“Chapter 0020: The So-Called Truth”

"Chapter 0020: The So-Called Truth"

"Were these rewards for speaking on behalf of Huabao Lin yesterday? Or for her exhaustion?"

"Or perhaps it was for..."

"'Bao Lin, there's quite a bit here. Should we store it or send it to the needlework bureau?' Zhu Yu asked."

"'Let's use what we can. It's time to make autumn clothes, isn’t it? Use the darker colors for winter clothes. No need to waste anything.' Better to wear them than let them lose their freshness."

"'Alright, I'll store the rest. The jewelry is quite pretty, you should take a look.'"

"Yun Li glanced at them and indeed, they were quite nice."

"Clearly, they were selected carefully, not just taken from the Inner Affairs Department."

"'When His Majesty rewarded Huabao Lin last time, it was much less than this,' said Zhi Fu."

"'With Huabao Lin’s recent troubles, does it seem like she’s become somewhat isolated?' Yun Li suddenly asked."

"'Bao Lin, do you mean the Emperor wants you to align with Huabao Lin?' Zhu Yu quickly grasped her implication."

"The strongest combination is a triangle, isn't it?"

Unfortunately, both Empress Jinde and Consort Lan come from modest backgrounds. Empress Jinde has relied on the Empress for many years, and even if she were to bear another prince now, gaining independence won't be easy.

As for Consort Lan, there's no need to say more – mere favoritism is insufficient.

There might be several triangles in the harem, but only with a background like Huabao Lin's can one rival the Noble Consort. And the Empress, as the central figure, holds the most stable position.

Yun Li smiled: "I don't know, but we can see. Tsk, but my surname is Qi."

With the Noble Consort around, she could never become one of the corners of the triangle.

So, did His Majesty clearly see her reluctance to align with the Noble Consort and thus invite her to collaborate with Huabao Lin?

"Baolin, don't overthink it. What if it's not the case?" Zhuyu said.

"Silly Zhuyu, isn't it better if it's not? If His Majesty thinks I'm useful, that's a good thing. But I also need to think carefully. Can I really support Huabao Lin? If she's incompetent, I won't be her pawn. This path is thorny at first glance."

The Empress is the biggest thorn of all.

Sure enough, by evening, Zhengyang Palace sent for someone again, and Yun Li understood.

The Emperor had made his decision.

In that case, she wouldn't fret about it.

Under imperial power, the Emperor's thoughts are the truth.

She's indifferent, but she must also secure benefits for herself.

In Zhengyang Palace, the Emperor was still reviewing documents. After Yun Li paid her respects, she was arranged to sit on one side.

To read.

Of course, it was storybooks, but Yun Li didn't want to read and pretended to nap on the table.

The Emperor glanced over, his eyebrows raised in surprise, though he didn't ask anything.

About an hour passed, and Yun Li was genuinely on the verge of sleep, perhaps even dozing off, though not very peacefully.

"Is my consort tired?"

"Hmm, Your Majesty knows but still asks." Yun Li lazily got up: "Aren't you tired, Your Majesty?"

"Thanks to my consort, I'm actually not very tired," He Jinli laughed.

Yun Li…

"Hmph."

He Jinli laughed heartily, taking her hand: "Come on, let's have some late-night snacks prepared."

Yun Li wasn't hungry and only had a few sips of soup, but it was evident the Emperor was hungry.

After the late-night meal, He Jinli took a walk in the courtyard to aid digestion.

"Does Your Majesty know martial arts?" Yun Li suddenly asked.

He Jinli was taken aback: "I've learned some boxing and kicking. It's been years since I've practiced."

"Isn't that a waste? Why not find time every few days to practice on the training ground for physical fitness?" Yun Li suggested.

He Jinli was surprised: "You have quite unique ideas."

Other women would only advise him to rest and not to be overly occupied with state affairs. This was the first time someone had suggested this.

"Firstly, it's a waste not to use what you've learned. Secondly, it's important to stay active. Your Majesty is busy with state affairs and uses your mind a lot. Physical exercise strengthens the body and gives more energy. Regular exercise is beneficial for longevity. Haven't the imperial physicians also said that one shouldn't always sit or lie down?" Yun Li argued.

"My consort makes a well-reasoned argument. It wouldn't be right for me not to listen."

"Then Your Majesty must listen. In fact, exercising every few days is quite refreshing. That kind of sweat-drenched comfort," Yun Li said.

"Oh? You seem quite familiar with this," He Jinli expressed his surprise.

Yun Li... oh, I can't tell you how often I used to go to the gym in my past life.

"When I was young, I would go running. But now that I'm older, it's not seemly to run anymore."

"My consort truly surprises me," He Jinli looked down at her: "Since my consort advises me so, I will take you with me to the training ground another day."

"I won't go, it's too hot and dusty," Yun Li pouted.

"Tsk," He Jinli chuckled, half-smiling.

"Your Majesty should go, I'll just exercise in my own palace. You're the best," Yun Li cooed.

He Jinli didn't continue on this topic.

He couldn't possibly know that Yun Li actually just thought he needed to maintain his physique, otherwise, it would be... less fun.

Yun Li served the Emperor in his chambers, never leaving him dissatisfied.

Her private interactions with the Emperor were becoming more natural.

This wasn't just He Jinli's tacit approval, but he also felt that it was quite nice.

The Emperor wouldn't like his consorts to be only mindful of the rules and lacking in charm.

Thus, with Yun Li serving him, he was very satisfied.

Specifically, the Emperor was so pleased that night, he almost didn't rise in time for the morning court, nearly causing a delay.

Yun Li was extremely tired when she went to Fengyi Palace, struggling to stay awake.

However, this morning, everyone was clearly too preoccupied to bother her.

This was because as soon as the greetings started on one side, Meng Chang arrived on the other.

His arrival, naturally, was about the outcome regarding Huabao Lin.

The Emperor had resolved the matter swiftly.

"The Internal Punishment Department confirmed that Huabao Lin's maid, Miaoyun, was bribed by the previously executed traitorous princes. The incense too was brought into the palace by these princes. Huabao Lin was genuinely unaware of these matters. Miaoyun has been executed, and her family imprisoned. The princes have been dealt with, so there's no need for further investigation."

"His Majesty says that the Empress did everything for his sake and thus merits reward. He specifically sent a pair of white jade Ruyi to express his gratitude."

Saying this, he gestured, and a young eunuch came forward, carrying the items.

The Empress stood up: "This consort thanks His Majesty for understanding my heart."

"His Majesty said that Huabao Lin is not entirely innocent, as failing to understand the true nature of her subordinates is a lack of discernment. However, considering she too was wronged, the offenses are offset, and she won't be punished. From today, she will be restored to all her previous privileges."

"Yes, His Majesty is right, as it should be. And what about Wu Yünu?" asked the Empress.

"Responding to the Empress, His Majesty did not mention Wu Yünu," replied Meng Chang.

"I understand," nodded the Empress.

"Then I shall take my leave," said Meng Chang.

After he left, the Noble Consort smiled: "Huabao Lin is indeed innocent. It was the work of the traitorous princes."

The traitorous princes were the former Prince An and Prince Cheng.

After their deaths, they were naturally stripped of their princely titles.

These titles of traitorous princes were merely a form of denunciation.