"This is some fresh Qingcha from Liaocheng. Minister Zhong, please try it and see if it suits your taste," Nangong Xiaodie said, sitting by the golden rosewood table and casually pouring a cup of tea for Zhong Li.
Zhong Li picked up the cup. Smelling the rich aroma, she said, "The fragrance alone is inviting. This Tieguanyin must be of the highest quality."
"Heh!" Nangong Xiaodie covered her mouth and chuckled. "They all say Minister Zhong is a simple villager from Anding County. I, however, feel otherwise. After all, anyone who can identify a tea by its scent alone must be quite the connoisseur in this regard."
"Your Ladyship Nangong is too kind. This minister merely travels often with the Heir Apparent and sees much, thus knowing much," Zhong Li replied.
"Well said, 'seeing much and knowing much.' Speaking of the Heir Apparent, it reminds me of his bold declarations at the Spring Banquet a few days ago. As a woman, many envy Minister Zhong," Nangong Xiaodie said, nodding.
"Envy me?" Zhong Li looked at Nangong Xiaodie, not understanding.
Nangong Xiaodie's smile deepened. "Others may think as they wish about the Heir Apparent. From my perspective, he may not be as dissolute as the rumors suggest. At least, the Heir Apparent I know has never publicly defended anyone like this, not even for the courtesan Tian Lianxue, whom he once cherished."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Li lowered her gaze. "I care not for the Heir Apparent's past. I only know that he and I are mutually in love."
"A fine declaration of mutual love. I, too, had my moments of youthful infatuation, but reality did not permit it. I also know what I lacked more. Had I possessed even a fraction of Minister Zhong's ability, perhaps I would not be confined daily within this vast cage," Nangong Xiaodie said, her willow-like brows furrowing slightly as she spoke of the past, appearing even more pitiable.
"Your Ladyship is now blessed with wealth and the Emperor's favor. Why dwell on unpleasant memories?" Zhong Li said.
"Indeed. The Emperor, despite his busy schedule, never forgets our intimate moments. It is only my body that can endure it. Otherwise, I might not have been able to see Minister Zhong this morning," Nangong Xiaodie finished Zhong Li's sentence.
Zhong Li was taken aback by Nangong Xiaodie's words, her cheeks flushing as she remained silent.
After a while, Nangong Xiaodie's self-pity subsided. She tidied a strand of hair from her temple and said, "I summoned you today to ask how the investigation of the case is proceeding."
Zhong Li's hand, holding the teacup, paused. She looked up at Nangong Xiaodie, surprised that she would ask such a question.
Nangong Xiaodie, waiting for a long time without an answer, scoffed. "What? Does Minister Zhong suspect me of being the murderer?"
Zhong Li immediately stood up. "This minister… dares not."
"I tell you, I am not!" Nangong Xiaodie seemed unfazed by Zhong Li's suspicion. She waved her hand. "Whether you believe me or not, although I have humble origins and am disliked by many in the harem, I have always acted with integrity. What I have not done, I have not done, and I will not blame others for what I have done."
Zhong Li pondered for a moment, then slowly looked up at the woman opposite her. "If that is so, I have a question for Your Ladyship."
"What is it?"
"Does Your Ladyship believe in an evil god?" Zhong Li asked.
"An evil god?" Nangong Xiaodie frowned, looking at Zhong Li ambiguously. "What is that?"
Zhong Li did not answer immediately, simply observing Nangong Xiaodie. If she were faking, her expression and demeanor at this moment seemed genuinely truthful.
"It is an evil god that others worship to conceive children. Since Your Ladyship does not, I shall not explain further," Zhong Li thought this was the most appropriate way to put it.
"Heh! To conceive children?" Nangong Xiaodie let out a mocking laugh upon hearing this. "Although I don't know what this 'evil god' that Minister Zhong speaks of is, I already have Chen'er, and the Emperor showers me with favor. The notion of seeking children through unorthodox means simply does not exist."
Zhong Li pursed her lips, remaining silent.
"However, I am not surprised that Minister Zhong would ask this question today," Nangong Xiaodie glanced at her and added.
"How does Your Ladyship say that?" Zhong Li asked.
Nangong Xiaodie smiled sarcastically. "My infrequent excursions from the harem do not mean I am ignorant of external gossip. The Emperor merely favors me, yet outside, they spread rumors of my seductive arts. It's utterly ridiculous. If I possessed such arts, would any other concubines exist in this harem? Would I even tolerate that superficial woman Shen Nong occupying the position of Empress?"
"Your Ladyship!" As soon as Nangong Xiaodie finished speaking, her head palace maid, Wanrong, quickly and quietly reminded her.
Nangong Xiaodie, realizing her slip, covered her mouth and looked at Zhong Li. "What does Minister Zhong think of what I said?"
Zhong Li gazed at Nangong Xiaodie, her eyes moving over her seductive, fox-like eyes. After a long pause, she cupped her hands and said, "Whether Your Ladyship speaks well or poorly, this minister offers no judgment, but I understand a principle."
"What is it?" Nangong Xiaodie asked.
"Whether it be Bao Si or Daji, or even Xi Shi who bewitched the ruler, they were merely scapegoats and excuses used by defeated nations to justify their own misgovernance. If an empire truly perishes due to the few words of a woman in the harem, or the passionate encounters in bed, then would not the world be turned upside down by the combined influence of four or five such women?" Zhong Li said, a faint smile touching her lips. "Therefore, in my opinion, gossip from the marketplace lacks genuine evidence and is mere rumor spread through hearsay. The Emperor, a man of great discernment, who values public opinion, does not heed such whispers. Does this not further prove that Your Ladyship is not the enchantress who disrupts the court as others claim?"
Upon hearing this, Nangong Xiaodie threw back her head and burst into laughter.
After a while, feeling she had laughed enough, she covered her stomach and waved, signaling Wanrong to step aside.
"Sit!" Nangong Xiaodie poured Zhong Li another cup of tea and gestured for her to sit.
Zhong Li did not refuse, accepted the cup, and resumed her original seat.
"Minister Zhong, these words are the first I have heard of them. Upon careful consideration, I find them to be quite sensible," Nangong Xiaodie said.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Ladyship."
Nangong Xiaodie glanced at the sky outside. "Just a few words have been exchanged, and the sky has already changed so much. It is time for me to rest."
Zhong Li quickly stood up, preparing to take her leave.
"Oh, right." Just as Nangong Xiaodie was about to enter the bedroom, she suddenly remembered something. "Minister Zhong visited Consort Shu yesterday, did you not?"
Zhong Li nodded.
"That courtyard does not appear large at first glance, but if you go through the back, it connects to Changting Palace and another hidden room. According to the division, that should also belong to Consort Shu. Minister Zhong, do not forget to investigate that as well." With that, Nangong Xiaodie yawned and entered the bedroom, closing the door.
Zhong Li stood in place, gazing deeply at the door before her. She cupped her hands in a bow of thanks and hurried away.