She had just guessed Chu Muqing and the others’ identities, but she wasn’t afraid of offending them, after all, the Empress and Concubine Rong had long been at odds.
As soon as she spoke, not only Chu Muqing, but even the simple-minded Chu Sichun sensed that something was amiss.
“Let them live”? What nonsense was that? It was clearly these two palace maids who had first gossiped about their mistresses and they overheard it. They hadn’t done anything! How could it be twisted into a story that these two maids deserved punishment? If this rumor spread, what reputation would they have left? How could ladies of respectable families ever take the lives of palace maids so lightly?
Chu Sichun roared in anger, “What nonsense are you spouting!”
The two palace maids were so terrified that they hardly dared to breathe. They could not afford to offend either of their mistresses and had no idea how their casual conversation had spiraled into such a mess. But they knew one thing, it was entirely their own fault for speaking carelessly. If they survived this incident, they would never speak so recklessly again.
Hearing Chu Sichun’s words, Cui Nong hurried to apologize, “Please forgive me, Miss. I did not mean to offend you ladies. I only wanted to plead for them, as they are still young. If my mistress were here, she would surely not pursue the matter.”
She carried the air of Concubine Shu, her tone tinged with pride. Though Concubine Rong was favored, their concubine was no less accomplished and besides, their prince was intelligent, no less so than the Third Prince.
Chu Sichun was about to speak when Chu Muqing intervened first, “Auntie, you truly have a sharp tongue. You can turn black into white with just a few words. No wonder you are Concubine Shu’s favorite.”
Hearing this, Cui Nong assumed the girls had submitted, and her face lit up smugly. But Chu Muqing continued, “Although I was not in the capital before, since returning, my grandmother has often taught me that the Empress is the mother of the nation and that she is meticulous about etiquette.”
She glanced at the two trembling palace maids and then looked away, continuing, “These two maids were gossiping about their mistress while on duty. The Imperial Concubine respects the Empress above all. Sister Hongyu is her head maid, and she cannot tolerate any disruption of the inner palace rules. That is why she spoke up to reprimand them. Just now, I heard what Aunt Cui Nong said, so there are no such rules in Concubine Shu’s palace? I see now how ignorant I was.”
Hongyu echoed in agreement, “I was unaware that such rules existed in Concubine Shu’s palace. I will certainly report this to our Concubine later.”
The two of them spoke in unison, leaving Cui Nong’s face draining of color. How could she admit the truth?
Although the Empress rarely involved herself in palace affairs due to poor health, and though Concubine Rong and Concubine Shu were vying for influence, the Empress was still the Empress. Chu Muqing had just made it clear, in a few simple words, that Concubine Shu had disrespected the Empress. If this came to light today, not only would Concubine Shu face repercussions, but even Her Majesty’s authority could be compromised. Chuxiu Palace has been waiting to find fault with them for a long time.
Before Cui Nong could say another word, a cough came from a distance. Everyone turned to see a man standing not far off, dressed in black brocade robes, his hair bound with a golden crown, his sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes commanding attention. It was none other than the Third Prince, Yuan Yang.
Everyone hurriedly bowed. He nodded slightly and said, “Hmm.” Then he kicked Cui Nong. “You, a mere servant, dared to tarnish her reputation in front of everyone?”
He ordered the eunuchs following him, “Drag her away and beat her to death. I will personally inform Concubine Shu of this.”
He had been engaged in open and covert conflict with the Fourth Prince for years, while Concubine Rong and Concubine Shu constantly bickered in the palace. He was already deeply resentful. Cui Nong was insignificant, but by offending both Concubine Shu and the Fourth Prince, the mother and son, he felt a measure of satisfaction.
Cui Nong, who had been kicked to the ground, was now utterly terrified. As the eunuch dragged her away, her heart completely sank. She didn’t even dare to struggle. She knew very well that if the Third Prince dared to deal with her like this, even Concubine Shu wouldn’t be able to save her. And if today’s incident reached the Empress’s ears, the Empress would probably want her dead as well.
Trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice instead, this was truly the perfect example of bringing ruin upon oneself.
After Cui Nong was taken away, the Third Prince turned his gaze to the two palace maids. They were so frightened that they trembled uncontrollably, repeatedly begging, “Your Highness, please spare us. We will never dare to speak recklessly again.”
Just as the Third Prince was about to speak, Chu Shuran gently said, “Your Highness, these two palace maids are still young. They have already realized their mistake and learned their lesson. Please forgive them this time.”
She was always skilled at playing the benevolent one. She had stayed silent earlier, yet now that the Third Prince was here, she suddenly began pleading for them, hoping not only to display her kindness and generosity, but also to leave a good impression on him.
Hearing her words, the Third Prince glanced at her. Chu Shuran smiled softly, and his expression visibly eased. “Since my second cousin has said so,” he said, “let them off lightly this time. Just have Mother to deduct half a year’s wages as punishment.”
The two palace maids heaved a sigh of relief and kowtowed repeatedly. “Thank you, Third Prince! Thank you, Second Miss!”
Chu Shuran’s smile grew even brighter.
Chu Sichun snorted quietly and muttered, “Hypocrite.”
Only then did the Third Prince notice her. After greeting her as Fourth Cousin, his gaze shifted to the girl standing beside her.
He had only just truly noticed her, this girl who had sent Cui Nong to her doom with just a few calm words. His interest was immediately piqued.
His mother had mentioned recently that she was struggling to choose a suitable consort for him, and this girl was one of the candidates. Now that he had seen her, she did indeed seem… quite fitting.
He addressed her as “Elder Cousin.” Chu Muqing returned his greeting with a faint smile, but her eyes were utterly emotionless, like lifeless glass.
He was startled. When he looked again, everything seemed normal, and he shook his head, thinking it must have been his imagination.
If only he knew what Chu Muqing was truly thinking. From the moment she saw him, she could barely keep her emotions under control. She could only lower her head, hiding her expression, while her hands clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
She smiled as she greeted him, “Third Prince,” yet in her heart she quietly vowed that the debts of her previous life would be repaid, one by one, slowly and thoroughly, in this life.
After exchanging a few polite words, the Third Prince left with his eunuch. The two palace maids were still kneeling there. Hongyu glanced at them and said coldly, “You may go. Don’t make the same mistake again.”
The two quickly bowed in thanks, then helped each other up and left, giving Chu Shuran a grateful look as they departed.
Watching this, Chu Muqing sighed softly. If those two girls had shed blood today, they might actually have lived. But now that Concubine Shu’s trusted aide Cui Nong was dead and they were still alive… judging from Cui Nong’s fate, Concubine Shu was certainly not a forgiving person. It probably wouldn’t be long before these two little palace maids “mysteriously” lost their lives in the palace.
In this palace, within these towering walls and magnificent halls, the death of two insignificant people was the easiest thing in the world.