The sound of footsteps faded, and it seemed the person had left.
Inside the hall, on the carved bed, the Empress Dowager raised her head, her face deathly pale, her pupils filled with heartache.
That Ping An had clearly taken the punishment for her. Could he survive thirty planks?
Thinking of this, the Empress Dowager grew more desperate. Tears welled in her peach-blossom eyes, and she gazed at the man by the bedside.
He was none other than the top-ranking minister, Grand Tutor Ye Qing Tian. His handsome face was now etched with the same despair as hers. They looked at each other.
Finally, the Empress Dowager's eyes glazed over, and she swayed, sliding to the side, completely engulfed by darkness.
Ye Qing Tian's face changed dramatically in fright. He cried out in pain, "Lan Zhi, Lan Zhi, are you alright? My son, my son!"
Outside the hall door, Jia Ye heard the commotion inside and quickly slipped in, asking anxiously, "Master, what's happening?"
"Quick, take her back and summon the imperial physician."
"Yes, I'll go right away." Jia Ye took the order, reached out, picked up the Empress Dowager, and darted out of the bedchamber. Ye Qing Tian sat in the room, staring blankly, motionless and powerless.
Outside the side hall, Song Yuan still led his men waiting. It wasn't until Shang Guan Yao appeared with Aunt Ping that Leng Han spoke, his voice like a predator's.
"This insolent slave dares to slack off here in the middle of the night instead of serving her master. Guards, take her to the Department of Punishment for thirty planks."
As soon as he spoke, Ping An's face turned ashen. She bit her lip hard and said nothing. Two guards immediately stepped forward, roughly pulled Ping An, and said fiercely, "Hurry up."
Ping An stumbled as the two guards dragged her away.
Shang Guan Yao, his face cold, descended the stone steps, his aura chilling.
The night wind gusted, whipping his robes, carrying a powerful dominance. His eyes held a determined light. He exhaled a breath of cold air, and a sense of unprecedented relief washed over him.
From now on, no one would dare cross his line. Provoke him, and there was only one outcome.
Death!
"Everyone, go back," he commanded coldly.
Song Yuan dared not be careless. They, these people, were afraid to think too much. A maid by the Empress Dowager's side was being severely punished with thirty planks for slacking off.
Thirty planks could result in skin and flesh being torn apart, or worse, death.
The Department of Punishment in the palace was where such beatings took place. However, since this palace maid was loyal to the Empress Dowager, those people might be hesitant to deliver a heavy blow, perhaps only causing severe injuries.
But then everyone thought of something: why was someone of status guarding a maid who was slacking off? It was truly mysterious.
With that thought, no one dared to linger. It was no different from seeking death. Even Song Yuan didn't dare to stay longer. He quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The group followed the path they had come, walking outwards. The side door was locked. The guard at the front cut the lock with his sword, and everyone filed out. Outside the door, a few young eunuchs immediately lit lanterns and knelt in unison, "Your Majesty."
"Go back."
Song Yuan led his men to stand on both sides. Shang Guan Yao, clad in a bright yellow brocade robe, emerged from the rear with a somber expression. He waved his hand and ordered,
"Patrol everywhere and strengthen the vigilance. If there are any more incidents like the assassin, you will all be careful."
After the Emperor finished speaking, the chief eunuch Xiao Ting Zi stepped forward to support His Majesty. The other young eunuchs carried lanterns, four in front and four behind, as they majestically returned to Jingfu Palace.
Under the dark night, a group of palace guards looked at each other, then turned to their leader, Master Song, waiting for his orders. Song Yuan waved his hand and commanded, "Patrol everywhere. Tonight's events never happened, or else beware of losing your heads." xxs壹贰
"Yes," the voices rang out, and they quickly dispersed.
The next day, Yun Xiao slept until the sun was high in the sky before waking. Because she had stayed up late last night and only fell asleep near dawn, she had slept soundly, waking around noon.
Sunlight streamed through the light, watery brocade curtains, warm and cozy. Outside the window, the branches were slowly showing green buds. Spring was approaching.
Yun Xiao sat on the bed, lost in thought. Wan Wan walked in from outside and, seeing her mistress awake, quickly came to serve her and report the news.
"Your Majesty, this servant heard that Prince Lin was injured last night and was taken back to his residence for treatment."
"Mm," Yun Xiao replied, returning to her senses.
She thought of Mu Rong Chong who had appeared last night, his chilling aura like the cold of winter, and his body stained with blood. Was that blood Shang Guan Lin's, not his?
Yun Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he wasn't injured, no one could capture him.
Then she thought of another matter, and a smile bloomed on her lips, "Are there any updates from Chang Xin Palace?"
When Wan Wan heard her mistress's question, she immediately understood her thoughts. She slightly lowered her eyebrows and whispered.
"There's no commotion, but I heard that Aunt Ping, the capable maid by the Empress Dowager's side, was beaten with thirty planks and seriously injured. Also, the Empress Dowager is ill. An imperial physician was summoned yesterday, and she still hasn't woken up?"
"Is she truly unconscious, or is she faking it?"
Yun Xiao paced back and forth in the room. Wan Wan followed closely behind her, tidying her clothes. Seeing her pacing, she couldn't help but speak.
"My dear mistress, can you be a bit quieter? Whether she's genuinely unconscious or faking it, she's probably too ashamed to show her face."
Yun Xiao was happy to hear this. Compared to Shang Guan Lin being injured, this matter was far more pleasing.
She stopped pacing, allowing Wan Wan to tidy her clothes. Her delicate little face was full of smiles, blooming into a peach-blossom blush that, in the midst of the drizzling rain, blossomed into a tree full of breathtaking beauty.
Wan Wan took a step back, looking at her mistress's lovely appearance, and smiled contentedly, pursing her lips.
"She's so beautiful. The Emperor truly has no luck. Who has captured our mistress's heart?"
Yun Xiao rolled her eyes and took a few steps, looking at herself in the phoenix mirror on the dressing table.
She wore a white silk thin jacket, with red silk thread outlining a few kapok flowers at the cuffs and collar. The kapok flowers bloomed brilliantly and vibrantly.
Below, she wore a water-blue pleated skirt. The blue and white combination exuded a hint of the sea's charm. Her dark hair was slightly loose, casually styled into a cloud bun. A wisp of hair slipped down from the bun, making her even more alluring and captivating.
"How is it? Isn't our mistress particularly charming?" Wan Wan asked softly.
Now she had become more refined, with less of her previous boisterous behavior. She was truly beautiful. If she were dressed up properly, she might even be more beautiful than her mistress, Yun Xiao thought. As long as she left the palace, she would give her a good life.
"Thank you, Wan Wan, thank you for always staying with me."
Yun Xiao turned around and hugged Wan Wan. Since crossing over to ancient times, she had felt the love from Yun Mo, Yun Zhen, and Wan Wan. One day, she would reciprocate this love.
Just wait, those who love me, I love you too!