Chapter 223: Taking Action (1)
Prince Ye You, notorious for his bullying and mistreatment of others, abused his position as a prince in the capital, causing harm to numerous young girls and wives. He had become a despised figure, and when news of his death spread, the people rejoiced, finally releasing their pent-up anger. However, Ye You had made many enemies, and it was unclear who was responsible for his demise. Consequently, Left a.s.sistant Minister Jiang, who had suffered public humiliation at the hands of Ye You in the past, became the primary suspect.
Left a.s.sistant Minister Jiang felt helpless. If Empress Chen suspected his involvement in Ye You’s death, it would signify her dissatisfaction with him. Empress Chen was ruthless, and he couldn’t help but worry about the consequences. Being the main suspect, he was under constant surveillance, with many eyes monitoring his every move. He dared not make any hasty actions or decisions. Life became suffocating for him.
When Jiang Ruan heard about the events in the capital, she was astonished. She had been staying at Prince Jin Ying’s residence for the past few days. General Xiao Shao had sent a message to her family’s residence, claiming that Jiang Ruan had been targeted by someone and was seeking refuge at his residence. To the outside world, it was said that Jiang Ruan had returned to her family’s residence to visit Zhao Guang and his wife. Prince Jin Ying’s residence was renowned for its exceptional secrecy, ensuring that her presence went unnoticed.
Upon hearing Tianzhu’s words, Jiang Ruan contemplated the situation. Besides the Jin Yi Wei, who else in the capital would dare to openly kill a prince? The brutal methods employed aligned with Xiao Shao’s character. She had never intended to let the Jiang household and Ye You escape punishment, but Xiao Shao had taken action ahead of her. It must be acknowledged that he acted swiftly, sparing her from many difficulties and providing a sense of relief. However, would his actions bring trouble upon himself?
Jin Yi and Jin Er, perched on a nearby tree, observed Jiang Ruan. The incident involving the Jiang household had made Xiao Shao vigilant. Having only Tianzhu by her side was insufficient. Xiao Shao had given strict orders to protect Jiang Ruan in recent days.
Jin Yi and Jin Er had mercilessly slaughtered everyone in Prince Ye You’s residence the day before. As a.s.sa.s.sins, they seemed to possess an inherent bloodthirstiness. Yesterday, Xiao Shao personally dealt with Ye You, inflicting dozens of wounds, each one penetrating deep into his bones. Only after the final strike did Ye You breathe his last. The Jin Yi Wei had various torture methods at their disposal, and the chilling gaze in Xiao Shao’s eyes the previous night made these close guards involuntarily tremble.
Over the years, Xiao Shao has become increasingly inscrutable, seldom showing such intense murderous intent. Ye You, before his demise, had experienced some of the most excruciating methods in this world. Meeting his end at the hands of Xiao Shao, one could say he had fallen on hard times.
Jin San idly played with her hair, “The master has summoned Ye Feng back. Does he intend to employ him again?”
Ever since Ye Feng was rea.s.signed to Yi Bao Pavilion three years ago, Xiao Shao hasn’t utilized his services. It was common knowledge that Ye Feng had committed a grave error. He nearly caused the future mistress and the master to become estranged, as incompatible as fire and water. The fact that the master didn’t dismiss Ye Feng in a fit of rage was considered quite merciful. The decision to reuse Ye Feng now is indeed peculiar.
Jin Si frowned, “Better not, Ye Feng is too foolish.” Although Jin San and Jin Si bear an identical appearance, their temperaments are poles apart. Even if they don identical attire, they can be easily distinguished. Jin San exudes charm, while Jin Si embodies a heroic spirit. Jin Si and Ye Feng have always been at loggerheads, naturally, she is reluctant to see Ye Feng working alongside Xiao Shao again.
Jin Er, protecting her head with both hands, lazily commented, “Ye Feng has landed a good a.s.signment this time.”
“What a.s.signment?”
Jin Er smiled, “To present a grand gift to the n.o.ble concubine.”
The atmosphere in the Si Meng Palace was strange today, unlike the usual gentle smoke that filled the air, there seemed to be a hint of restlessness. The woman who usually sat in the main seat, always beautiful and gentle, was somewhat impatient and threw the scroll in her hand.
“Empress, the clothes made yesterday should have arrived.” The maid brought a small box.
The Dressing Palace was the most diligent in sending clothes to the Si Meng Palace. Everyone knew that Chen Guifei, the favorite concubine in the palace, naturally received more attention. Today was no different, the maid saw the box when she returned to the sleeping palace, thinking it was sent by the servants.
Seeing the box, Chen Guifei’s face improved a bit, and she ordered the maid to present the box and gently opened it. It was a normal thing, but she suddenly screamed “Ah”. The box in her hand suddenly fell, making a crisp sound on the ground. A round object fell out, rolling a distance, leaving a trail of star-like red spots.
The maids and eunuchs looked down in confusion, and were shocked at first glance. The thing in the box was not something else, it was the head of Ye You, who was killed a few days ago!
Ye You’s face still had an expression of shock and anger, his mouth was wide open, as if he had suffered great pain before his death. The part below his neck was neatly cut off, all b.l.o.o.d.y, but his face was very clean, as if it had been deliberately cleaned. At this moment, Ye You’s eyes were wide open, staring at Chen Guifei, Chen Guifei’s face turned pale, almost fainting.
“Empress, spare me.” The maid also knew that she had made a big mistake, and quickly knelt down to kowtow. The maids in the Si Meng Palace knelt down in a rush, and Chen Guifei screamed: “Old Chen, Old Chen!”
Chen Gonggong hurried in, and was also shocked when he saw the thing on the ground. He picked up Ye You’s head in three or two steps and put it back in the box. He glanced at the maid: “Leave!”
The palace maids hastily escorted her out, and Chen Guifei took a breath, turning to Chen Gonggong: “Old Chen, it’s him, it has to be him.” Her voice carried an unusual sense of panic.
Chen Gonggong was a servant brought from Chen Guifei’s maternal home. Since Chen Guifei entered the palace, he had risen from a junior eunuch to a high-ranking one, becoming Chen Guifei’s trusted confidant. Chen Gonggong was also aware of Jiang Ruan’s situation. Although he didn’t agree with his lady’s feelings for Xiao Shao, Chen Gonggong would a.s.sist Chen Guifei in removing any obstacles without hesitation.
Retaining Jiang Ruan was a disaster, but Xiao Shao was no saint either, as could be seen from today’s events. He had known early on that Ye You’s death was his doing, but he hadn’t realized that Xiao Shao had become so audacious, daring to brazenly send Ye You’s head to Chen Guifei. Was this a warning or a prophecy?
Chen Guifei stared intently at the box in Chen Gonggong’s hand, suddenly bursting into loud laughter: “He actually dares to oppose me! He dares to defy all conventions to oppose me!” She gritted her teeth, the madness in her eyes gradually receding, leaving her looking cold and beautiful again. However, upon closer inspection, one could see the jealousy and intensity in her eyes. She whispered, “Fine, since he has chosen this path, this palace won’t be blamed for being ruthless. This palace wants to see, to what extent he is willing to go for that woman!”
Chen Gonggong moved his lips, but said nothing. Chen Guifei glanced at him and said coldly, “You know what to do with the palace maids present today.”
This was a signal to silence them, Chen Gonggong bowed and respectfully answered, “Yes.”
Early in the morning, the Jin Ying Prince’s Mansion welcomed a special guest.
The guest was anxious and hurried, it was none other than Lu Zhu. Speaking of which, on the day when Jiang Ruan entered the bridal chamber, Lu Zhu was originally going to get her some hangover soup, but when she turned around, Jiang Ruan was gone. She didn’t know what had happened, and it took a lot of effort to find Tianzhu, but she was scared by Tianzhu. Tianzhu was injured and only said that Xiao Shao had sent someone to save Jiang Ruan.
(End of the chapter)