Chapter 38: Can Your Majesty grant me whatever I desire? [One update]

Chapter 38: Can Your Majesty Truly Grant This Commoner Girl Anything? "First Watch"

At this point, all she could do was try to minimize her punishment.

Ruan Hanzhen had actually calmed down by now.

She didn’t plead for mercy anymore, just quietly listened to what Qian Xiaoduo had to say.

Qian Xiaoduo continued, "None of us knew who that embroiderer was or why Little Consort Ruan wanted to harm her. But both Qing Dai and I are convicted offenders—staying alive is already by Your Majesty’s grace. So, we both wanted to redeem ourselves through merit."

This logic was very sound.

Qian Xiaoduo and Qing Dai were now just low-ranking Palace Cleaners, the very bottom of the entire Changxin Palace hierarchy. Both were involved in the Tangli Pavilion case; even if they hadn’t been expelled from the imperial palace, they could only struggle to survive.

Without opportunities, they might still be Palace Cleaners in five or ten years—that kind of life would be far too difficult.

Wanting to atone for their crimes through merit was perfectly natural.

"At the time, I didn’t think too much and immediately went to Baocheng Studio. I really did manage to save that embroiderer."

As he spoke, Qian Xiaoduo suddenly began to cry.

His eyes were red, filled with sorrow: "There was someone I once wanted to save but couldn’t. Being able to save one person now is still worth it."

As his words fell, the entire Lanyue Pavilion fell silent.

The tea stove on the table bubbled softly, steaming with heat.

Silence spread through the misty air. With Qian Xiaoduo’s words, everyone recalled that bright-eyed, radiant woman from the past.

It was just a pity—spring suddenly aged, and that person was already gone.

Jing Huayan lowered his gaze to look at him, his face showing no emotion, but he slowly sighed.

"So, you knew the one who took action was Baolin Ruan?"

Qian Xiaoduo paused, then nodded: "Yes, I knew."

Having said this much, Qian Xiaoduo decided to lay everything out clearly.

This was also what Jiang Yunran had discussed with him earlier.

He took a deep breath, not daring to look at Baolin Ruan kneeling beside him, and kept his head down as he said: "After the late consort passed, life became hard for all of us. But I was lucky—I was transferred to the Imperial Gardens. Eunuch Li is kind-hearted; he knew I’d been tortured in the Court of Judicial Review and even allowed me three extra days to rest. My heart is very grateful."

"But Qing Dai... Qing Dai’s life has been far too difficult."

As he spoke, Qian Xiaoduo couldn’t help crying.

He wept bitterly: "At first, it was still somewhat bearable. She was just a Palace Cleaner—hard work and suffering weren’t feared. But later... after Little Consort Ruan entered the palace and learned about Qing Dai’s past identity, she had Qing Dai transferred to Changchun Palace."

"Qing Dai’s life in Changchun Palace has been a living hell."

These words were too heavy.

Ruan Hanzhen’s eyes were red, but she didn’t get angry. Instead, she looked at him with grievance: "You oaf, how can you slander me like this?"

"I don’t even know who Qing Dai is—she’s just a Palace Cleaner. I never even noticed her."

As Ruan Hanzhen spoke, tears fell in streams. She skillfully turned her head, looking pitifully at Jing Huayan.

"Your Majesty, even if I did know who Qing Dai is, I would’ve taken extra care of her. After all, she served my elder sister—she’s practically an old acquaintance from home."

That was true.

But Qian Xiaoduo had already thrown caution to the wind and wouldn’t yield an inch: "Qing Dai said Little Consort Ruan tortures her every day. The consort even deliberately pricks her with needles—the pain is piercing. Her body is covered in scars now. Any imperial physician can verify this. How would I dare deceive Your Majesty? That would be a crime worthy of death!"

Ruan Hanzhen’s face changed.

Tears streamed down her face.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I know I was wrong."

Her sudden admission of fault stunned everyone present.

Even the usually distracted Consort Ning Cui couldn’t help saying: "You’ve finally revealed your true colors. I never harmed you—why did you treat me like this?"

Ruan Hanzhen ignored her, only looking sorrowfully at Jing Huayan: "I... I just resented Qing Dai for not taking good care of my elder sister. If Qing Dai had been in Tangli Pavilion at the time, perhaps she could’ve saved my sister. Then my sister wouldn’t have... passed away in her prime."

"I was too overwhelmed by missing my sister and lost my rationality. Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. I implore Your Majesty’s forgiveness."

This explanation was truly masterful.

It seemed Ruan Hanzhen had prepared this excuse even before tormenting Qing Dai.

It wasn’t because she was jealous of her elder sister, nor because she resented her for becoming Jing Huayan’s cherished one. It was only because Qing Dai failed to protect her sister—she merely resented a negligent palace maid.

How full of affection and righteousness! How deeply moving this sisterly bond was!

Who wouldn’t be moved hearing it?

Even Jing Huayan slightly relaxed his furrowed brow.

His tone also softened a little: "Baolin Ruan."

Ruan Hanzhen trembled, lowering her head as she tearfully responded: "I am here."

Jing Huayan sighed: "Regarding the Hanzhang matter earlier, the palace has already thoroughly investigated. Those guilty were convicted and punished. The innocent naturally shouldn’t be treated too harshly. For example, Qian Xiaoduo and Qing Dai—although suspected of negligence, the Court of Judicial Review determined they were ultimately unrelated to the Tangli Pavilion case. That’s why they were allowed to remain in the palace for duty."

"Your extreme actions bring disgrace to your family, are beneath your status, and also show dissatisfaction with me and the Court of Judicial Review."

See? When words came from Jing Huayan, they took on a completely different meaning.

Why would he play along with your performance of deep sisterly affection and unforgettable marital love?

Ruan Hanzhen was momentarily confused, but since her head was lowered, no one else could see.

After a moment of silence, she said plaintively: "I know I was wrong."

"However..." Ruan Hanzhen raised her head, eyes red, "However, I admit I treated Qing Dai poorly. It’s understandable that she holds a grudge against me. I don’t blame her."

Jing Huayan looked down at her: "You don’t admit to plotting against Lady Jiang?"

Ruan Hanzhen shuddered, and mumbled evasively: "I never intended to harm anyone."

This was very interesting wording.

If conclusive evidence eventually emerged, she could still talk her way out—because she never intended to "kill" Jiang Yunran.

Jing Huayan abruptly smiled and looked toward Peng Yu.

Peng Yu went downstairs.

A short while later, Peng Yu returned upstairs with a young palace maid.

Jing Huayan said, "Take a look, is it her?"

The young palace maid, her face deathly pale, collapsed to the floor. Her forehead was beaded with cold sweat, and she appeared clearly terrified and disoriented.

Jiang Yunran turned around and immediately recognized her as the one who had delivered the orders.

"Yes."

"It's her."

Jiang Yunran and Zhang Datou spoke in unison.

Jing Huayan nodded, and Liang Santai stepped in front of the maid.

"Speak. Did Consort Ning Cui order you to harm Lady Jiang?"

The maid glanced at Consort Ning Cui, whose eyes were sharp and fierce, then her gaze drifted until she noticed Ruan Baolin kneeling on the floor.

The scene was misleading.

It suggested Ruan Baolin had already confessed.

If even her mistress had admitted guilt, why keep resisting? Once she ended up in the Court of Judicial Review, it would be a fate worse than death.

The young maid burst out crying.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please save this servant! My mother and I don't want to die."

"It was Little Consort Ruan. She was holding my mother hostage and ordered me to obey her commands, to help her find two eunuchs to seize Lady Jiang's belongings."

Ruan Hanzhen had been clever enough not to be too specific—when she gave the order, she'd spoken ambiguously.

Now, the case was crystal clear.

With a wave of Jing Huayan’s hand, Peng Yu led the young maid, Zhang Datou, and Qian Xiaoduo away.

In an instant, only the four nobles and Jiang Yunran remained in the loft.

At this moment, only two words echoed in Ruan Hanzhen’s heart:

I'm finished!

After all her scheming and days of meticulous planning, she had lost completely.

It was all Jiang Yunran’s fault, that wretched woman!

Why did she run? Why try to escape? Why not just surrender obediently?

And it was all because of Ruan Hanzhang—dead and gone, yet still causing trouble and ruining my plans!

Ruan Hanzhen cursed wildly in her heart, but her face was full of misery.

"Your Majesty, I know I was wrong. That day, when I saw Lady Jiang so beautiful, I became jealous and wanted to have her teased and frightened, to make her request to leave the palace voluntarily."

"I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt."

Admitting to jealousy and attempting expulsion was the least damaging admission she could offer.

Ruan Hanzhen pretended to be young and ignorant, tears streaming down her cheeks as she sobbed, "Lady Jiang, I never expected things to turn out this way. I apologize to you and will compensate you for your losses."

A clever move—starting with Jiang Yunran first.

Jiang Yunran remained silent, but Consort Ning Cui said coldly, "Do you think a simple apology can cover up your crimes? Ruan Baolin, the palace has its rules. This isn’t the Ruan residence, where you can act recklessly and expect someone to always cover for you."

Her words were harsh, but they were true.

Ruan Hanzhen bit her lower lip and said nothing more.

She lowered her head, having already admitted her fault, not daring to defend herself further.

Jing Huayan didn't tell Ruan Hanzhen to rise, nor did he look at any of them. Instead, his gaze returned to Jiang Yunran.

"Lady Jiang, what is your opinion?"

Jiang Yunran, like a startled little rabbit, looked up with reddened eyes. She blinked at Jing Huayan, appearing vulnerable and innocent, evoking sympathy.

She met Jing Huayan’s gaze, gently pursing her rosy, petal-like lips, her clear eyes unwavering.

"My life was saved by Your Majesty, so naturally, I defer to Your Majesty's judgment."

As she spoke, Jiang Yunran knelt to the ground and said respectfully, "This commoner thanks Your Majesty for saving my life. I am eternally grateful."

Jing Huayan looked at her slender neck and suddenly smiled.

"Good."

Then, he turned directly to Ruan Hanzhen.

"Ruan Baolin, you harmed a palace maid, threatened and bribed others to hire assassins, resulting in loss of life during the Mid-Autumn Festival and bloodshed in Changxin Palace."

Jing Huayan’s wording was severe, clearly indicating he had no intention of letting the matter slide lightly.

Ruan Hanzhen prostrated herself on the ground, kowtowed. "I admit my wrongdoing."

Jing Huayan continued, "For Hanzhang’s sake, I will not demote you for now, but punishment cannot be avoided."

He then looked at Liang Santai.

"By my decree: Ruan Baolin has violated palace regulations and behaved improperly. Her family elders are not exempt from responsibility. Her father is to lose three months’ pay and reflect on his mistakes at home for ten days. Ruan Baolin is docked three months’ pay and confined to her quarters for one month to reflect on her actions. Let this serve as a warning to all."

The punishment was neither light nor severe. The fines were not exactly harsh, but the fact that Ruan Baolin’s actions had implicated the Ruan family was a clear statement that the Ruan family’s discipline was lax—this was a public humiliation.

Ruan Zhongliang had always been very concerned about his reputation. Now, because of his beloved daughter, he was disgraced and would undoubtedly become the laughingstock among the capital’s nobility.

Moreover, this punishment was only lessened because of His Majesty’s mercy, granted out of respect for Elder Consort Ruan.

Jiang Yunran lowered her head, a slight smile touching her lips.

She could well imagine Ruan Zhongliang and Liao Shuyan being so upset they wouldn't be able to eat or sleep.

Ruan Hanzhen’s eyes were red, but at this moment, she could only thank Jing Huayan for being merciful.

"Thank you for Your Majesty’s punishment. I admit my fault."

Jing Huayan paused, then said, "You entered the palace temporarily and have not yet learned the palace rules. Liang Santai, order Zhou Xiaqing to go to Changchun Palace. For this month, she is to diligently instruct Ruan Baolin and ensure she is thoroughly reformed."

The previous punishment had humiliated the Ruan family, while this one now brought utter disgrace upon Ruan Hanzhen herself.

Ruan Hanzhen’s face turned deathly pale, and she was left speechless.

Even after being made a Baolin, she still had to be instructed in palace rules by a senior maid—how could she keep any dignity?

But at this point, Ruan Hanzhen had no choice but to thank His Majesty for his mercy once more.

With the matter settled, Jing Huayan comforted Consort Ning Cui gently before sending the concubines away.

The sound of footsteps faded into the distance, and in a moment, only Jiang Yunran and Jing Huayan remained in the Lanyue Pavilion.

The air suddenly tensed.

Jing Huayan let out a soft laugh.

His features were handsome, radiant and graceful as the moon and a gentle breeze, and when he smiled gently and relaxed, it was as refreshing as the blooming of spring flowers.

But the words he spoke seemed to carry countless layers of meaning.

"Jiang, the embroiderer, punishment is done, and rewards given. What... is it that you want?"

Jiang Yunran kept her head lowered and remained silent.

Jing Huayan slowly rose and walked step by step to where Jiang Yunran stood.

He suddenly reached out, and tipped up her delicate chin.

"Look at me."

"Jiang Yunran, what is it that you want for yourself?"

Jiang Yunran’s long, curled lashes fluttered like butterfly wings trembling before Jing Huayan’s eyes.

"This humble woman... wishes for Your Majesty to show mercy to Qing Dai and Qian Xiaoduo. Without the two of them, I would never have survived."

Jing Huayan smiled faintly, his voice deep. "I meant what you want for yourself."

Jiang Yunran slowly raised her eyes to meet Jing Huayan’s gaze.

In the depths of his dark, starlit eyes, she saw her own distinct reflection.

"Your Majesty, will you grant this humble woman anything she desires?"