Even the Earl himself was startled by that sudden cry. At first, he hadn’t seen who was bold enough to make such a sound, only that the voice seemed strangely familiar. When he turned and saw Jun Qingnian’s disgraceful posture, his heart nearly stopped.
Consort De, seated nearby, quickly rose to smooth things over.
“Jun family girl, what is the matter with you?”
Her tone was meant to be gentle and concerned, but Jun Qingnian shuddered at the words. Even someone as considerate and composed as Consort De felt displeasure at such behavior.
“Raise your head and speak.”
Yet Jun Qingnian remained kneeling, pressed to the floor, refusing to lift her head.
Earl Pingkang was frantic, like an ant on a hot pan. Madam Lou was no better, her face pale. She wanted to speak before the Emperor but was silenced by a single sharp look from the Earl.
Jun Ning watched with interest for a while. When she judged the timing right, she approached with her sword. “Sister, the Emperor and Consort are seated right there. What is the matter with you?”
As she spoke, Jun Ning moved as if to help her up. But Jun Qingnian refused to budge, muttering in fear.
The crowd whispered among themselves. Some even shouted that Jun Qingnian must have gone mad and should be restrained at once, lest she harm someone.
Jun Ning leaned closer, whispering in her ear: “If you have nothing to hide, Sister, why are you so afraid?”
“You!” Jun Qingnian suddenly lifted her head, only to see Jun Ning’s face full of apparent concern.
“Jun Ning, is it you playing tricks behind my back?” Jun Qingnian forced back tears, her face pale as paper.
Jun Ning’s lips curved slowly, her cold eyes gleaming with naked mockery.
“And if it is me, what then? You may tell His Majesty I am the one causing mischief. But when His Majesty asks for the reason, Sister, you must not deceive the Emperor.”
Jun Qingnian’s eyes widened in disbelief. She could hardly accept that the tricks she had once used against Jun Ning were now being turned back on her.
“Sister, the floor is cold. Let me help you up.” Jun Ning appeared magnanimous, and the crowd nodded in admiration. After all, she was the legitimate daughter—composed and proper—unlike the concubine-born, who lacked refinement.
Supporting Jun Qingnian to the front of the hall, Jun Ning bowed to Emperor Yongchu. “Your Majesty, my elder sister is unwell. Just now, she must have been startled by something, which led to such behavior. I beg pardon on her behalf, and ask Your Majesty and Consort to forgive her.”
Consort De watched Jun Ning’s conduct with growing satisfaction. Calm, steady, and responsible in the face of trouble—if only she could marry her son Yu’er one day. But alas, Jun Ning already had someone in her heart. Xiao Yunjie was truly fortunate.
While Consort De felt regret, Consort Yan Zhuang was delighted.
Prince Jing needed precisely such a woman—talented in both civil and martial arts, and utterly devoted to him. Consort Yan Zhuang knew well why Jun Ning performed the sword dance: she wished the Emperor to decree her marriage to Prince Jing.
A young girl’s heart was simple. She liked Prince Jing and feared losing him to another. By winning this prize, she could rightfully claim the position of Princess Consort Jing.
With Jun Ning’s support, Xiao Yunjie’s path to the throne would be far smoother.
Jun Ning quietly studied Emperor Yongchu’s expression.
The Emperor looked deeply into her eyes, then turned to Jun Qingnian, his gaze filled with imperial authority.
“Jun Qingnian, why do you behave so disgracefully in the hall?”
Jun Qingnian fell to her knees with a thud. Remembering the shadow she thought she had seen and the voice that had seemed so close, cold sweat poured down her face, and her words faltered.
“Y‑Your Majesty, this minister’s daughter behaved improperly before the throne. I know my guilt.”
“Know your guilt?” The Emperor gave a cold snort. The last time he had seen such a sword dance was on Yuan’er’s birthday several years ago. Seeing it again today stirred memories of Yuan’er’s elegance with the blade. Yet Jun Qingnian had ruined his mood—she truly deserved punishment.
“Jun Qingnian, I am asking why you behaved so disgracefully in the hall?” The Emperor’s voice grew even colder.
Jun Qingnian had already been terrified by Qing Tao’s “ghost,” and now the Emperor’s wrath made her legs weak. She could hardly kneel steadily.
Jun Ning stood beside her, waiting to hear what kind of wild excuse Jun Qingnian would invent.
Jun Qingnian now only regretted not killing Jun Ning earlier, for today she had been utterly trapped by her. The whispers of the crowd echoed around her.
Jun Ning, if I suffer, you won’t have it easy either!
“Your Majesty, I… I just saw the ghost of Jun Ning’s maid beside her!”
“What?!” Emperor Yongchu found it absurd. This was the palace of Bei—how could there be such things as ghosts?
“Guards, take her away!”
“Your Majesty, what I said is true!” Jun Qingnian hadn’t expected the Emperor to deny her even a chance to explain. Seeing the guards about to drag her off, she cried out: “Your Majesty! Someone in the hall is playing tricks—please investigate clearly, Your Majesty!”
The Emperor’s brows furrowed even tighter at her words.
“Wait.”
Just as Jun Qingnian was about to be taken away, someone stepped forward.
Jun Ning lifted her head. The speaker was none other than Xiao Yunjie.
He strode from his seat to stand beside Jun Ning, first bowing to the Emperor before speaking: “Father Emperor, I believe this matter is indeed suspicious. If what the Jun family’s young lady says is true, then the culprit behind this trickery must be brazen beyond measure. If Father Emperor allows such a person to go unpunished, it will not only damage the young lady’s reputation, but also Your Majesty’s authority.”
Xiao Yunjie lifted his robe and knelt on both knees, speaking earnestly: “This son dares to plead—may Father Emperor investigate clearly!”
After speaking, he turned and smiled at Jun Ning. His meaning was obvious—he was helping her.
Jun Ning: “…”
Emperor Yongchu’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two of them, as though he understood something. At last, he waved his hand to the imperial guards, and Jun Qingnian was released.
“Zhao De, send men at once to search every corner within five li of the Taihe Hall. If any suspicious person is found, alive or dead, bring them before me immediately!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Consort Yan Zhuang twisted her handkerchief and timely reminded: “Your Majesty, since Zhao De has already been ordered to investigate, why not let the competition continue?”
The Emperor nodded, and music once again filled the hall, as though the earlier scene had been nothing but a farce.
Xiao Moyuan rested his hand against his forehead, lost in thought.
“Cang Ying.”
“My lord.”
Xiao Moyuan beckoned him closer. “Go…”
As Cang Ying listened, his eyes widened. “My lord, that’s impossible!”
“Go quickly and return swiftly. Do not let anyone grow suspicious.”