.
“The Virtuous Consort is far too selfish. It’s fortunate I followed Lu Guiren now,” Xia’er thought to herself, even more firmly aligned with Lu Jingning.
After Xia’er left, the Virtuous Consort took a sip of tea and said to Madam Li, “Madam Li, go to the Guard Station immediately. Find that Guard Han, and make sure he is brought here to Zhongcui Palace.”
Madam Li nodded solemnly. “Yes, Your Ladyship. Please rest assured.”
“Lu Jingning, you wretched woman… your arrogance is about to end.”
After Xia’er returned, Lu Jingning waved her hand gently. “You may all leave. Only Xia’er will remain.”
The hall emptied in an instant, leaving only the two of them.
Xia’er leaned close to her ear and whispered, “My lady, the matter you entrusted to this servant—this servant has already told the Virtuous Consort.”
Lu Jingning turned her head slightly. Her gaze was deep as a still lake, and a meaningful smile appeared on her lips. “Well done. Now it depends on Han Yizhi.”
Madam Li strode across the palace pathways, her sharp eyes scanning the guards.
A tall, broad-shouldered guard came forward and asked with confusion, “Madam Li, what brings you here?”
Madam Li nodded with a grave expression and lowered her voice. “Is there a guard here with the surname Han?”
One of the guards quickly replied, “There is indeed a Guard Han.”
“Call him out for me,” Madam Li ordered urgently.
“That…” the guard hesitated, then said, “He is on leave today. He won’t be on duty until tomorrow.”
Madam Li’s expression darkened, clear displeasure written across her features. “When he reports tomorrow, tell him to come to Zhongcui Palace. Her Ladyship wishes to see him.”
“Yes, Madam. Please be assured,” the guard said respectfully.
Madam Li left immediately and returned to Zhongcui Palace.
The Virtuous Consort, imagining Lu Jingning losing His Majesty’s favor, sat proudly before her mirror, carefully drawing her eyebrows.
When she saw Madam Li hurry in, a flicker of expectation appeared in her eyes.
“Did you find him?” She set down her eyebrow brush, her tone carrying concealed tension.
Madam Li lowered her head, her expression complicated. “We found him, Your Ladyship. But…”
The Virtuous Consort frowned. “But what? Where is he?”
Madam Li took a deep breath and reported honestly, “He is on leave today and not in the palace. But I’ve sent word. He will come to Zhongcui Palace tomorrow when he reports for duty.”
The Virtuous Consort’s eyebrow brush fell to the table with a sharp clack. Anger flashed across her face, but quickly dissolved into a cold smile. “One more day won’t matter.”
As soon as Han Yizhi arrived at the Guard Station and finished preparing for duty, a guard stopped him.
“The Virtuous Consort summons you. You are to go today.”
Han Yizhi raised his brows—this was exactly what he wanted. “Very well. Thank you. I’ll go at once.”
He walked into Zhongcui Palace, his sharp gaze sweeping the surroundings. A calm smile curved his lips. Everything was going according to plan.
Entering the hall, he bowed. His voice was deep and steady. “Your servant Han Yizhi greets the Virtuous Consort.”
Straightening slowly, he looked directly at her, his gaze unwavering and resolute.
“Do you know Lu Guiren?” the Virtuous Consort asked, staring closely at him.
Han Yizhi replied immediately, “This servant is but a lowly guard. How could I possibly know Lu Guiren?”
Seeing his composed expression, irritation stirred within the Virtuous Consort. “You dare lie to me in my presence?”
“This servant does not dare.”
Madam Li stepped forward at the right moment. “Your Ladyship, since we already know who he is, allow this old servant to inquire about his background. We can also summon Xia’er to confirm him.”
The Virtuous Consort found this reasonable. “Very well. Withdraw for now.”
“Yes, Your Ladyship. This servant takes his leave.”
After leaving Zhongcui Palace, Han Yizhi turned back and silently vowed in his heart, “For killing my mother, Virtuous Consort… I will never forgive you.”
Once he left, Madam Li immediately began investigating Han Yizhi.
Learning that he had a gravely ill mother at home who needed money for treatment, she instantly formed a plan and hurried back.
“Your Ladyship,” Madam Li reported, “this servant has learned that Han Yizhi has a sickly mother who urgently needs silver for medicine. If Your Ladyship extends assistance at this time, then…”
The Virtuous Consort stroked her fingertips lightly as a gleam of scheming flashed through her eyes. She said softly, “You are right. This is an excellent opportunity. Later, go to Chengqian Palace and say you were passing by and remembered that I asked you to deliver bird’s nest to Lu Jingning. Have Xia’er come to fetch it. Remember—make it seem natural. Do not let Lu Jingning become suspicious.”
“Yes, Your Ladyship.” Madam Li understood perfectly. She bowed and hurried away.
(End of Chapter)