Free Web NovelChapter 169: Chapter 74: When I Get Ruthless, I Don’t Even Spare Myself (Part 2)
’Well, I’ll be!’
For the first time, Song Yunzhao took a good long look at Anshun. ’He’s usually so quiet and withdrawn, but who knew he’d be this capable when it counted?’
"What are you all standing around for? Beat this cur to death for me!" Consort Shu’s expression turned ugly. She never imagined that the eunuch at Song Yunzhao’s side would be so crafty and daring.
’He dragged my father into this! If word of this reaches His Majesty, there will be no easy way out!’
"Are you trying to kill him to silence him, Lady Shufei?" Song Yunzhao shoved Anshun behind her, her eyes fixed on Consort Shu. "How formidable you are, Lady Shufei. So you truly intend to act with impunity. Fine, then! If you have the nerve, beat everyone in my Wangyou Palace to death. Let’s see if you’re truly that bold! Let’s see how Chancellor Lu plans to silence the wagging tongues of the entire world!"
"Guards! Beat him!" Consort Shu’s face was thunderous. She had been put on the spot. Originally, she had only wanted to teach Song Yunzhao a lesson, to knock her down a peg. She never imagined the woman would be so unyielding. Now, she had no room to back down; a victor had to be decided today.
At that moment, Consort Shu truly felt the urge to kill.
"Well now, what’s all this?"
Princess Consort Zhuang arrived with a grand entourage. Hearing her voice was like music to Song Yunzhao’s ears, and her taut nerves loosened slightly. ’Princess Consort Zhuang certainly took her time. Then again, seeing that large group behind her, I can see why she was slow.’
In contrast to Song Yunzhao’s delight, Consort Shu’s expression became blacker than the bottom of a pot.
"Yes, what on earth is going on?"
Princess Consort Wan’s voice suddenly cut in. Song Yunzhao glanced sideways at her. ’Her timing is impeccable as well. This garden is right behind Roufu Palace; with all this commotion, I don’t believe for a second they didn’t hear it. Yet Princess Consort Wan waited until Princess Consort Zhuang appeared to show her face. Heh.’
Song Yunzhao nudged Anshun with her toe. Anshun immediately scrambled forward, fell to his knees, and cried out, "Your Ladyships, you must seek justice for our Noble Consort! Lady Shufei is trying to kill our mistress!"
’Well done!’ Song Yunzhao thought.
"Nonsense!" Rouge immediately shot back. "It was clearly Consort Song who was disrespectful to Her Ladyship! You wretched slave, you’re spouting utter lies!"
Xiangxue stepped forward bravely. "Consort Zhuang, Lady Wanfei, everyone present today saw and heard what happened. Your Ladyships only need to question a few of them to know right from wrong. If Anshun or I have spoken a single word of falsehood, we will willingly accept any punishment you deem fit." With that, Xiangxue looked at Rouge. "I dare to make that claim. Do you, Rouge?"
Rouge’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.
Qin Xiyue, Feng Yunjin, and the others following Princess Consort Zhuang could now faintly guess what had happened. Feng Yunjin looked at Song Yunzhao with a hint of worry in her eyes.
Qin Xiyue’s gaze, however, was the complete opposite. Her expression remained composed, but when her eyes fell upon Song Yunzhao, they held a complicated look.
Princess Consort Zhuang took a step forward. "Rouge, what do you have to say?"
Consort Shu shot a sideways glance at Princess Consort Zhuang, her eyes burning with rage as she demanded, "Princess Consort Zhuang, what is the meaning of this?"
Princess Consort Zhuang replied with an air of helplessness, "Consort Shu, I am simply asking a routine question. What’s your hurry? Or could it be there really is something amiss with what Rouge said?"
Princess Consort Wan’s eyes were not on Consort Shu, nor on Princess Consort Zhuang. Instead, they were fixed directly on Song Yunzhao.
’This Consort Song has been the center of attention ever since entering the palace. Yesterday, she even dared to pursue him to Taixi Hall, thoroughly humiliating Consort Shu. It’s hardly a big deal for Consort Shu to use this as an excuse to punish her and vent some frustration.’
’But as it happens, this Song Yunzhao not only has the Emperor’s favor, but she also has a competitive personality and refuses to suffer a loss. Consort Shu has always done as she pleases in the palace, but it seems she’s finally met her match today. What a good show.’
’It’s not every day we get this much excitement. I should watch carefully... and maybe add some fuel to the fire.’
"Consort Song, what do you have to say for yourself?"
Hearing Princess Consort Wan’s voice, Song Yunzhao turned to look at her. She saw a gentle smile on the consort’s face, as if it were just a casual question.
’Too bad for her, Song Yunzhao had a special ability. This consort wasn’t stunningly beautiful, but her face... how to describe it? Ah, yes. It was what people in later eras would call a ’first-love face.’ She was cultivating a high-class, otherworldly aura.’
’Oh, I know this routine all too well.’
Song Yunzhao put on a completely baffled expression and stared directly at Princess Consort Wan. "Lady Wanfei, what more is there to say? Send everyone here—including myself and Lady Shufei—to the Palace Justice Department. With the Department’s methods, I’m sure they can determine right from wrong in no time. Don’t you think?"
