Free Web NovelChapter 75: Chapter 47: Ah, It’s That Troublemaker
Chief Steward Zhang offered a perfunctory salute. The moment the other man was gone, his smile vanished. ’That bloodhound,’ he cursed internally. ’He can sniff out anything.’
He composed himself. After thinking it over, he decided the matter had to be reported.
He ascended the steps and entered the side hall. A quick scan of the room told him Meng Jiuchang wasn’t there, which meant he must be attending the Emperor. He waved over a eunuch and instructed, "Go and ask Manager Meng if His Majesty has a moment to see me. I have something to report."
"Yes." The little eunuch nodded and hurried out.
’The court has its own etiquette,’ he thought. ’The day I finally replace Meng Jiuchang at His Majesty’s side, I won’t have to jump through so many hoops.’
The little eunuch returned quickly. After a bow, he said, "Chief Steward Zhang, His Majesty is occupied at the moment. Manager Meng says that you are to wait here."
What else could Zhang Maoquan do but wait? ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
In the main hall, Feng Yi’s deep eyes stared at the memorial before him. A derisive smile touched his lips as he slammed it down on the desk. ’These people must take me for a fool.’
Seeing that His Majesty was in a foul mood, Meng Jiuchang swallowed the words he had been about to say. ’Zhang Maoquan’s business can wait,’ he decided. ’I’m not about to take the fall for him.’
Feng Yi rose and stood before the window, his hands clasped behind his back. From there, he could see the imperial guards in their magnificent armor, swords at their sides, guarding the Imperial City. ’But how many of them,’ he wondered, ’are truly loyal to me?’
Just last year, he had specially appointed a trusted subordinate as the Magistrate of the Southern Land, intending to promote him to the Six Ministries once he had some achievements to his name. But word had gotten out. Before the man’s seat was even warm, he was ensnared in a trap and framed.
Feng Yi knew that the Cabinet and the Six Ministries were now in lockstep, determined to oppose him and render him a powerless figurehead.
He let out a derisive laugh at the thought.
He had tossed out a single pawn, and they had swarmed it like a pack of dogs fighting over a bone.
"Meng Jiuchang."
"This servant is here."
"Take the Glazed Cup that arrived yesterday and deliver it to Consort Shu."
"Yes."
Meng Jiuchang agreed without hesitation and turned to leave, though he couldn’t help but wonder. ’Consort Shu asked for it yesterday and His Majesty refused. Now he’s sending it over today. What is he thinking?’
’In any case,’ he mused, ’all the ladies of the harem have had their eyes on that Glazed Cup for a while. With it ending up in Consort Shu’s hands, the other concubines are bound to be displeased.’
Zhang Maoquan had been waiting in the side hall the entire time. He wasn’t summoned by the Emperor, but he did see the back of Meng Jiuchang hurrying away. He cursed inwardly. ’Meng Jiuchang definitely didn’t tell His Majesty I was waiting for an audience.’
At that thought, Zhang Maoquan decided he wasn’t going to wait any longer. ’With Meng Jiuchang gone, this is my chance.’
Zhang Maoquan strode out of the side hall and headed straight for the main hall. The little eunuch at the door bowed upon seeing him.
Without so much as a glance at them, Zhang Maoquan held his head high and stepped over the threshold.
"This servant pays his respects to Your Majesty." Zhang Maoquan walked briskly into the hall, knelt, and kowtowed.
Feng Yi heard the voice but didn’t look up. "Speak," he said flatly.
"Your Majesty, this servant has just received news. It is said that Miss Song was injured after being knocked over."
Feng Yi paused. It took him a moment to recall who Miss Song was. ’Ah, the little troublemaker.’ He raised his eyes to the kneeling Zhang Maoquan and asked, "What happened?"
Zhang Maoquan breathed an inward sigh of relief. ’I was worried His Majesty wouldn’t ask. Now that he has, this is easy.’
"Today, the Housekeepers were instructing the new concubines on etiquette. Miss Song was knocked down and claims the person who collided with her was pushed intentionally. Zhichun Palace is still investigating the details, so this servant has not yet received a full report. However, I hear Miss Song’s injuries are quite severe. The Medical Woman said she will need to rest for four or five days before she can move about freely." Zhang Maoquan deliberately exaggerated the severity of her injuries. ’After all, would a mere scratch be worth mentioning before His Majesty?’
Feng Yi was speechless.
’Tsk. Song Yunzhao’s luck is truly awful. Something always happens whenever she’s involved.’
’She might be even more unfortunate than I am.’
The thought actually made Feng Yi’s foul mood lift slightly. He watched Zhang Maoquan’s eyes darting about and knew exactly what the man was up to.
With that in mind, he said, "Go and see what happened. But don’t cause a stir."
Chief Steward Zhang immediately replied, "This servant will go at once."
Feeling refreshed and invigorated as he left the main hall, Zhang Maoquan knew his gamble had paid off. ’His Majesty’s interest in this Miss Song is truly unusual.’
’Don’t cause a stir... that must mean don’t disturb Miss Song herself. In that case, I’ll just go ask the Housekeeper directly.’
Zhang Maoquan headed straight for Zhichun Palace, where Song Yunzhao, full and content, was fast asleep.
