Lin Xiaowei looked at Bai Liyun with a hint of grievance, pursing her lips as if trying her best to hold back tears. After a long moment, she said, "Miss, your maid was merely showing concern. After all, His Majesty sent us to congratulate Young Master Zheng. If Madam Zheng were to awaken now, perhaps it would be due to His Majesty's profound blessings. If you were to inform His Majesty upon our return, he would surely be pleased. Don't you agree?"
Bai Liyun's teeth were practically grinding at her words.
When Lin Xiaowei was her maid before, she wasn't like this at all.
Perhaps it should be said that back then, Lin Xiaowei had hidden herself too well; she couldn't see what kind of person Lin Xiaowei truly was.
Not only her, but even her mother hadn't seen what kind of person Lin Xiaowei truly was.
She wouldn't dwell on the past. What was most infuriating was the present. Bai Liyun would find fault with her at the slightest provocation.
Whenever she spoke to her, regardless of the occasion, Lin Xiaowei would always address her as "Miss."
Nowadays, everyone was so shrewd; how could they not tell that this was Lin Xiaowei's deliberate act?
Only His Majesty, utterly infatuated with this vixen, would mistake Lin Xiaowei's every "Miss" as Bai Liyun bullying her. The outcome was obvious: Bai Liyun would end up being reprimanded by His Majesty.
Although her mother was Grand Princess Zande, a distant savior couldn't quench immediate thirst.
Her mother couldn't possibly visit her at any moment, and even if she did, what could she do? m..oΓg
There were distinctions between inner and outer circles, and between ruler and subject. Grand Princess Zande couldn't possibly resolve her current predicament.
She originally didn't want to get involved in the affairs outside the palace today.
Others might not know, but she did. Zheng Wei and his associates were not to be trifled with. She wasn't so bored as to seek trouble.
But it was this Lin Xiaowei, who, at the most inopportune moment, claimed to have befriended Zheng Wei and others during the disaster relief and insisted on bringing her along, thinking it might curry some favor.
Recalling this, Bai Liyun was truly infuriated.
Lin Xiaowei clearly knew that Zheng Wei and his group didn't like her at all.
Of course, they didn't like Lin Xiaowei either.
She was definitely trying to find a scapegoat, which was why she had dragged Bai Liyun along.
In an instant, Bai Liyun felt she had grasped the truth.
In fact, her guess was largely accurate.
Because Lin Xiaowei truly did think this way.
Zheng Wei and his group had always ignored her, and she wanted to gain merit in front of the Grand Emperor. Having no other choice, she could only bring Bai Liyun along.
Before they came, she had promised the Grand Emperor that she would bring back the Holy Water.
But looking at the situation now, let alone the Holy Water, they might all be driven out in the next moment.
Indeed, Yi Zhixie and the others could no longer wait.
Shen Xiaoyan had woken up, and they naturally wanted to see her.
However, they didn't want to bring these people along. After much deliberation, everyone decided that Yi Zhixie would stay behind to handle the aftermath, as his status was legitimate.
Yi Zhixie was naturally unwilling. Wasn't there Sima Han?
Why wasn't he staying behind to deal with these people?
Sima Han's reasoning was perfectly logical: he was merely a prince without power or influence; how could he possibly manage these people?
Therefore, everything still depended on a Grand Tutor like Yi Zhixie.
After the discussion, Sima Han led everyone away with cheerful faces, leaving Yi Zhixie to grit his teeth.
Even Nawang Chung only let out a cold snort, cast a cursory glance at Ling San, turned, and followed.
She hadn't missed the look Lin Xiaowei had shot at Yi Zhixie earlier.
This shameless woman, now that she had become His Majesty's woman, still dared to have designs on her little brother Xie.
However, she had absolute confidence in Yi Zhixie.
Not to mention now, even in the past, Yi Zhixie wouldn't have given Lin Xiaowei a second glance.
Yi Zhixie watched Nawang Chung and the others leave, and as he looked at Zheng Xiang and the others again, his gaze turned incredibly cold.
It was because of these people that he couldn't leave.
At Yi Zhixie's scrutinizing gaze, Zheng Xiang and the others all flinched. This Grand Tutor was too terrifying.
The older individuals, or those like Zheng Xiang who had experienced that era, vaguely recalled Yi Zhixie from many years ago.
The Grand Tutor back then wasn't as jovial and smiley as he was now.
"Are you leaving or not?"
Yi Zhixie still decided to give these people an opportunity and thus asked.
Many court officials had already sensed something was amiss. After Yi Zhixie's question, they all stood up, stating they had other matters to attend to and would leave. Naturally, they didn't forget to leave Qing Li behind.
In a short while, only Zheng Xiang, Lin Xiaowei, Bai Liyun, Grand Princess Zande, and their servants remained in the garden.
Lin Xiaowei was actually a little afraid in her heart, but she still wanted to persevere.
She had already made a promise; if she couldn't retrieve the Holy Water, how would she explain it?
Unless someone could take the blame for her.
Thinking thus, Lin Xiaowei's gaze drifted to Bai Liyun again.
Bai Liyun had been suffering greatly because of Lin Xiaowei recently. In an instant, she sensed something was wrong.
Her intuition told her that this wretched woman Lin Xiaowei was definitely plotting against her, but she couldn't leave on her own.
"Mother, why don't I go with you to the Princess's mansion? I miss Father a little," Bai Liyun suddenly said, her eyes darting.
Grand Princess Zande actually found Yi Zhixie somewhat unsettling. The current Yi Zhixie was very dangerous, so she also wanted to leave.
However, because she was worried about Bai Liyun, she hadn't left with the other court officials earlier.
Now, hearing Bai Liyun say this, Grand Princess Zande was naturally willing.
Seeing the two about to stand up and leave, Lin Xiaowei panicked.
If Bai Liyun left like this, what would she do?
"Miss, if you leave like this, how will your maid explain it to His Majesty upon our return?" Lin Xiaowei asked worriedly.
Bai Liyun gave a cool smile, "You keep calling me Miss, does Miss need to explain anything to a lowly servant like you? Moreover, I'm just going home for a visit. My mother and father miss me, and I want to go see them. Even His Majesty wouldn't object."
Lin Xiaowei gritted her teeth secretly upon hearing this. How could this foolish woman Bai Liyun compare to her?
The only thing better about her was her parents.
After speaking, Bai Liyun pulled Grand Princess Zande and left.
Lin Xiaowei glanced at Zheng Xiang, gritted her teeth, but remained silent.
She and Zheng Xiang were not on the same side. Even if they united now, they couldn't contend with Yi Zhixie.
It would be better to say a few soft words, make a promise, and perhaps persuade Yi Zhixie to soften his heart and give her some Holy Water. Even one or two drops would be enough for her to explain upon her return.
"Grand Tutor, may I have a word in private?"
"In private? We aren't close. Whatever you have to say, say it here directly," Yi Zhixie replied impatiently.
This Lin Xiaowei was truly shameless, leaving stubbornly while everyone else had gone.
Lin Xiaowei glanced at Zheng Xiang, who was sitting nearby. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke.
She knew Yi Zhixie wouldn't relent easily. If she didn't seize this opportunity, she would likely return empty-handed today.
"Grand Tutor, His Majesty has been unwell recently. For the sake of the nation's grand plan and the common people, I implore the Grand Tutor to bestow the Holy Water."
Lin Xiaowei spoke righteously and then, with a thud, knelt on the ground.
Yi Zhixie acted as if he hadn't seen it. "As this Grand Tutor has said before, if you want Holy Water, you must exchange it for the throne."
Lin Xiaowei was astonished to hear this. Was there such a thing?
But she didn't know about it; Sima Zhu hadn't told her.
Thinking of this, Lin Xiaowei couldn't help but grit her teeth. Sima Zhu was truly going too far, not telling her about this.
However, the matter had reached this point; she couldn't just leave like this.
"Grand Tutor, His Majesty has reigned for several years, diligently working for the people. You, Grand Tutor, have always been detached from worldly affairs; what use do you have for the throne?" Lin Xiaowei said sincerely. "I only ask that the Grand Tutor bestow the Holy Water. Once His Majesty recovers, he will surely continue to be a good emperor, allowing the Grand Tutor to witness a prosperous and peaceful Great Chu."
Yi Zhixie finally looked at Lin Xiaowei, scrutinizing her from head to toe. A meaningful smile touched his lips. "Consort Hua, are you implying that if this Grand Tutor does not grant the Holy Water, His Majesty will not govern Great Chu properly or be a good emperor?"
Lin Xiaowei: ...
So, this was a pit she had dug for herself?
"Grand Tutor, you jest. I merely hope His Majesty's health improves."
"This Grand Tutor never jokes with people he is unfamiliar with," Yi Zhixie said very seriously.
Lin Xiaowei choked, remained frozen for a moment, then said, "His Majesty's recovery is a blessing to Great Chu."
These words were well-spoken, but Yi Zhixie didn't care about them at all.
To him, if Sima Zhu were to fall ill and cause public unrest, it would be even better.
That way, he could push Sima Han onto the throne.
Seeing Yi Zhixie remain unmoved, Lin Xiaowei wanted to reason with him further using emotional appeals, but Yi Zhixie didn't give her the chance.
"Stop wasting time. If you want Holy Water, exchange it for something of equivalent value. Otherwise, next time, you won't even be able to enter this gate."
After speaking, without regard for Lin Xiaowei's reaction, he turned to Zheng Xiang.
"Prince Duan, do you have any further matters?"
Zheng Xiang seemed to have been lost in thought. Hearing Yi Zhixie's voice, he suddenly looked up.
"This King bids farewell."
Exchanging a glance with Yi Zhixie, Zheng Xiang promptly took his leave.
He needed to go back and think carefully about what to do next.
Kong Huangwei had already acknowledged Zheng Wei, so the mother and son must have colluded regarding the events of ten years ago.
Forget about conciliation; even speaking amicably would be impossible from now on.
Moreover, Zheng Wei and Kong Huangwei were both capable individuals. He also had to guard against them plotting against him.
With a heavy heart, Zheng Xiang's steps were exceptionally ponderous.
Seeing Zheng Xiang leave as well, Lin Xiaowei was completely at a loss.
Only she was left. She had said everything she could, but Yi Zhixie was impervious to both soft and hard tactics; she could do nothing.
Sighing, suppressing her inner resentment, Lin Xiaowei also stood up.
Because the ground was too cold and she had been kneeling for too long, Lin Xiaowei stumbled as she rose.