Chapter 6: The Harem, Part 1
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“Cuier, why does the emperor want to kill everyone in the Yu family?”
Though spoken plainly, the words took on a different tone in Cuier’s ears.
“Miss!”
Crying, crying—always just crying! Yu Qingyan looked at Cuier with a slightly cold expression. “Answer the question!”
Cuier trembled. “The imperial edict says that the master abused his power, betrayed the emperor, and formed factions for personal gain...”
“And in reality?”
“Cuier dares not speak recklessly.”
“It’s just the two of us here. What is there to fear? Speak.”
“It’s... Cuier thinks it might be because the master had always been close to the Second Prince, so...”
“The Second Prince? Where is the Second Prince now?”
Cuier whispered, “The Second Prince was executed on the spot for treason by the emperor a year ago, right after the late emperor passed away.”
Yu Qingyan nodded. “Don’t let this word get out.”
“Cuier understands.”
“And who is the Idle Prince?”
“The Idle Prince is the late emperor’s seventh son. The late emperor did not like him.”
Yu Qingyan frowned. “How do you know that?”
“Everyone in the realm knows.”
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Yu Qingyan asked a few more questions, trying to digest the information, when a noise came from outside the door again.
Looking up, it was the same short, stout eunuch.
“The emperor commands that from today onwards, Yu Qingyan shall reside in Zhenning Palace to prepare for her grand wedding.” The eunuch coldly glanced at Yu Qingyan. “Miss, please come.”
“Miss?” She had been married to Chu Yuheng for a year and a half already. This was obviously a sarcastic jab. Yu Qingyan did not mind and stood, looking at Cuier. “Let’s go. No need to pack.”
“Yes.”
Not far from the cold palace, the silver-white world ahead was dotted with splashes of red.
“Plum blossoms?”
“Miss, we should leave.”
Yu Qingyan raised an eyebrow and saw someone standing before the plum tree. Judging by her attire, she must be one of the emperor’s consorts.
“Stop!”
The eunuch in front obediently halted. Yu Qingyan looked at the woman approaching with a hostile expression.
“Your servant greets Consort Jing.”
“Rise.” Consort Jing looked at Yu Qingyan. “Long time no see, Empress Yu.”
Yu Qingyan frowned. An enemy?
Could the original’s temperament really have made enemies? Besides, the emperor did not favor her.
“Have we arrived at Zhenning Palace?”
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The stout eunuch did not look up when Yu Qingyan asked. Consort Jing glared fiercely at Yu Qingyan. “You have quite the nerve, ignoring me! Guards, slap her for me!”
“...”
“What are you standing there for? Didn’t you hear my order?”
The maid beside Consort Jing could only respond. Yu Qingyan clenched her fists as the maid approached. It wouldn’t be impossible to deal with just these few, but it would only cause trouble and suspicion.
Forget it, she decided to endure.
“Don’t hit the miss! Consort Jing, please don’t hit the miss. If you must, hit Cuier instead!”
“Cuier!” That girl! Doing this would only make Consort Jing even more ruthless.
The stout eunuch knelt before Consort Jing. “Reporting, Your Highness, the emperor has already bestowed Yu Qingyan to the Idle Prince. The wedding is to be held in five days. If you act now—”
“Oh?” Consort Jing looked at Yu Qingyan, then at Cuier. “In that case, I shall honor Cuier’s loyalty and protectiveness.”
Yu Qingyan stepped forward, shielding Cuier behind her. “Consort Jing, no need to take it out on Cuier. I am here. You may strike me without hesitation.”
“Miss, what are you saying? Don’t worry about Cuier. She’s just a maid; a few hits won’t matter—”
“That’s exactly what you said!” Consort Jing looked at Yu Qingyan with a hint of satisfaction. “Give her a good beating for me!”
“Miss, don’t hit the miss...”