Chapter 067: Also Reborn

No, it was truly like “another lifetime.”

In her previous life, after Zhang Zhe was imprisoned, she never saw him again; in this life, she only caught a brief glimpse of him on a rainy night at Cengxiao Tower, unable to see him clearly.

Now, this person was so close.

From her low position, she looked at his back, which appeared even taller and more silent. Even when bowing to Empress Dowager Xiao on the high throne, his back was straight, exuding a clear and upright demeanor.

For a moment, she almost shed tears.

Although she didn’t know why Zhang Zhe was here, she knew he didn’t recognize her at this moment. But just having him stand there, in front of her, seemed to dispel all the chaos and danger in the world, leaving only a sense of peace and tranquility.

Like a lazy rainy day.

And the person watching the rain enjoys a moment of quiet amidst the noise.

She used to complain that the heavens were too harsh on her, giving her much but also taking away a lot; but at this moment, she felt immense gratitude to the gods above.

Grateful that they allowed her to meet Zhang Zhe again.

Jiang Xuening closed her eyes slightly, a faint smile curling her lips. Even in the midst of great danger, she didn’t care anymore.

The inner palace and the outer court were always separate, and without special orders, no external officials were allowed into the harem.

Although the matter to be investigated was significant and the Empress Dowager herself had spoken, many palace maids and female officials serving in the palace lowered their heads in panic upon seeing Chen Ying and Zhang Zhe.

The other companions stood not far from Jiang Xuening.

Among them, the most strictly disciplined, like Chen Shuyi, had retreated to the farthest distance; Zhou Baoying, upon hearing the name “Zhang Zhe,” widened her eyes in excitement and nudged Yao Xi with her elbow.

But Yao Xi didn’t react.

Puzzled, Zhou Baoying turned around, only to see Yao Xi staring blankly at the tall figure in the hall, as if mesmerized.

So this is…

Zhang Zhe?

Aside from his cold appearance and indifferent expression, where was the terrifying figure others had rumored about? Even his stern demeanor clearly showed he was not a sycophant currying favor with the powerful.

Standing there, he was like a tall bamboo.

And this person was her future husband.

Yao Xi’s eyes suddenly sparkled with even greater brilliance.

It wasn’t until Zhou Baoying nudged her again that she snapped back to reality, realizing how long she had been staring at Zhang Zhe. Her face flushed, and she lowered her head in embarrassment.

Empress Dowager Xiao, sitting high on the throne, frowned, finding Zhang Zhe’s name somewhat familiar but unable to recall where she had heard it. She turned her puzzled gaze to Chen Ying and said, “Didn’t I only summon you?”

Chen Ying, a harsh official, appeared nonchalant. His eyes flickered slightly as he respectfully replied, “In response to the Empress Dowager, Lord Zhang Zhe was recently transferred to the Ministry of Justice. In less than half a month, he has already handled the backlog of cases in the Jiangxi Department of Clean Government, proving himself highly capable. When the palace summoned me with your decree, Lord Zhang happened to be present. Considering the potential complexity of palace matters, I invited him to assist in the investigation, ensuring better service to the Empress Dowager.”

With this explanation, Empress Dowager Xiao understood, “So, he is skilled in investigations. Very well, as you say. Since the rebellious words appeared on the jade ruyi, the Emperor and I ordered a thorough investigation of the inner palace. Only then did we realize how much filth and treachery had infiltrated. You two should investigate thoroughly and find out who is behind this!”

As she spoke, her gaze swept over Jiang Xuening.

Chen Ying followed her gaze to Jiang Xuening, recalling the message sent by Xie Wei on the way to the palace. Considering Empress Dowager Xiao’s current attitude towards the matter, he found it tricky.

Fortunately, he was cautious and had anticipated the difficulty of this task, so he brought Zhang Zhe along.

This man was straightforward and focused solely on investigations and law enforcement. By putting him in the forefront, any future complications could be deflected, preventing trouble from falling on himself.

Chen Ying thought about this and responded, “Yes.” Then he looked around and asked Empress Dowager Xiao, “May I ask where the evidence for today’s case is?”

Empress Dowager Xiao waved her hand.

The chief eunuch of the inner palace, Wang Quan, immediately presented the piece of paper that had been placed on the lacquer tray to Chen Ying.

Chen Ying took it, glanced at it, and frowned.

But he was just putting on a show.

After a moment, he handed the paper to Zhang Zhe beside him, saying, “Lord Zhang, take a look.”

It was Bailu paper.

Ordinary letter size.

The writing was in neat regular script.

Zhang Zhe lowered his eyes and took the paper. The faint coldness in his expression spread as he glanced at it, and he said, “The size and style of the writing are the same as those carved on the jade ruyi from Qinghai a few days ago.”

His voice was steady, making it sound particularly cold.

He had to exert great control over himself to avoid looking back and responding to the long-missed gaze. He couldn’t help but wonder: How did she, who was not even the Empress now, get involved in this matter?

Chen Ying said, “So, whoever has this item is related to the rebels?”

Zhang Zhe glanced at Chen Ying, knowing that this man was a harsh official who prioritized his own interests. He probably didn’t want to get involved in this mess, but Zhang Zhe didn’t expose him, simply saying, “Not necessarily.”

Empress Dowager Xiao raised an eyebrow, “Not necessarily?”

Chen Ying remained silent.

Zhang Zhe calmly replied, “Matters related to rebels are always complex. The law states that without evidence, there is no crime. A single piece of paper cannot convict someone; we need to investigate the context before making a judgment.”

Empress Dowager Xiao suddenly felt that this man was different from other officials in the court. His manner of speaking was very much like those upright officials who gave no face to anyone.

Such people were always the hardest to deal with.

Her expression darkened, but since Chen Ying had brought him, she didn’t act out, coldly asking, “How do you plan to investigate?”

Zhang Zhe lowered his eyes and stared at the four lines of rebellious words on the paper, asking, “From whom was this item seized?”

This was a rhetorical question.

But everyone knew it was a routine question in an investigation.

Wang Quan stepped forward and said, “I personally led the search. It was found in Yangzhi Zhai, in the room of the second daughter of the Assistant Minister of Revenue, who is a companion reader for the Princess, hidden in a book on her desk.”

Zhang Zhe asked, “What book?”

Wang Quan was taken aback and instinctively glanced at a young eunuch in the corner.

The young eunuch understood and stepped forward, but his answer was somewhat awkward, “In response to the lord, I don’t recognize many characters, but I know the book cover had four characters, and I only recognize the character ‘hua’ (话).”

Zhang Zhe immediately frowned, “Didn’t you bring the book along?”

Chen Ying also couldn’t help but purse his lips.

But unexpectedly, a particularly calm voice sounded from behind them, “It’s ‘Weilu Shihua.’ There was only that one book on my desk, and I had just read it an hour before Wang Quan came to search. The rest were just writing materials, so I remember clearly.”

Everyone was startled and turned their heads at the sound.

Jiang Xuening, however, only looked at Zhang Zhe.

Zhang Zhe remained silent.

She had been kneeling for a long time and was tired. Knowing Zhang Zhe’s temperament, she didn’t think much of it and turned to Empress Dowager Xiao, saying, “Empress Dowager, since the officials from the Ministry of Justice have said ‘no evidence, no crime,’ may I please have your permission to stand? I have been weak since childhood, and prolonged kneeling impedes my circulation. If I faint, it might hinder the investigation.”

Empress Dowager Xiao had been Empress for many years and Empress Dowager for a few more. She had endured even when Prince Pingnan rebelled and attacked the capital. She had seen all kinds of people in the world, but no one had ever dared to be as presumptuous as Jiang Xuening!

Seeing her stance, if she didn’t agree, Jiang Xuening would collapse immediately.

Truly cunning!

But Empress Dowager Xiao knew the wisdom of tolerating her for a moment to see how long she could last, so she didn’t argue, instead pretending to be agreeable, “Look at me, I forgot. You may rise.”

Jiang Xuening knew this old witch was pretending to be kind, but that was the weakness of hypocrites—they had to maintain appearances and couldn’t say “no.”

That wouldn’t befit the dignity of a mother of the nation.

Thinking this sarcastically, she pushed herself up from the ground.

There were palace attendants nearby, but none dared to help her.

Jiang Xuening’s legs were numb from kneeling for so long.

As she struggled to stand, she almost lost her balance and fell.

At that moment, Zhang Zhe’s fingers trembled.

He clenched his fist, restraining the instinct to help her.

He watched her wobble unsteadily in front of him, appearing isolated and helpless in the vast Kunning Palace, yet managing to stand on her own and gently massage her calves and knees to relieve the numbness.

He felt uncomfortable.

As she lowered her head, Jiang Xuening felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of grievance.

Even a bit of desolation.

But she quickly brushed off the emotion: Who in this world isn’t walking alone? Besides, Zhang Zhe didn’t recognize her now.

Feeling the sensation return to her legs, she stood up again, bowed to Zhang Zhe, and said, “Please, Lord Zhang, investigate thoroughly. This piece of paper has nothing to do with me, nor is it my handwriting.”

Zhang Zhe knew it wasn’t hers.

But the challenge was proving it wasn’t hers.

He paused for a moment before asking in a normal tone, “It’s not your handwriting?”

Jiang Xuening wanted to say that there were samples of her writing in Yangzhi Zhai and Fengchen Hall that could be compared.

But unexpectedly, Xiao Shu, standing beside Empress Dowager Xiao, spoke up at that moment.

She actually said, “Second Miss Jiang initially wrote in cursive script. Later, although she practiced regular script with her teacher, she is still like a child learning to walk and could not have written these lines. There’s no need to compare her handwriting; I can testify that these four lines were not written by her.”

The other companions standing in the hall were somewhat surprised.

No one expected Xiao Shu to stand up for Jiang Xuening at this moment.

Even Empress Dowager Xiao glanced at her niece and said, “That is just her public handwriting. How do you know she doesn’t have the ability to imitate it?”

Jiang Xuening showed no special reaction, simply saying, “Thank you, Miss Xiao.”

Zhang Zhe thought for a moment, then turned back to Wang Quan and asked, “Wang Quan, when did you go to Yangzhi Zhai to search, and who knew about it?”

Wang Quan was taken aback and replied, “I received the Empress Dowager’s order in the afternoon and started searching from the Western Palace. We searched Yangzhi Zhai at dusk. Because this matter is significant, I was afraid of failing the Empress Dowager’s trust, so I didn’t announce it in advance, fearing that the traitors would hide. Only my loyal eunuchs and I knew, and we started from the Western Palace. There were two hours in between, so there might have been a leak.”

From this, Jiang Xuening understood—

If what the young eunuch said was true, the person who framed her must have placed the paper in her book after she left her room for the Liushui Pavilion and before Wang Quan came to search.

At that time, all the companions were in the Liushui Pavilion.

Regardless of who was behind it, the person who acted must have been a palace servant who moved around unnoticed.

Sure enough, Zhang Zhe asked, “Wang Quan, where are the palace servants from Yangzhi Zhai now?”

Wang Quan replied, “Such a major incident has occurred, so they have been temporarily detained according to palace rules.”

Zhang Zhe nodded and said, “That’s not enough. All palace servants who entered or left Yangzhi Zhai today, from noon to dusk, should be detained for questioning.”

Empress Dowager Xiao, listening from above, was already quite impatient, feeling that Zhang Zhe was trying to exonerate Jiang Xuening. She frowned and said, “Lord Zhang, it sounds like you are trying to prove that someone else framed her. Why not first question the most suspicious person?”

Zhang Zhe’s expression didn’t change.

He always maintained a distant demeanor, saying, “Empress Dowager, please be patient. If you want to prove that this item is related to… Second Miss Jiang, it is not difficult.”

Chen Ying, watching from the side, though of higher rank, had been silent, observing the situation. Finally, he asked, “Lord Zhang, do you have a way?”

Zhang Zhe looked at the paper again, pressing his thumb lightly on its corner, and said calmly, “When the companions entered the palace, their identities and belongings were checked at the gate. Unless Second Miss Jiang bribed the eunuchs and palace servants who inspected her, this seditious paper must have come from within the palace. All paper in the palace is strictly regulated and cannot be privately burned. Even used paper is collected and strictly managed. Yangzhi Zhai is where the companions live, and this paper is Bailu paper used in the palace. The Internal Affairs Office should have records of how much was sent. If the Empress Dowager suspects that Second Miss Jiang wrote this and is connected to the jade ruyi case, why not order the Internal Affairs Office to check the usage records and the paper count in Yangzhi Zhai? If the paper count doesn’t match what was issued, with some missing, the suspicion against Second Miss Jiang will increase.”

In the palace, the use of paper is strictly regulated to prevent private communication. Every piece of used paper must be submitted for inspection, and if anything inappropriate is found written on it, someone will be held accountable.

This rule was established in previous dynasties.

Jiang Xuening was surprised by Zhang Zhe’s suggestion to investigate the paper itself. Initially, it seemed reasonable, but upon further thought, it seemed somewhat hasty, not typical of Zhang Zhe’s meticulous nature.

Her gaze fell on the piece of paper in Zhang Zhe’s hand, and she suddenly frowned: the paper issued by the Internal Affairs Office was not this size.

Others thought that proving Jiang Xuening wrote the paper, as the Empress Dowager suggested, was the most direct and effective method, and they found it reasonable.

Only Xiao Shu suddenly frowned.

Perhaps, like Jiang Xuening, she felt his words were too certain and hasty.

But at this moment, Wang Quan’s eyes lit up, and he praised, “This is a good method.”

The Empress Dowager didn’t notice anything unusual, simply saying, “Whether it’s her or not, the paper must be investigated. Even if it’s not her, the other companions in Yangzhi Zhai might still be involved.”

Wang Quan volunteered, “I will take people to investigate.”

Zhang Zhe lowered his eyes and said, “Yangzhi Zhai is a residence for noble ladies. Investigating the paper is a delicate matter. Since the palace maids have already been detained, it would be better to have them assist, as they have served the companions and know the details. The night is deep, and it is inconvenient for external officials like us to investigate in the inner palace, which might take too long.”

Wang Quan glanced at Empress Dowager Xiao.

Hearing Zhang Zhe’s words, especially “residence for noble ladies,” Empress Dowager Xiao glanced at Yao Xi among the companions, her expression turning slightly amused.

She said, “Do as Lord Zhang suggests.”

The residences of noble ladies are delicate and private; letting a group of eunuchs search randomly wouldn’t do.

Many companions felt relieved upon hearing that palace maids would assist.

Zhou Baoying even winked at Yao Xi.

Yao Xi’s face turned red, surprised that someone as cold and stern as Zhang Zhe could be so considerate. If it was just for the investigation, eunuchs could do it, so why suggest palace maids?

It must be because he was thinking of her.

He must have read her reply.

Yao Xi felt like she was floating in honey, unable to suppress a shy smile as she nudged Zhou Baoying to stop her from being too obvious.

Jiang Xuening stood silently in the hall, showing no reaction.

The people sent to investigate the paper in Yangzhi Zhai and the records in the Internal Affairs Office were divided into two groups, which would take some time.

The hall fell silent.

But it wasn’t long before a loud announcement echoed through the night: “The Emperor has arrived—”

Everyone was startled and immediately bowed towards the palace gate.

Only Empress Dowager Xiao remained seated.

Soon, a figure in a dark robe embroidered with gold cloud and dragon patterns entered. The Emperor, Shen Lang, who had been on the throne for nearly four years, was thinner than his brother Shen Jie, with a pale complexion and dark circles under his eyes. His features were similar, but he had a faintly sickly appearance.

Seeing the situation in Kunning Palace, his thin eyelids twitched.

Without calling for everyone to rise, he first smiled and greeted Empress Dowager Xiao, then turned and allowed everyone to stand, asking, “I heard the report from Kunning Palace earlier and have a general idea of what happened. Chen Ying, how is the investigation going?”

In her previous life, Jiang Xuening had seen this “imperial brother” many times with Shen Jie.

On the day of her wedding to Shen Jie, Shen Lang even came to the prince’s residence to drink and only returned to the palace late at night.

However, Emperor Shen Lang seemed to be in poor health. Despite having many concubines, he had no children. Initially, he had the imperial physicians examine him, but later even they stopped, likely because medicine was ineffective.

Later, he…

Died inexplicably.

Hearing the voice of this short-lived man made Jiang Xuening’s eyelids twitch. She knew that this was the man who had orchestrated the unjust case against the Marquis of Yongyi and had sent Shen Zhiyi to marry into the Tatar tribe, disregarding their sibling bond.

Chen Ying stepped forward and said, “We are at a critical point in the investigation. People have been sent to Yangzhi Zhai and the Internal Affairs Office to check the paper count.”

Shen Lang raised his hand, “Let me see that piece of paper.”

Zhang Zhe’s eyes flickered as he handed the paper to Wang Xinyi, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who was serving beside Shen Lang. Wang Xinyi, with his broad forehead and square face, had sharp, eagle-like eyes and appeared very shrewd, but he was extremely respectful towards Shen Lang.

Shen Lang took the paper and immediately his face darkened.

Wang Xinyi quickly said, “Your Majesty, please calm down. These rebellious words are just the work of traitors. They will be rooted out soon. It’s not worth getting angry and harming your health.”

Shen Lang said nothing, his gaze falling below.

When Jiang Xuening occasionally looked up, she met his gaze, which was cold and oppressive, with a deep scrutiny—this was a suspicious and ruthless emperor.

Since Shen Lang entered the hall, no one in Kunning Palace dared to move.

Everyone stood properly.

Only the voices of Empress Dowager Xiao and Shen Lang could be heard, with Shen Lang occasionally asking if there had been any recent disturbances in the capital involving the Tianjiao or remnants of Prince Pingnan’s faction.

Just from listening, it was clear that the capital had been unstable recently.

Jiang Xuening, confined in the palace, hadn’t felt it.

She was filled with a sense of foreboding.

After more than a quarter of an hour, Wang Quan, who had gone with the eunuchs and palace maids to check the paper count in Yangzhi Zhai, returned, looking terrified. He knelt before the hall and reported loudly, “Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I was ordered to check the paper count in Yangzhi Zhai. The Internal Affairs Office issued sixteen reams of Bailu paper, and the Princess ordered an additional ream each of Bailu paper and Bingyi paper for Jiang Xuening. We counted the used and unused paper in her room. The Bingyi paper was correct, but there were only seventy-four sheets of Bailu paper!”

According to palace regulations, a ream of Bailu paper contains twenty-five sheets.

The Internal Affairs Office issued one ream per person, and the Princess added another ream, so there should be three reams, totaling seventy-five sheets. Jiang Xuening’s room was missing one sheet, and the paper with the rebellious words was Bailu paper. What did this imply?!

Shen Lang’s expression changed, and he became furious.

Empress Dowager Xiao stood up abruptly, “Well, now the evidence is conclusive! Jiang Xuening, with your silver tongue, explain where the missing sheet went!”

Jiang Xuening sneered inwardly, remaining unmoved.

At this moment, Zhang Zhe bowed and said, without lifting his eyelids, “Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, please calm down.”

Shen Lang, already irritated by Zhang Zhe, was even more impatient now, “Zhang Zhe, what is it now?”

Zhang Zhe said, “Your Majesty, please summon the palace servants who assisted in counting the paper.”

Shen Lang frowned, “What trick are you playing now?”

Zhang Zhe replied calmly, “The paper count not matching could mean either Second Miss Jiang is involved, or the people counting made a mistake. Please summon them and search them one by one to eliminate their suspicion before concluding that Second Miss Jiang is the main suspect.”

Chen Ying was a shrewd man. Hearing Zhang Zhe’s words, he suddenly understood the purpose behind Zhang Zhe’s seemingly hasty remarks earlier, and a sense of unease grew in his heart.

As the Assistant Minister of Justice, he didn’t want Zhang Zhe to steal the spotlight.

He immediately followed up, “Although the jade ruyi case has been investigated and found to involve rebels within the Internal Affairs Office, or those who were bribed, Second Miss Jiang is just a companion reader, a weak woman. Due to the Marquis of Yongyi’s involvement, she cannot be excluded from suspicion. But who would be so careless as to keep a piece of paper with rebellious words on it, knowing the palace is under strict investigation? It defies logic and suggests someone is framing her. We have already set a trap to lure the snake out of its hole. Please, Your Majesty, follow Lord Zhang’s suggestion and summon the eunuchs and palace maids.”

Shen Lang’s gaze lingered on Jiang Xuening before finally saying, “Summon them outside the hall and search them one by one!”

The palace maids and eunuchs were outside the palace.

Upon hearing they would be searched, most were nervous, but one palace maid in a pale yellow dress was so terrified that she trembled and could barely stand.

The person in charge of the search found her suspicious and immediately pulled her out.

The palace maid cried out, “It’s not me, it’s not me…”

But the next moment, a folded piece of paper was found in her clothes, with ink marks on it. Upon closer inspection, it was Bailu paper!

The eunuch conducting the search immediately brought it into the hall.

Wang Quan was furious, never expecting someone to dare tamper under his nose. He scolded, “You have the audacity! You little wretch, don’t you know your place? Tell me, where did you get this paper?”

The palace maid collapsed into a heap, her panicked eyes darting around the hall.

She had only heard that the paper count was being checked and remembered that her mistress had only told her to place paper in Jiang Xuening’s room, not to take any out. Fearing a flaw in the plan and her mistress’s wrath, she had risked hiding a sheet of paper when she returned to Yangzhi Zhai. Since the unused paper was neatly stacked and counted by the eunuchs, she had secretly taken a sheet with ink on it.

However, the paper had writing on it, presumably by Jiang Xuening.

This proved that she had stolen the paper from Jiang Xuening, leaving her no defense!

She could only kowtow, crying, “I am guilty, I am guilty! A few days ago, while cleaning the room, I saw this paper and wrote a few words on it. Knowing the paper was precious and that Second Miss Jiang wouldn’t use it again, I foolishly kept it, thinking I could practice my writing and return it later without anyone knowing. But I didn’t expect it to involve such a major issue today. I was too scared to speak earlier…”

Her forehead was red from kowtowing.

But everyone looked at her coldly.

Zhang Zhe walked up to her, lowered his eyes slightly, and took a few sheets of paper from his sleeve, placing them in front of the palace maid, “You wanted to practice your writing, so you must be literate. Why don’t you read what is written here?”

The palace maid was kneeling close to Jiang Xuening.

Jiang Xuening turned her head and recognized the papers at a glance—they were recent official documents. So Zhang Zhe had the habit of carrying official documents with him even back then?

Most people sent to the palace came from poor families, with no other options but to become palace maids or eunuchs.

So, most of them were illiterate.

Only after many years, when they became senior maids or managing eunuchs, did they learn to read a few words—even the Princess was criticized by old scholars for reading, so how could ordinary girls be literate?

The palace maid, in her panic, couldn’t find a flawless excuse.

Jiang Xuening smiled faintly and said to the palace maid, “What’s written here is ‘The Reed’ from the Book of Songs. I’m not lying to you. Can you read it?”

The palace maid stared at her, trembling with hatred.

Jiang Xuening looked back at her, still smiling, “If no one was watching right now, I would have slapped you twice already to ask which foolish master raised such a useless servant.”

Zhang Zhe listened, lowering his eyes.

He had heard similar words before.

At that time, he couldn’t stand her arrogance.

Later, she would restrain herself a bit in front of him, but she still had to say it to let him know she was unhappy…

Jiang Xuening spoke with a smile, but her gaze was icy cold.

After speaking, she turned to look at the other companions in Yangzhi Zhai and then at Xiao Shu standing high up.

Then she turned back to the hall and said, “Although the truth has not yet come to light, if this palace maid had no intention of harming others, she would not have fallen into Lord Zhang’s trap, deliberately hiding a piece of paper to frame me. A mere palace maid has no enmity with me, so there must be someone behind her. I hope Your Majesty will see through this and uphold justice for me!”

Only then did everyone fully understand: Zhang Zhe had set a trap with just a few words. The reason for having the palace maids assist was to bring all the suspects into Yangzhi Zhai, giving the framer a chance to act. If they did, they would be caught red-handed upon their hasty return.

Jiang Xuening’s words made sense.

Who would dare to frame someone without a mastermind behind them?

But was the mastermind in the hall? If so, how would they feel seeing the palace maid fall into Zhang Zhe’s trap?

Shen Lang was clearly surprised by the sudden turn of events, looking at the kneeling palace maid without speaking.

Empress Dowager Xiao recognized the palace maid from a distance, her eyelid twitching.

The companions standing in the hall were even more shocked, not expecting a mere palace maid to frame Jiang Xuening.

Zhou Baoying remembered something and cautiously looked at Yao Xi.

Yao Xi was stunned.

She looked at the figure standing in the hall and suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment. Remembering her earlier shy self-delusion, she felt deeply embarrassed: the suggestion to have the palace maids check the paper count was just to catch the framer, not for her “fiancé”…

Shen Lang finally spoke, asking the palace maid, “Since you are illiterate and don’t recognize the words on the paper, you couldn’t have framed her alone. Who is behind this?”