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墨書 Inktalez
The Final Judgment.
In truth, it was merely an opportunity for the women in the palace to share some jokes, mocking the failures of those who lost in their struggles, laughing at themselves. Yet, these women were so pitiful, completely unaware of their own plight.
I looked at Xie De Fei, kneeling on the ground with a pale face, devoid of any anger, as bewildered as a child. For the first time, I felt grateful that she had gone mad during last night's trial; it meant that all these years she had been burdened with guilt, feeling sorry for Aunt, still clinging to some semblance of conscience. Moreover, she would never understand the smug expressions on the faces of those women watching her, the glee in their eyes as they reveled in her misfortune.
I couldn't help but question myself—was what I was doing right? I had no desire to get involved in any palace intrigues because I knew that if I wanted to, these women would not stand a chance against me. There was no point in competing. However, was it too cruel to torment this poor woman to such an extent for the sake of the owner of this body?
I had uncovered all her Scar and had even rubbed salt into them. But that was no longer my concern; in this world, evil begets evil—that was inevitable, just a matter of time. Now she had paid for her sins and found some relief.
Aunt, Xie Weiying, Soo Ranran could finally rest.
“Xie De Fei, do you know your crimes?” The Emperor sat high above, looking down emotionlessly at the woman he once favored.
Xie De Fei knelt there, swaying her body from side to side, mumbling incoherently as if she had returned to a primal state of infancy, completely oblivious to everything around her.
Just as the Emperor lazily prepared to conclude everything, Huan Shuangshuang, who usually remained silent, suddenly spoke up: “What about Consort De's two children? Are they also that man’s—” It seemed like she was asking herself while hinting at something. Instantly, it dropped like a bomb among the concubines; everyone’s expressions shifted unpredictably. They appeared calm but were already brewing with tension. I glanced at Sima Rui, and a glimmer of murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
I felt a chill run down my spine. Although I had threatened Xie De Fei, she had already received her due punishment; after all, the children were innocent. How could I bear to watch my three nominal nephews perish?
At that moment, Xie De Fei, who had been quietly kneeling on the ground, suddenly went wild. She leaped up and lunged at me. I stood there stunned and unresponsive as she knocked me to the ground, laughing maniacally like a madwoman. Her voice was sharp and piercing, utterly unpleasant. But just as she landed on me, her previously dazed eyes suddenly cleared with hatred. She leaned close to my Ear and coldly whispered: “Is this what you wanted to see? Before entering the palace, Shen Lang was castrated by your beastly father just to see me. He has long become a eunuch. It was he who ruined our lives.” As soon as she finished speaking, palace maids and eunuchs rushed over to pull her away. When I looked at her again, her gaze was wild and reckless as she kicked and struck those around her, hair disheveled and still laughing—a laugh that sent chills down everyone’s spine.
“Ha ha—ha ha—” It felt as if the entire world had come to a standstill; all I could hear was her unwillingly sorrowful laughter echoing in my Ear.
Castrated?! Was she implying that Shen Qing was a eunuch?! Then—what about those children? I recalled when I last saw Shen Qing, sensing an eerie chill about him. No wonder she harbored such deep-seated hatred for her own brother—a hatred so profound that she wished him dead and regretted so many wrong turns in life.
I thought about that man—what could possibly drive him to be so cruel to his own sister? What made him trample on her happiness so ruthlessly—was it power or something else?
I lay on the ground, eyes closed, as a tear slowly traced down my cheek. What kind of world is this?! How can they trample on a woman's dignity like this! What do they think of women, mere tools or objects to be used?
"Drag her away, bring me a white silk," came the cruel and merciless voice of Sima Rui nearby.
After a long while, someone helped me up. "Consort Jie, are you alright?" Surrounding me were voices filled with concern, but I remained dazed like a puppet, my expression numb and my eyes devoid of light as I sat there.
"Your Majesty—what should we do about the child of Xie De Fei? We cannot allow that illegitimate child to taint our royal bloodline..." Consort Wang clung to Sima Rui's arm as she spoke. A flicker of hesitation crossed Sima Rui's eyes.
Suddenly, I stood up and knelt at his feet, resolutely declaring, "Your Majesty, I swear on my life that my three nephews are indeed your biological children."
"Xie De Fei is your aunt; of course you would say that. What evidence do you have?" Consort Wang pressed on relentlessly, her tone aggressive.
Nervously, I knelt on the ground, waiting for the emperor's decision.
After what felt like an eternity—long enough that I was about to faint—he finally said lazily, "Oh—is that so? Then does Consort have any way to prove to me that they are indeed my children?"
Taking a deep breath, I finally steadied myself and replied, "Blood test." In this moment, I could not afford any hesitation or mistakes.
"Blood test?" The crowd repeated in confusion.
"Yes, Your Majesty." After a pause, I continued, "I have heard that when a father and son share blood ties, their blood will quickly merge when dropped into clear water." God help me; I hoped the blood test scenes I had seen on television weren't fabricated. Otherwise, my life would be forfeit.
Just as Consort Wang was about to question me further, Consort Huan—who usually did not involve herself in palace matters—suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, I have also heard that during the Han Dynasty, someone used this method. I believe it must have some basis; as the saying goes, blood is thicker than water. It would be wise for Your Majesty to give it a try. Do not mistakenly kill your own flesh and blood."
"But this is just your personal opinion, Consort Xian; there is no evidence—"
"Enough!" Sima Rui coldly interrupted Consort Wang. "Someone go fetch the Third Prince and the Two Princesses. I want to conduct a blood test."
Suddenly, he looked at me and said, "Consort, if it is not as you say, I cannot protect you."
I lowered my head and respectfully replied, "This servant understands."
Everyone held their breath, nervously watching the blood in the bronze basin. I cast a cold glance at these people, wondering how many of them were genuinely hoping for the blood to merge instead of just observing the few drops that did not mix.
Finally, a woman's voice exclaimed with joy, "It merged! It has merged!"
Consort Wang immediately slapped a palace maid, saying, "It's not your guarantee; why are you so excited?"
I looked at the aggrieved Yun Ying, that silly girl, who must have forgotten whose maid she was in her eagerness.
At that moment, Sima Rui gazed deeply at me and commanded, "Someone take the prince and princess to Xiao Tiao Palace. From now on, Consort Xian will teach them. I am tired; you may all disperse."
Everyone knelt and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. This servant takes her leave."
I patted my chest, relieved. That was a close call. Movies and dramas don't lie about this; it scared me to death.
I had barely stepped into Jiu Nian Xuan when that troublesome Little Benefactor barged in again.
Seeing me nearly exhausted, he angrily said, "You foolish woman! Are you out of your mind or just brainless? You want to show off in a situation like this? Don't you fear for your life? Who do you think you are trying to be a great benefactor..."
After days of mental torment leaving me drained, I really had no energy to argue with him—
The surroundings suddenly fell silent for a long time. I opened my eyes, thinking he had left. To my surprise, that brat was looking at me with a strange expression—one that made me think he must have lost his mind. After a while, he awkwardly asked, "Woman, if I were in danger, would you save me like this?"
I widened my eyes at him and then unceremoniously tapped his head, puzzled. "Are you feverish? Why are you asking such questions?"
He shouted, "Why are you hitting me? Just answer my question, what's with all the chatter?"
I lazily closed my eyes, preparing to drift off to sleep. I impatiently replied, "I don't know."
"You—filthy woman—" He was so enraged by my answer that he began to stomp his feet.
"Aren't you fine? We'll talk about the future when it comes." I shifted my body, finding a comfortable position to sleep.
In my hazy state, I heard a voice in my ear say, "Woman, you don’t need to save me. I will take good care of myself, become stronger, and then protect you well."
I paid no attention and turned over to continue sleeping. My beauty sleep was something that couldn't be disturbed by anything!
"Chen Wen, have you found out what I asked you to investigate?"
"Reporting to my master, my subordinates indeed heard in the brothel that some courtesans buy a kind of drug called 'Dream Essence' from a Persian Merchant. When there are many guests, these courtesans apply this drug on their lips. As soon as the guests touch it, they fall into a deep sleep, dreaming of indulging with the women in a way so real that no one notices," Chen Wen said, his face reddening as he struggled to continue.
"Master, may I ask if you want me to investigate this further—" Chen Wen attempted to inquire.
Sima Rui did not hear his words; his heart was already filled with raging anger as he clenched his fists tightly. "Xie Weiying, damned woman! How dare you deceive me!"
"Ah-choo—" Who is it? It's so late and still cursing at me. I must have overslept this afternoon. Waking up at night, I got up and slipped on my fuzzy shoes, yawning: "Xiao Quanzi—Xiao Quanzi—" I called several times but received no response. "Where could he have gone at this hour—"
As I grumbled and walked outside, suddenly there was a loud bang as I bumped into someone. Just as I was about to raise my head and scold whoever had poor eyesight, I froze upon seeing who it was.
"Oh—Your Majesty, what brings you here?"
"What? Is it not allowed for me to come to the Consort's place?"
"Not at all," I laughed awkwardly. But really, it was quite strange for you to come so late. Don't you know that people can be frightening, even deadly? I thought to myself.
He didn't say anything, just looked at me with a somewhat profound gaze. Before I could gather my thoughts, he leaned closer to my face, his lips gently pressing against mine. I was startled and hurriedly tried to pull away, but he firmly held my shoulders and kissed me deeply. Before long, my tongue met his, and I was completely stunned, left to surrender to his advances. It felt like an eternity before he finally let me go, long enough that I was nearly out of breath.
He suddenly released me and asked, "Xie Weiying, what kind of woman are you?" His long, fair fingers lightly traced my lips, outlining their shape. I could only stare at him in a daze.
Finally, he leaned close to my earlobe and said with a wicked charm, "Today I'll let you off easy. Xie Weiying, we have plenty of time ahead of us."
With that, he left without looking back.
Did I see it wrong? How could I have noticed the flicker of anger and annoyance in his eyes as he walked away?
And what was with the strange things he said tonight? Thankfully, he didn't do anything more; I was still worried about not having applied any lipstick.
Hehe, has everyone caught on to something? Just like Sima Rui is starting to sense something. Please continue to support me as always!
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