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Chapter 82: Support

In these days, the court was in chaos.

It started with the imperial guards searching the abandoned residence of the deposed Crown Prince, rescuing a semi-mad old palace maid in the process. This old woman was the sole survivor among the group of palace servants who had served the Empress during childbirth. Based on her testimony, the imperial guards dug up three corpses from a dried well outside the Cold Palace, proving the old palace maid’s claim that the Empress had sent away the infants.

Following that, the newly appointed chief physician from the Royal Hospital unexpectedly discovered during a routine pulse examination in the Palace that Empress Feng had lost her ability to conceive many years ago. From a medical standpoint, she did not seem like someone who had given birth to a Crown Prince.

This revelation shocked the entire court.

If Empress Feng had deceived the royal bloodline, falsely giving birth to a child to replace the legitimate Crown Prince, it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor, punishable by death!

Despite the impending deposition, Empress’s Palace remained serene, filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. The Empress sat on the bed, her hand resting on the table, closing her eyes and fingering a string of prayer beads. It seemed as if she was oblivious to the presence of Ning Yin, who leisurely entered the hall.

“In the past, when the Yu family rose from the battlefield, and the Feng family declined, your position was precarious, urgently requiring the birth of a legitimate heir to stabilize your status. Unfortunately, you had a miscarriage and lost the ability to conceive from then on.”

Ning Yin stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the compassionate golden Buddha statue in the hall. His voice carried a cold and elegant tone, “The Emperor’s interest in women obtained forcibly made you fear the exposure of your infertility, potentially leading to a loss of favor and your position as the Empress. Hence, you took the drastic step of killing the inquiring imperial physician. Subsequently, you used drugs to deceive the Emperor, having palace maids you brought with you serve the emperor in your place, pretending to be pregnant.”

“You pretended to be poisoned and dying just to deceive this palace?” Feng Empress remained composed, “Let this palace see the Emperor.”

“You meticulously planned and deceived everyone, even killing off your palace maids one by one before they reached the end of their service term to silence them.”

Ning Yin patted the lotus seat of the Buddha statue, then passed by the incense burner, seemingly taking a casual stroll, “But you didn’t anticipate that one escaped the net. Moreover, you never expected that, while burying the bodies and evidence, the madwoman in the Cold Palace would witness it.”

“This Empress wants to see the emperor.”

“Though the madwoman is imprisoned in the Cold Palace, due to the frequent visits of the careless Emperor, the defense there is extremely tight. You began to lose sleep, contemplating how to smoothly eliminate that woman.”

“All of this is your speculation.”

Empress Feng said, “Besides, the Crown Prince has committed a grave crime, and he has already received his punishment. His past is no longer relevant.”

Ning Yin withdrew his hand from the incense burner and sniffed it at his nose, “So, when the rebellion failed, you had Cui An assassinate Ning Tan.”

Empress Feng paused in her movement of fingering the prayer beads, fully aware that Ning Yin mentioned these things to trap her into admitting guilt. Now that the Crown Prince has died, as long as the palace maid who gave birth to the child is never found, and there is insufficient evidence, no one can convict her.

And the location where that palace maid is hidden will never be found by anyone.

Empress Feng took a deep breath, “You speak of these things, but do you have any concrete evidence? Relying on the brief words of the Royal Hospital and a few unidentified bones is not enough to implicate me.”

Ning Yin stood in front of the Buddha statue, remaining silent for a long time.

A subtle twitch appeared at the corner of Empress Feng’s mouth.

Indeed… a woman born of lowly status possesses only such mediocre schemes.

“This Buddha statue is quite exquisite,” Ning Yin commented, admiring the compassionate expression of the Buddha statue for a long time before saying, “What’s particularly good about it?”

“Size,” Ning Yin stared at it, speaking lightly, “It’s just the right size to hide a set of skeletal remains.”

Empress Feng suddenly opened her eyes.

Sharp fingernails snapped a prayer bead off, causing it to scatter on the ground.

Almost simultaneously, a palace maid standing nearby pulled out a hidden dagger from her sleeve and thrust it directly towards Ning Yin’s neck. Before the dagger could touch a single strand of Ning Yin’s hair, it was knocked away and embedded into the Buddha statue with a crisp sound.

At the same time, the palace maid’s eyes widened, and her neck twisted in a strange position as she collapsed to the ground.

The corpse of the attacking palace maid was quickly removed by someone. Ning Yin calmly stepped forward, lifted the dagger embedded in the Buddha statue, and slashed downward with force.

The golden skin peeled back, lime oozed out, and in the twisted crack, a dried-up finger along with a piece of the palace maid’s clothing were revealed. The Buddha statue wore a compassionate smile, forming a strong contrast with the vaguely visible curled-up corpse in the crack, creating a chilling scene.

Seeing the discovery of the palace maid’s corpse made of Qing Luo fabric, Empress Feng’s expression completely changed.

People thought the Empress was praying for the well-being of the nation when she and Princess Deyang attended the Buddhist ceremony together. No one knew that her benevolent appearance was merely a disguise to conceal the sins she had committed.

“Now, how should I deal with the Empress?” Ning Yin turned around and sat down, lightly tapping the armrest of the chair with his index finger.

“You have no right to privately interrogate me,” the Empress said, clutching her palm, feigning composure.

“I’ve figured it out.”

Ning Yin stopped the light tapping of his fingers, and with the gentlest tone that sent shivers down one’s spine, he said, “For someone as sincerely devoted to Buddhism as the Empress, it is only fitting to undergo the jar-sitting ritual for enlightenment.”

Empress Feng suddenly widened her eyes.

The so-called jar-sitting involved sealing a monk in a jar, burying it underground, and if the body did not decay after three years, they would achieve the status of a living Buddha. For devout monks, it was a means of achieving enlightenment, but for ordinary people, it was equivalent to being buried alive. 

This little beast was going to bury her alive!

Upon seeing the large jar being carried into the hall by the Imperial Guards, Empress Feng’s composure fell apart. Her face contorted, and she almost shouted, “I want to see the Emperor! No one but the Emperor has the authority to deal with me!”

However, it was already too late, too late indeed. The doors behind her closed, and Ning Yin’s expression remained cold and indifferent, revealing little satisfaction.

Following behind, Zhaji kept silent for a while before finally couldn’t help but ask, “The Empress has no way out now. Why not send her to the prison, Your Highness?”

Given Ning Yin’s vengeful nature, someone like the Empress, an enemy, should be kept for slow torment. Ning Yin’s face showed no joy or anger as he wiped his fingers with a handkerchief, saying, “I’m in a hurry to get married, so naturally, I need to quickly deal with those who hinder me.”

Whether it was an illusion or not, Zhaji always felt that when his master mentioned “getting married,” a very faint smile appeared in his dark and cold eyes.

The carriage stopped outside the palace gate.

The attendants, knowing that their master had finished his business in the palace and was likely headed to the Yu Mansion, reported, “Your Highness, Miss Yu has gone to the Tang Mansion.”

Ning Yin entered the carriage, placed his robe on a brazier for a moment, and raised his eyes slightly.

The attendant immediately understood and instructed the coachman, “To the Tang Mansion.”

…

Tang Old Madam ultimately did not survive this winter, passing away peacefully. The Tang family, once again, had a lone daughter overnight. With a vast estate, they attracted envy.

Upon hearing the news, Princess Deyang rushed to the Yu residence without even changing her clothes, a sense of urgency overwhelming her.

The Tang Mansion, adorned in white silk, was blinding. The hall where the memorial service was held was crowded with people, even distant relatives whose names were unknown had rushed over. They feigned sympathy but had their eyes on the enormous and rich assets of the Tang family.

There were also well-known families claiming to pay respects but actually came to spectate, creating chaos.

After getting off the carriage, Yu Lingxi saw a young scholar in half-worn Confucian robes standing in front of the Tang residence’s main gate.

Recognizing this person, Yu Lingxi couldn’t help but take a closer look. Then she remembered; this handsome and quiet-faced young man was none other than Zhou Yunqing, the future Assistant Minister of Justice, whom Tang Buli had once supported.

“Is Master Zhou here to pay respects to Old Madam?” Yu Lingxi asked.

If he came for Tang Buli, Yu Lingxi was willing to introduce him. Hearing her voice, Zhou Yunqing seemed startled, made a slight bow, and then turned to leave.

Reserved and introverted, judging solely by appearance, no one would think that he would become the most reliable “stern judge” under Ning Yin.

Yu Lingxi didn’t think much about it and casually asked Qingxiao behind her, “Have you fulfilled the commitment made in Ah Buli’s name for supporting this person?”

Qingxiao nodded, “This person is upright and unwilling to accept money. I send high-quality paper, ink, and books regularly in the name of Qingping Village Princess.”

“Very well.” Yu Lingxi felt slightly relieved.

In the main hall, an unfamiliar middle-aged couple was skillfully receiving the esteemed guests who came to offer condolences, displaying the air of being in charge of the Tang residence. The real master, Tang Buli, wore a white mourning band on her forehead and knelt quietly in front of the coffin.

Seeing her slender and stooped figure, Yu Lingxi’s nose tingled with a hint of bitterness. Having experienced a past life, no one understood the sorrow of losing loved ones and being left alone better than her.

“Ah Buli.” Yu Lingxi first paid respects to the old lady’s coffin with three bows, then squatted down to meet Tang Buli’s eyes, softly saying, “Condolences.”

Upon seeing her, Tang Buli pursed her lips, and tears, which had dried up, seemed ready to burst forth again. She discreetly wiped her eyes and choked, “Thank you, Sui Sui.”

“What’s going on?” Yu Lingxi slightly raised her jaw towards the middle-aged couple outside, worry evident in her eyes.

“My uncle and aunt came to divide the family property,” Tang Buli explained in a wooden tone, “They brought a cousin I’ve never even met before, saying they would arrange a marriage for us…”

Yu Lingxi frowned. It was just using the pretext of a marriage alliance to embezzle the wealth of the Tang family.

“This morning, they even drugged my porridge, wanting me to be with that cousin…” Tang Buli threw a stack of paper money into the charcoal basin and said with a forced smile, “Without my grandmother’s protection, I can’t handle anything. I must have made you laugh.”

“How could that be?” Yu Lingxi wiped away the tears from Tang Buli’s eyes with her sleeve, feeling distressed. “You are my best friend!”

As they spoke, Tang’s aunt pushed a man in his twenties towards them, whispering, “Why are you standing here? Go help your cousin. In the future, you’ll be family…”

This man, with a plump build and eyes nearly invisible due to the squeezed flesh, reluctantly moved forward and scattered a pile of paper money into the charcoal basin.

From Tang Buli’s tense body, Yu Lingxi could sense her disgust.

Standing up, Yu Lingxi looked directly at the woman and said, “Ah Buli is appointed as the Qingping Village Lady by the Emperor himself. Marriage matters should be approved by the Ministry of Rites. While Tang Old Madam’s body is still warm, the lady making decisions about marriage on her own is violating the rituals of the court. Where does this place the court’s etiquette?”

Upon seeing Yu Lingxi, the cousin widened his eyes in surprise.

He had never seen such a charming beauty in his entire life, nor had he heard such a pleasant voice.

Tang’s aunt slapped her son’s head, then looked up to scrutinize Yu Lingxi, smiling, “This young lady must be Miss Yu’er, right?”

She deliberately raised her voice, drawing the attention of everyone present. For a moment, all eyes focused on Yu Lingxi. The matter of her canceled engagement had caused a sensation, and people were discreetly avoiding the topic.

Clearly, Aunt Tang had come prepared, understanding the Tang family’s social network very well. She greeted, “Miss Yu, you may not be aware, but the Tang family is vast, and for a girl like Ah Buli, who is without support, she must find a man to take care of her. Outsiders are naturally untrustworthy, so it’s better to find a husband who is well-known and reliable…”

As she spoke, Aunt Tang covered her mouth with a handkerchief, pretending to express regret, “Look at my mouth! It’s inappropriate to discuss marriage matters with Miss Yu at this time. I apologize.”

How could Yu Lingxi not hear the sarcasm in her words?

“Watch your words!” Tang Buli stood up with red eyes, blocking Yu Lingxi.

She was like this, enduring her own grievances but not allowing her friends to be humiliated. In this lifetime, Tang Buli struggled even with the passing of the old lady. One couldn’t help but wonder how much hardship she had endured in her past life.

Yu Lingxi grabbed Tang Buli’s trembling fingers, ready to retort. However, she glimpsed a tall figure entering through the main gate and couldn’t help but be stunned.

Not only her, but everyone present fell silent. A path quickly opened up with Ning Yin as the center.

Tang’s aunt did not recognize Ning Yin, but her husband did. He was taken aback and quickly bowed, saying, “This lowly official is Wang Sili, an official of the Ministry of Works. Paying respects to His Royal Highness Prince Ning!”

The courtyard instantly knelt down as everyone moved with Ning Yin’s footsteps.

Ning Yin, with black hair and purple attire, exuded unparalleled nobility. He sat on the only long bench in the hall, leaving half the space beside him vacant. Nonchalantly, he took Yu Lingxi’s hand and pulled her down.

Yu Lingxi sat beside him, blinked her eyes slowly, and asked in a low voice, “Why did you come?”

“To see my precious Sui Sui.”

Ning Yin stroked her back and then lifted his eyelids, looking at the frightened Tang family uncle, “Don’t mind this prince; continue speaking.”

Wang Sili dared not speak. Just thinking about the “precious” by His Royal Highness’s side, who had just been ridiculed by his wife, he wished he could knock his head against a pillar and faint.

Sweating profusely, Ning Yin’s voice suddenly turned cold, “Go on.”

With a shiver, Wang Sili reluctantly explained, “The old lady has passed away, and the niece is left alone and helpless. This humble official came to share her sorrows. I have no sinister intentions…”

By the end of his explanation, his voice was trembling, unsure if it was out of fear or guilt.

Ning Yin chuckled, “Mr. Wang has a heart full of filial piety, and the late old lady’s spirit in heaven must be very pleased.”

Upon hearing the gentle tone of the lunatic, Yu Lingxi sensed that something big was happening.

She discreetly tapped Ning Yin’s slender hand covered by his sleeve, not believing that he would come here just for a lively scene.

With elegance, Ning Yin, holding Yu Lingxi’s hand, then lifted her eyelids and looked at the trembling Tang family uncle, “You can leave; go and accompany the late old lady.”

“Lea-leave?” Realizing Ning Yin’s intention, the Wang couple instantly fell to the ground, faces pale.

Everyone present was sweating profusely. Was Prince Ning here to support Miss Yu’er?

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