Outside the quiet Peony Pavilion, a large group of palace maids and eunuchs suddenly arrived. The commotion was so great that it alarmed the entire Qi Xia Gong, with torches illuminating the courtyard brightly.
Chun Pin arrived in the middle of the night, dressed in luxurious gold-embroidered brocade robes, adorned with jadeite hairpins and accessories. Her attire was both elegant and charming, exuding a delicate allure.
As she entered, Peony Pavilion was surrounded by guards and eunuchs, with torches casting light on Chun Pin’s beautiful face.
Yun Yang and Yun Fei, startled by the noise, hurried out and were met with this grand display. They hastily knelt and said, “Greetings, Chun Pin. May Chun Pin enjoy eternal peace and prosperity!”
Seeing their innocent and panicked expressions, Chun Pin’s raised eyebrows revealed a cold sneer. “This Consort just received a report that Yun Guiren has behaved improperly, secretly meeting with a guard. Now, both of them are inside this Peony Pavilion!”
Yun Yang looked up in shock. “Chun Pin, this is a false accusation! My mistress was feeling unwell and has already retired for the night. How could she possibly meet with a guard? This is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans!”
Haitang, who was supporting Chun Pin, immediately snapped coldly, “If your mistress is truly innocent, then let Her Ladyship search the palace inside and out. If no one is found, her innocence will naturally be proven!”
“That cannot be done. Chun Pin, if my mistress’s bedchamber is searched tonight, rumors will surely spread throughout the palace by tomorrow. Even if her innocence is proven, there will still be those who criticize her behind her back. How will my mistress be able to stand her ground then?”
“Slap!” Chun Pin raised her hand and struck Yun Yang across the face.
Yun Yang was left disheveled and sprawled on the ground. Yun Fei hurriedly helped her up, tears welling in her eyes. “Yun Yang, are you alright?”
Yun Yang struggled to kneel properly again. “I beg Your Ladyship to believe in my mistress!”
“Enough nonsense.” Chun Pin’s eyes were icy as she looked at the tightly shut door, a sinister smile curling at the corners of her lips.
The Noble Consort could not tolerate any flower about to bloom in the palace. Anyone who dared to compete for favor would be eliminated one by one. Today, she would help Her Ladyship rid the palace of this wretched woman.
“Guards, break down the door!”
The torches in the courtyard crackled as the guards stepped forward, ready to kick the door open. Yun Yang rushed over to block them. “Chun Pin, you truly cannot enter!”
Haitang angrily shouted, “Drag her away!”
The crowd hastily pulled Yun Yang aside. Just as Yun Fei was about to stand up and intervene, a sharp voice suddenly interrupted, “Consort Rong has arrived!”
Consort Rong?
Yun Yang and Yun Fei supported each other. They had been in the palace for several days but had never met this mistress of the palace. They did not know whether she had come to help their mistress or harm her.
From a distance, a woman approached. Her face was calm and indifferent, her eyes seemingly able to see through everything, though they held a deep weariness and tranquility. She walked up to Chun Pin and said, “I wonder what brings Chun Pin to Qi Xia Gong so late at night?”
Seeing Consort Rong, Chun Pin gave a slight bow.
She had no regard for this powerless and sickly consort and replied coldly, “Concubine has never seen Consort Rong meddle in others’ affairs. Today, you’ve come out unexpectedly. Could it be that you’re here to watch the spectacle?”
Consort Rong, frail and suffering from a severe headache, took a moment to steady herself before straightening up. Her sharp eyes glanced at the disheveled Yun Yang and Yun Fei.
“This Consort has always kept to myself and had no interest in meddling in trivial matters. However, the newly selected concubine, Yun Guiren, is someone from This Consort’s palace. With Chun Pin making such a grand display today, This Consort naturally must step forward to inquire.”
Consort Rong had always remained aloof from palace conflicts, but she was, after all, the daughter of Prime Minister Su.
The Emperor held great regard for the Chancellor.
Chun Pin dared not be too disrespectful toward her and thus instructed Haitang beside her to explain the reason.
After listening, Consort Rong merely smiled faintly. “Chun Pin has followed Noble Consort for many years, observing her manage the rear palace. It seems Chun Pin has also learned to act decisively.”
“However, this concerns a concubine’s innocence and reputation. Allowing guards to barge in openly to arrest someone is hardly appropriate. If Chun Pin wishes to search the palace, she must have a proper justification.”
Chun Pin snorted coldly. “Concubine has been ordered by Noble Consort to conduct the search and has already sent someone to inform the Emperor. His Majesty will likely arrive soon. Before the Emperor arrives, Concubine should rightfully apprehend the one who has defiled the rear palace.”
Consort Rong took a few breaths with her handkerchief before speaking sharply. “The Emperor is occupied with state affairs and seldom involves himself in rear palace matters. Instead of seeking permission from the Empress, why has Chun Pin broken protocol by requesting orders from Noble Consort?”
“Noble Consort acts on behalf of the Empress in managing the Six Palaces. Even without seeking the Empress’s permission, what does it matter?”
With a glance from Chun Pin, Haitang immediately led others to push open the door.
Bang—the door slammed against the wall behind it, the carved wooden panel swaying precariously.
Consort Rong watched Chun Pin calmly. “If Yun Guiren truly lacks discretion, so be it. But if she is innocent, what will Chun Pin do?”
Chun Pin paid no heed to these words, raising an eyebrow disdainfully. “This Consort will naturally plead for forgiveness before the Emperor!”
Consort Rong smiled without replying. “Very well.”
“Mmm~ no.”
A delicate voice shattered the night’s silence, halting everyone prepared to search the palace.
Chun Pin instantly smiled. Excellent—it seemed Wen Leyan had indeed been useful. She had actually accomplished this.
She cast a provocative glance at Consort Rong. “Consort Rong, it appears your clever plans have misfired, and you’ve backed the wrong person. If there’s nothing more for you here, you should return to your palace and stay there.”
Consort Rong silently retreated half a step, watching as Chun Pin strode arrogantly into the Peony Pavilion.
A maid looked at Consort Rong with concern. “Since Her Ladyship has no further business here, perhaps we should return. This Yun Guiren truly isn’t worth Your Ladyship’s trouble. Now that Chun Pin has caught her in an affair with a guard, she will likely be executed soon. There’s no need for us to wade into this muddy water.”
Consort Rong’s eyes turned icy. Once Chun Pin left, not a trace of illness remained in her demeanor.
As she walked back, her lowered gaze held a cold edge. “Then let us return to the palace and await the spectacle.”
Inside the inner chamber, the delicate voice continued pleading timidly, “No more, spare me.”
Chun Pin’s eyes gleamed. Although everyone in the room bowed their heads discreetly, Chun Pin was delighted, for the voice unmistakably belonged to Wen Yunmian.
She quickly entered with her palace maids and, seeing the undulating movements behind the bed curtains, coldly rebuked, “Audacious Yun Guiren! How dare you consort with a paramour! Guards, drag her out for This Consort!”