Chapter 201: Hello Chang’an
Chapter 201: Regret Like a Knife
2023-05-28
Chang Shi unconsciously clenched her teeth: "Of course, I remember... It was at the lotus flower banquet."
"But Mother only knows the surface of it... this talk of nobility actually hides a deeper meaning," Ming Luo's voice was low. "Later, the Tianjing National Master divined for her multiple times, and finally came to a conclusion... This woman's fate, though noble, conflicts with the imperial star, and will bring disaster to the holy Emperor and the Ming family."
Chang Shi's expression suddenly changed: "What..."
"Until now, it’s clear that the prophecy was not false..." Ming Luo furrowed her brow. "She has indeed brought many troubles to the Ming family."
Chang Shi: "Then... why does the holy Emperor still keep her?"
"The National Master’s prophecy was only made a few days ago," Ming Luo replied. "And the National Master said that this woman’s fate is linked with the holy Emperor’s imperial star. If she encounters disaster, it would be due to her destiny. However, the holy Emperor should not act against her, or it would disrupt the heavenly order and be bad for the holy Emperor’s luck."
"Now I understand..." Chang Shi’s gaze shifted several times. "No wonder ever since Ah Shen crossed paths with her, disasters have never ceased!"
So she was truly a born calamity star!
"This matter concerns the holy Emperor, and I should not have brought it up to you," Ming Luo finally said. "But before this case is settled, she is the biggest variable. I’m telling you this to remind you, Mother, not to let your guard down, lest something unexpected happens."
Chang Shi acknowledged outwardly, but the murderous thoughts she had just suppressed grew rapidly out of control.
Such a calamity star should have been removed long ago!
The Emperor may not be able to act against her, but she could!
Since the feud had already begun, if she killed the other person out of personal vengeance, it would be as if the other person's fate had come to an end... and not an interference with the heavenly order.
In this way, the calamity star would be removed, the variable erased, and the holy Emperor would surely be pleased with the result!
She had no sense of complying with heavenly orders—she only wanted to kill the little wretch who had brought all this disaster upon her... But if it happened to align with the holy Emperor’s "heavenly order," then it would be perfect, and she would have the courage to act.
This realization provided a perfect outlet for Chang Shi’s vengeful heart, and she no longer had any hesitation.
Even if she died, she would make sure that little wretch died before her!
After exiting the inner palace gates, Ming Luo stopped.
The carriage from the Marquis Ying's residence had been waiting outside the palace gates. Nanny Liao, who had been anxious all day, hurried over to support Chang Shi.
Ming Luo quietly watched as the carriage disappeared into the distance.
Due to the prophecy and the holy Emperor's private suspicions, the holy Emperor would not act against Chang Suining.
Thankfully, there was just the right kind of dying madwoman to use.
A madwoman who knew she was about to die would do anything before her death.
Ming Luo had not incited anything. She had simply reminded Chang Shi to be cautious, to avoid any mistakes.
And even if what she had said was slightly off...
No matter what Chang Shi did next, whether she succeeded or failed, she would never be able to face the holy Emperor again, and she wouldn’t have the chance to speak in front of him.
In the end, those who are doomed to die are the most useful.
As she watched the carriage disappear down the long palace road, Ming Luo, holding the palace lamp, turned and walked back into the towering palace.
Next, she would just wait for Chang Shi’s good news.
At this moment, looking at the brightly lit palaces ahead, which seemed to contain all the filth of the past and every kind of ambition, Ming Luo’s eyes revealed a hint of sentimentality.
This really was a good place.
When she first came to this palace as a child, she had wanted to stay forever.
To truly stay, she had done so much.
Including the death of her concubine mother. She knew the truth about her concubine mother's death. She had a chance to warn her concubine mother, but she didn’t.
Her concubine mother, aside from her embarrassing background and her bullied childhood, had never given her anything.
That concubine mother, who could barely read, would often hold her hand when she came to visit the Ming family after Ming Luo had been taken to the palace, her eyes filled with endless hope and pride, even starting to become deluded, saying foolish things, making greedy requests.
Like a poor person suddenly getting rich, like a clown.
Others secretly laughed at her concubine mother, while she felt nothing but fear and anxiety.
She was afraid that this useless, foolish concubine mother would drag her down, make the holy Emperor dislike her, and ruin everything she had fought so hard to achieve.
So when she found out that someone had poisoned her concubine mother’s food, she chose to act like she didn’t know.
If she died, it would be cleaner that way. If she died, she wouldn’t constantly remind everyone of her disgraceful biological mother, her lowly origins...
From then on, she could stay by the holy Emperor’s side, receive the best education, wear clean palace robes, and no one would ever again mention the ignorant concubines in that small courtyard. No one would dare to look down on her again.
Over the years, she had gotten everything she had wished for, except for the sudden appearance of Chang Suining, which had become a sharp thorn in her heart.
Now, her once lofty and revered legitimate mother was on the verge of death, and it seemed she was going to die in hopeless despair—yet before her death, she could possibly remove that thorn for her...
If Chang Shi could help her this time, it would be as if she had atoned for her sins, after all, Chang Shi owed her concubine mother a life.
After returning to Ganlu Hall, Ming Luo soon had an inner servant find Yu Zeng: "Master Yu, the wife of the Marquis of Ying has already left the palace."
Yu Zeng frowned deeply.
Chang Shi’s entry into the palace today was unusual. She had been unconscious for a long time, and afterward, the holy Emperor had urgently summoned his trusted subordinates to Ganlu Hall...
Yu Zeng had a vague answer in his mind.
Not long after, he handed a letter to his confidant, instructing him to deliver it before the palace gates were locked for the night.
---
Tonight, there was no moon, and the night was cold and dark.
In the outer study of the Chang residence, Qiao Yubai, who had hurried over again, brought with him not only the news he had gathered about recent events from Qiao Jishou, but also a letter of endorsement.
Chang Suining took it.
"This was organized by Cui Liulang," Qiao Yubai said. "Everyone from the Wuer Society is on it, along with other students who are familiar with Sui An... All of them are willing to vouch for him."
Chang Suining opened the letter and found the name of Song Xian among those listed.
Qiao Yubai continued, "They asked me to send it to the Ministry of Justice tomorrow."
"Thank them for me, Brother Yubai," Chang Suining said after reading each name, memorizing them. "If there's a chance in the future, I will thank them personally."
"But as for this letter..." She closed it and lightly pressed it under her hand. "There's no need to send it to the Ministry of Justice."
Qiao Yubai looked at her. "Ning Ning..."
"They believe that Brother did not commit the murder and are willing to vouch for him. Their sincerity and willingness to help are genuine," Chang Suining said. "But they do not know who they will be opposing by doing so."
"They don’t know, but I do."
"Among them, there may be the children of officials, or future scholars who will participate in the exams next year. I cannot let their good intentions turn into obstacles that might hinder their futures."
They came to help with courage and goodwill, and she must protect these "ignorant and fearless" good intentions.
Chang Suining added, "Moreover, this letter of endorsement can no longer influence anything. There's no need to drag them into this."
Qiao Yubai finally nodded.
Earlier, Chang Suining had explained everything to him, and he understood clearly the kind of "ferocious tiger" they were facing.
To be honest, he was afraid and even somewhat helpless.
The Emperor was the one they all revered—he was the sovereign they had studied for, waiting for the day they could be loyal to him. He was the highest point of everything.
But this supreme ruler had chosen to protect the Ming family and sacrifice Sui'an...
They could fight against the government, they could fight against the murderer, but how could they fight against a ruler who held the power of life and death over the entire nation?
Qiao Yubai’s mood was heavy, but seeing Chang Suining remain silent, he assumed she too was unsure and tried to comfort her. "Ning Ning, you’ve already managed to find out all this and rescued the daugther of the Feng family. That’s already remarkable. Don’t worry, the beginning is always the hardest..."
Chang Suining, lost in thought, instinctively nodded. "Yes, the beginning is the hardest, and the middle is even harder."
Qiao Yubai paused.
If that’s the case...
He faced reality. "Even the ending will be hard."
"Indeed." Chang Suining opened a list of names on the table, her eyes scanning those of ordinary backgrounds or from humble families with little official standing.
It was indeed hard, but she had come this far not to compromise for anyone.
At that moment, the study door was knocked, and Wang Shi entered, carrying a pot of soup.
Qiao Yubai hurried to take it from her.
Wang Shi spoke gently, "It’s cold today. Third Sister made chicken soup for you, Ning Ning. Drink it while it’s still warm."
Although Chang Suining had no appetite, she nodded. "Thank you, Third Sister."
The chicken soup, with crushed pepper, was warm, and drinking it seemed to drive away all the cold.
Chang Suining finished the entire bowl of soup.
In the meantime, Bai Guan Shi sent a letter from Yu Zeng, which explained the unusual circumstances of Chang Shi's entry into the palace today. It also advised Chang Suining not to act rashly and to ensure her own safety. Yu Zeng would seek an opportunity to leave the palace in the next few days and would discuss strategies with her in person at that time.
Chang Suining said, "It seems Master Yu has also sensed that the situation is changing. This matter is bound to become even more difficult."
Reality is never as gentle as the chicken soup Third Sister made. As the saying goes, "The beginning is always the hardest," as if once the beginning is made, everything will go smoothly, but that’s not the case.
However, after drinking this bowl of warming soup, one would have the strength to face the "harder" and "even harder" things to come.
When Wang Shi left with the soup pot, she ran into Chang Ren, who had just returned from outside.
Chang Ren quickly entered the study. "Miss."
Chang Suining nodded and asked, "How many families did you meet today?"
"I've met them all," Chang Ren replied. "But two of them were unwilling to speak honestly. They seem to be fearful and have no intention to pursue it further."
"That's fine. If they are unwilling, there’s no need to force them." Chang Suining said, "For now, protect the families that have reached an agreement."
Chang Ren acknowledged and proceeded with the instructions.
As the night deepened and both Chang Ren and Qiao Yubai left, Xi’er was about to advise her mistress to rest when she saw Ah Zhi walking over briskly.
"Miss, the person in the guest courtyard has woken up."
---
When Feng Min woke up, she struggled to look around. She tried to sit up but couldn’t, and with a weak voice, she asked the only person in the room, "Where is this?"
The person did not speak.
Feng Min asked again, "Who are you?"
The person still remained silent.
"Why did you save me?"
"What do you want from me?"
Physician Sun: "..."
Physician Sun did, in fact, turn and leave, politely closing the door behind him.
"...?" Feng Min looked helplessly at the closed door.
After a moment, the door was opened again.
Seeing the person who walked in, Feng Min's expression changed. "It’s you..."
"Surprised?" Chang Suining looked at her. "I led you out, so of course, I wouldn’t abandon you."
Feng Min's lips, pale and devoid of color, moved slightly in a stiff manner. "Such kind words... It's as if you saved me for my sake."
"I did save you. Without me, you'd already be dead by now," Chang Suining replied. "The only difference is whether you die outside the Feng residence or at the Marquis of Ying’s estate."
"Does that mean if I’m in your hands now, I won’t die?" Feng Min closed her eyes weakly and tiredly, but the conversation from the small Buddhist hall echoed in her ears.
She didn’t want to cry, but tears still spilled from the corners of her eyes.
Everyone wanted her dead, including her family.
More than anger or resentment, at this moment, what she felt was a profound sadness and hopelessness.
"Of course, you can survive."
At hearing this, Feng Min opened her eyes in a daze. "You... are you willing to let me go?"
"I’m not the victim, I don’t carry the surname Changsun, and I don’t have the right to decide whether you live or die." Chang Suining looked at her. "Although you were an accomplice, if you surrender voluntarily, reveal the mastermind, make amends, and follow the law, your punishment will be lighter. You can avoid the death penalty."
Feng Min seemed to find her words hard to believe. "…Don’t you still not know who the real murderer is?"
Chang Suining answered with a sharp retort: "Do I look as foolish as you?"
"..." Feng Min responded, "Then what do you mean by surrendering? Do you think a single word from me can convict the young master of the Ming family?"
Chang Suining didn’t answer her question right away but instead asked, "So, you have no evidence at all?"
"...Chang Shi is a schemer. How could she give me the opportunity to leave any evidence?"
Chang Suining said, "Seems like it was all in vain to save you."
Feng Min replied, "You..."
Chang Suining, with an unflinching tone, said, "It doesn't matter. At least you're still a piece of evidence, better than nothing."
She looked at Feng Min. "If you want to live, if you want to see those who tried to kill you get their due punishment, then follow my instructions from now on."
Feng Min felt this was a flight of fancy. When she initially tried to escape, it was simply to escape—she never dared to imagine the possibility of going up against the Ming family.
She looked at Chang Suining skeptically, "What do you have to fight against the Ming family?"
Chang Suining answered, "You don't need to ask. Just do as I say."
The calmness in Chang Suining’s voice and her steady gaze seemed to suggest she had everything under control, which made Feng Min, perhaps reluctantly, trust her a little.
What Feng Min didn’t know was that this "strategic control" was all an act on Chang Suining’s part.
She was very skilled at bluffing—making something seem much stronger and more formidable than it really was.
Once, with only three hundred soldiers, she had bluffed an enemy, making it seem like thirty thousand troops were behind her.
She had even once asked an enemy general if he had any last words before his death, all the while preparing her own "last words" in her mind.
On the battlefield, complete victories were rare.
And now, facing the emperor, if she could truly have control over everything, that would be another matter entirely. If she had the power to go up against the emperor, she might as well take that seat herself.
Sometimes, bluffing was necessary to maintain morale—it was the key to winning. If people were too frightened to think clearly, no matter how great the plans, they would be useless.
Seeing that she had managed to convince Feng Min, Chang Suining decided to press on and instructed Xi’er to fetch paper and a writing brush.
Chang Suining said, "Start by detailing the entire process of the crime, and then put your fingerprint on it."
She added, "If you hide anything or lie, when it comes to court later, it will be you who suffers."
Feng Min muttered softly to herself, "Don't worry, I won’t."
Chang Suining was right. She wanted to live. She wanted to see those who had wronged her get what they deserved. That was the first reason.
The second reason, which might be hard for anyone to believe, was that she truly regretted her actions.
The moment the knife fell on her, the moment she faced death, she suddenly realized her regret.
She regretted killing innocent people, regretted making deals with the tiger, and regretted trusting the so-called family.
When she had fainted, it seemed like she had dreamed, and in that dream, she hadn't helped Ming Jin kill anyone. Instead, she had run away with miss Changsun from the maple forest.
What would have happened if they had run away?
Would they have been seen in their disheveled state? Would Ming Jin have sought revenge?
Even if it could have been that bad, wouldn’t it still have been better than her current situation?
But she was selfish and foolish, and all she could think of was the teachings her grandmother had drilled into her: a woman should not lose her reputation, and she should marry well in the future.
These "teachings" that had been ingrained in her from a young age had led her to think only of marrying into the Ming family and never offending Ming Jin, which ultimately led to her harming both herself and others.
As Feng Min repeated every moment of what had happened, the feeling of regret was like a knife, slowly tormenting her.
After telling everything in a weak state, Feng Min lost consciousness once again.
---
Soon, the Minister of Justice resumed its session for the reexamination of Chang Sui'an.
Li Lu arrived, sick.
"That day, I did speak alone with the young master of the Chang family... but after we parted, I didn’t know where he went," Li Lu explained.
Chang Sui'an, hearing this, quickly said, "But after I left, His Highness remained there, saying he wanted to sit alone for a while. If I had gone to the maple forest afterward, I would have passed by His Highness's location, and surely, he would have seen me!"
"I only stayed for a short while before leaving. Afterward, I truly do not know what happened, so I cannot vouch for it," Li Lu said apologetically, looking at Chang Sui'an.
"I'm sorry, Chang family young master. I am merely stating what I know."
Chang Sui'an was stunned.
If what Li Lu said was true, then there was no fault with it. But for some reason, as he looked at this apologetic and righteous Prince's heir, Chang Sui'an couldn’t shake the strange feeling...
Before he could think any further, an imperial decree was delivered.
The decree was for Yao Yi.
After the eunuch read the decree, he explained to Yao Yi, "There have been rumors recently that Lord Yao has been partial to the suspects and tried to shield them. the holy Emperor, to prevent this from harming your reputation and affecting future trials, has decided to have you temporarily step aside from this case and hand it over to Han Shaoqing for investigation."
Yao Yi was shaken, but he could only say, "Yes, Yao Yi... will comply with the emperor's will."
Chang Sui'an instinctively looked at Yao Yi.
the holy Emperor had removed Yao Yi from overseeing this case?
Though the young man didn’t know much about the outside political situation, at that moment, he instinctively sensed that even greater danger was closing in on him.
It was then that he truly understood what it meant to face the real horrors of imprisonment and the injustice of wrongful accusations.
The Minister of Justice dungeon was pitch black, and the sky outside was also overcast.
The cold wind stirred dead leaves as a group of officers hurried toward the General Chang residence in Xingning lane.
FOR ADVANCE CHAPTERS, Please read it on Patreon or Ko-fi. Your support helps us continue bringing you great content!
►►CLICK HERE FOR LISTS OF CHAPTERS◄◄
No comments: