Chapter 133: The Power of Words

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The eunuchs outside paused, unsure of what to do next. They looked toward the lead eunuch, waiting for instructions.

 

The lead eunuch flicked his dust whisk and glanced at Chu Jinyao with a haughty expression. “What does the Crown Princess mean by this?”

 

“Why should I explain my intentions to a mere servant?” Chu Jinyao replied dismissively. She then turned her head, not bothering to give the group outside another glance, and instead smiled apologetically at Princess Ru Ning. “I’m sorry you had to experience this. It’s getting late, and the palace gates will soon close. Let me escort you out.”

 

“No need,” Princess Ru Ning gently placed her hand over Chu Jinyao’s, her calm exterior belying the tension in her voice as she subtly glanced at the group of overbearing eunuchs. Even Princess Ru Ning found the situation unnerving. How could she let Chu Jinyao accompany her in such circumstances?

 

Summoning all her strength to maintain composure, Princess Ru Ning exchanged a few farewell words with Chu Jinyao before making her way out. Fortunately, the group of eunuchs, though domineering, knew better than to trouble a princess. As Princess Ru Ning approached, they wordlessly parted to let her through.

 

Once she had passed their blockade, both the princess and her maid let out a long sigh of relief. The maid, trembling from fear, helped support the princess, her back drenched in sweat. “Your Highness, what should we do? How did things come to this?”

 

Princess Ru Ning, shaken herself, quickly replied, “This place isn’t safe. Let’s get out of the palace quickly.”

 

Until recently, the Crown Prince had been training troops at Xishan, and the capital had remained peaceful and calm. How had rumors of rebellion suddenly surfaced?

 

Not daring to dwell on it, Princess Ru Ning hastily glanced back at the palace from her carriage. The western sky was ablaze with a menacing red hue, and in the dim, looming dusk, the Imperial Palace seemed like a beast crouching in the shadows. Now, hidden by the twilight, it had opened its eyes, its gaze prowling like a predator’s, searching for something to devour.

 

An ominous feeling washed over Princess Ru Ning. She sensed that the Imperial Palace would soon undergo a dramatic change—perhaps within the next two days.

 

Outside Ciqing Palace, after Princess Ru Ning left, the standoff between Chu Jinyao and the eunuchs from the Eastern Depot grew even more intense.

 

Chu Jinyao had finished her farewell and was nonchalantly turning to walk back inside. The head eunuch, feeling slighted, let out a cold snort and shrieked, “What a grand display by the Crown Princess! I came today on the Emperor’s orders. Are you planning to defy a decree?”

 

“If you truly came with the Emperor’s decree, then present the imperial edict. Otherwise, take a good look at where you are. This is the Eastern Palace. It’s not a place where you can do as you please, searching when you want and leaving when it suits you.”

 

Chu Jinyao’s resolute attitude caught the eunuchs off guard. Though they acted with impunity, they knew better than to cross someone as favored as the Crown Princess. If they were to force their way in and harm her, even in the slightest, and the Crown Prince regained his power, their fates would be sealed. The lead eunuch hesitated, unwilling to give the order to search. In the meantime, Chu Jinyao, supported by Linglong, had already turned and disappeared behind the palace gates. As soon as they were inside, the eunuchs of Ciqing Palace quickly shut and bolted the doors, blocking out the view from outside.

 

Once the doors were closed, Chu Jinyao’s previously calm demeanor shifted, and worry clouded her expression. The tension was palpable as Linglong and the other maids stood frozen with fear. Everyone, from the handmaidens Chu Jinyao had brought with her to the palace attendants who had long served in the Eastern Palace, gathered around her, their faces filled with anxiety. “What should we do, Crown Princess?” they asked, their voices trembling, clearly looking to her for guidance.

 

Chu Jinyao furrowed her brows, contemplating for a moment before issuing instructions. “Shut all side doors and gates around Ciqing Palace. No one is to enter or leave without my explicit permission. If anyone dares to defy this order or lets someone in without my consent…” Her gaze slowly swept over the courtyard, meeting the eyes of each servant. Everyone who met her gaze quickly looked down, holding their breath. After a moment of silence, she firmly declared, “They will all be executed.”

 

The head eunuch, pacing outside Ciqing Palace, eventually ordered the palace to be surrounded tightly. After ensuring no one could get in or out, he hurried back to report to his superiors.

 

When the gatekeeper reported that the palace was now entirely surrounded and sealed off, Chu Jinyao sighed and nodded. “I understand. Keep watching outside carefully.”

 

Chu Jinyao couldn’t fathom what had caused the Emperor to suspect Qin Yi of rebellion. The idea itself was laughable—Qin Yi was already the Crown Prince, a position he had held for years, with the support of the people. What motive would he have to rebel? Chu Jinyao was furious—furious at the Emperor for his blindness and furious at Prince Su’s despicable actions. There was no doubt that the rumors of rebellion, and today’s search order, were part of Prince Su and Noble Consort Shu’s schemes.

 

The only silver lining was that Qin Yi was at Xishan with the army. His influence among the troops was substantial, and as the commander overseeing the reconstruction of the Three Armies, even Prince Su and his cronies wouldn’t dare act against him. As long as Qin Yi remained with the military, he would be safe.

 

Prince Su must have been aware of this, which was why he was pressing the issue by accusing Qin Yi of rebellion, hoping to search the Eastern Palace for evidence. But the Eastern Palace, as the seat of the Crown Prince, was sacred. To search it without cause, even without finding proof of rebellion, would irreparably damage its reputation.

 

Chu Jinyao would never let Prince Su succeed. She knew she had to stand firm. If Prince Su and Noble Consort Shu dared to force their way in, they would be branded as bullies, humiliating a pregnant woman in her husband’s absence. As her younger brother-in-law, if Prince Su dared to push his way into the palace and bully his pregnant sister-in-law, he would never live down the scandal. All the reputation he had painstakingly built as a virtuous and benevolent prince would be utterly destroyed.

 

The eunuchs from the Eastern Depot may have been ruthless, but Chu Jinyao’s resolve was even stronger. Realizing their predicament, Noble Consort Shu had no choice but to personally intervene. She arrived at the Eastern Palace, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Princess Consort Su, ready to tackle this formidable challenge head-on.

 

Noble Consort Shu sat in the guest seat, with Zhao Lanhui standing behind her. Forcing a gentle smile, Noble Consort Shu called out warmly, “Crown Princess.”

 

Chu Jinyao sat in the host’s seat, not even sparing Noble Consort Shu a glance.

 

Noble Consort Shu’s expression stiffened momentarily before she forced herself to maintain her smile. “It’s been some time since I last saw you, and I see that your belly has grown quite large. You seem to be in good spirits, so the child must be strong as well. You’re due in April, aren’t you?”

 

Chu Jinyao, hands resting on her lap, cast a fleeting glance at Noble Consort Shu. “What does that have to do with you?”

 

Noble Consort Shu’s smile froze, and her face tightened. “Crown Princess, you’re a royal woman. Such harsh language isn’t becoming of you. If word of this gets out, it may harm the royal family’s dignity.”

 

“That depends on who I’m speaking to. If it’s someone virtuous and honorable, then I naturally speak with the same respect. But if they’re not, why should I waste my words?”

 

“You—” Zhao Lanhui glared at Chu Jinyao, but Noble Consort Shu quickly gestured for her to step back, signaling that this wasn’t her place to speak. After regaining her composure, Noble Consort Shu, smiling broadly, glanced at Chu Jinyao’s belly. “I understand that since entering the palace, the Crown Princess has been greatly favored. The Crown Prince indulges your every whim, even leaving the Eastern Palace vacant for your sake. Even the Emperor listens to your advice. When Empress Muhuai was alive, she was haughty, yet she still suffered under you. But, as someone older, I must offer you some advice: sometimes walking too fast is not a good thing. It’s wise to be more humble. You’re expecting a child now, after all. You should think about accumulating good fortune for your baby.”

 

“Are you threatening me with my child?” Chu Jinyao finally turned her face, locking eyes with Noble Consort Shu. The Consort’s soft and gentle demeanor belied the malice lurking beneath the surface. Her veiled threats were unmistakable—Chu Jinyao’s due date was in April, and childbirth was fraught with dangers. Noble Consort Shu was subtly hinting that something could happen to the unborn child if Chu Jinyao didn’t comply.

 

Staring coldly at Noble Consort Shu, Chu Jinyao suddenly chuckled. Noble Consort Shu, taken aback, frowned. “What are you laughing at?”

 

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just find it amusing how much you and the recently departed Empress had in common.”

 

Noble Consort Shu detested the late Empress Muhuai. When she had been a low-ranking consort, she had suffered under the Empress Wenxiao’s rule. Even after the Empress Wenxiao’s death, Noble Consort Shu had been forced to contend with Wenxiao’s younger sister, who had been given the title of Empress in her stead. Her loathing for the late Empress ran deep, so being compared to her now left Noble Consort Shu visibly disgusted.

 

Ignoring the Consort’s displeasure, Chu Jinyao continued, “The Empress secretly gave drugs to the women of the palace to prevent them from bearing children. Perhaps that’s why you have no children. And now you’ve repaid her by poisoning her to death and threatening other people’s unborn children. Noble Consort Shu, don’t you think the two of you are quite similar?”

 

Chu Jinyao’s voice dropped to a chilling tone as she added, “It may sound cruel, but I feel compelled to say it: you deserve it. A woman who would use an unborn child as a bargaining chip deserves to be childless for the rest of her life.”

 

The room fell silent. The maids who stood with Noble Consort Shu were outraged, while Zhao Lanhui, though outwardly seething, subtly glanced at Noble Consort Shu. After all, Prince Su wasn’t her biological son either. Meanwhile, Chu Jinyao’s maids tried to maintain their composure, though they felt a surge of satisfaction at their mistress’s words.

 

Noble Consort Shu herself clenched her hands so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her face was taut, and her shoulders trembled slightly with suppressed fury.

 

Though infuriated, Noble Consort Shu had been in the palace long enough to restrain her temper. After a long pause, she smiled and said, “The Crown Princess certainly has a sharp tongue. I’m impressed. But since you’ve decided not to show me any respect, I won’t hold back either. I’ll be blunt with you. The Emperor is deeply suspicious of the Crown Prince’s intentions in Xishan. That’s why he ordered a search of the Eastern Palace. But I didn’t expect the Crown Princess to be so resistant.”

 

Noble Consort Shu smirked as she glanced at Chu Jinyao, clearly enjoying the moment. “Crown Princess, if you were wise, you’d cooperate now. If you continue to defy the Emperor, it will only cement the charges of treason against the Crown Prince.”

 

Chu Jinyao inwardly thought to herself, “You’re probably right to suspect Qin Yi’s motives for going to Xishan.” But outwardly, she maintained her righteous stance. “If you have any evidence, present it. Don’t spread baseless accusations. The innocent have nothing to fear, and I’m certain the Crown Prince feels the same. If you and Princess Consort Su are dissatisfied, feel free to take your complaints to the Emperor. I have nothing more to say.”

 

Lifting her teacup, Chu Jinyao’s message was clear: the conversation was over. Noble Consort Shu, realizing her attempts to intimidate Chu Jinyao had failed, felt a flash of frustration. She and Prince Su had assumed that, in the Crown Prince’s absence, Chu Jinyao would be easily rattled by the accusation of treason and comply with their demands. If they could search the Eastern Palace, they could easily fabricate evidence. However, Chu Jinyao had proven to be as unyielding as iron, shutting out the Eastern Depot’s spies and refusing to budge.

 

Now, they were at a dilemma. After spending an unproductive time at Ciqing Palace, Noble Consort Shu stood abruptly, clearly fuming. She no longer cared to maintain any semblance of politeness. “Since the Crown Princess is obstinate and arrogant, I will report today’s events to the Emperor and let him decide. Crown Princess, you’d better take care of yourself. Oh, and by the way, the Emperor has also decreed that it is no longer appropriate for the Crown Princess to hold the Phoenix Seal, given the Crown Prince’s questionable actions. Hand it over.”

 

Without so much as a flinch, Chu Jinyao gestured for Linglong to retrieve it. Zhao Lanhui, expecting a dramatic scene, was somewhat disappointed by Chu Jinyao’s calm compliance.

 

Zhao Lanhui glanced at the Phoenix Seal and remarked mockingly, “I remember that when the Crown Princess took the Phoenix Seal from Kunning Palace, the situation was quite similar to today. And now, just a short while later, history is repeating itself. Truly, the world is full of twists and turns.”

 

Zhao Lanhui’s words dripped with sarcasm, but Chu Jinyao simply smiled faintly. “Indeed, the world is full of unexpected changes. I wouldn’t be surprised if this seal still bears Empress Muhuai’s blood.”

 

Zhao Lanhui flinched, instinctively drawing her hand back from the seal. Chu Jinyao continued in a soft, eerie tone, “Empress Muhuai was deeply attached to palace life, and her death was anything but peaceful. They say those who die unjustly have the strongest grievances. It wouldn’t surprise me if the late Empress’s spirit still roams the palace, seeking justice for her murder.”

 

At this, even Noble Consort Shu’s expression faltered. Superstition ran deep in the palace, and those with guilty consciences feared retribution most of all. Chu Jinyao’s gaze bore into Noble Consort Shu’s as she murmured, “Noble Consort Shu, if you place this Phoenix Seal beside your bed, aren’t you afraid?”

 

“Ridiculous! A Crown Princess speaking such nonsense, like some commoner! Truly unbecoming of your status.” Noble Consort Shu rose, anger evident in her movements, and stormed out without even saying goodbye. Zhao Lanhui hurried to follow, but before she could leave, Chu Jinyao’s soft voice called after her, “Oh, and Princess Consort Su, I heard you recently made a donation in Empress Muhuai’s name to Huangjue Temple. Do you think that might attract… something you weren’t expecting?”

 

Zhao Lanhui’s scalp tingled as she hurried out of the palace, determined to block out Chu Jinyao’s ominous words.

 

After they had gone, Chu Jinyao inspected her neatly manicured nails, then rose from her seat as if nothing had happened. “How boring. Sitting too long makes my back ache. Come with me for a walk outside.”

 

Linglong and the other maids hastily agreed, marveling at their mistress’s composure. The words Chu Jinyao had spoken earlier had sent chills down their spines, and they had all seen the fear on Noble Consort Shu and Princess Consort Su’s faces. Yet here was Chu Jinyao, utterly unruffled, even complaining about being bored. Linglong couldn’t help but think back to the quiet, gentle girl she had first served at the Marquis’s manor, comparing her to the formidable woman who now ruled the Eastern Palace.

 

The imperial palace was truly a terrifying place.