Chapter 66: This is what they call good people get good rewards. [Three updates]

Chapter 66: Good Deeds Are Rewarded. (Third Update)

"Your Majesty!"

Consort Wu's tears streamed down, but in the end, she could only sigh in sorrow.

In stark contrast, Wang Xunuo, now demoted to a commoner, remained remarkably calm. There were no tears, no curses, no resentment, not even a plea for mercy.

She stood there in a daze, utterly devoid of the strength to even utter "Thank you for your grace."

Jiang Yunran watched her retreating figure, a sigh welling up within her.

Just then, Noble Consort Yao suddenly spoke: "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I believe there are still unresolved questions in this case. I wish to conduct further inquiries."

Jing Huayan assented, "Today's case must be thoroughly investigated. Noble Consort, proceed with your questions."

Noble Consort Yao rose and took a few swift steps to the front of the hall, gazing down imperiously at Eunuch Wang.

This was the first time Jiang Yunran had witnessed such sharp resolve in her.

In this moment, Noble Consort Yao truly embodied the dignified bearing of Empress Dowager Renhui.

"Eunuch Wang, you misidentified the name 'Autumn Wind Entanglement'," Noble Consort Yao stated calmly. "You vehemently claimed that Cai Nu Wang administered 'Autumn Wind Entanglement' to Consort De, yet it was merely a substance Cai Nu Wang used to repel insects and prevent plague. This matter is of grave importance, and to ensure absolute certainty, I must question you further."

"Are you absolutely certain you didn't mishear? Was it truly Cai Nu Wang who instructed you to poison the ice? What exactly was the name of the drug she mentioned at the time?"

Noble Consort Yao pressed him relentlessly.

Eunuch Wang's inconsistent testimony, coupled with his misidentification of the poison, certainly aroused suspicion.

However, due to Cai Nu Wang's profound knowledge of pharmacology, everyone had already reached their own conclusions, firmly believing her to be the culprit.

Jiang Yunran, possessing deeper insight and a cautious nature, had deduced even more hidden complexities from the situation.

Noble Consort Yao, however, was different.

She had acutely pinpointed the discrepancies in Eunuch Wang's testimony.

Indeed, while the lead on Cai Nu Wang originated from Wang Hongxing's confession, Eunuch Wang had also corroborated it.

One could not simply conclude that Cai Nu Wang was the true culprit merely because she was well-versed in pharmacology.

This line of reasoning was remarkably clear and logical.

Jiang Yunran couldn't help but gaze at Noble Consort Yao with admiration. The praises from the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Consort earlier were not mere pleasantries; she truly possessed genuine talent and learning.

Noble Consort Yao stood resolutely before Eunuch Wang, an unyielding presence like an immovable boulder, causing cold sweat to bead on his face.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, this humble servant is terrified."

Eunuch Wang's tears streamed down his face: "At this point, how would this humble servant dare to deceive Your Majesty? How would I dare to frame an imperial consort? Now that I have no hope of survival, why would I bother with deceit and concealment?"

He lowered his head and kowtowed to Noble Consort Yao.

"This humble servant is illiterate, does not comprehend grand principles, and cannot recall such complex drug names. Cai Nu Wang spoke of it casually, and even though I wished to remember it clearly, my fear was so overwhelming that I misremembered. To this day, I still do not understand either of those two drugs. I am utterly confused and know nothing."

Eunuch Wang wept profusely.

"It was truly Cai Nu Wang who personally told this humble servant. I swear to heaven, if there is even one word..."

Noble Consort Yao calmly interjected, "Silence."

After speaking, she turned to look at Cai Nu Wang.

Noble Consort Yao gracefully gathered the hem of her robe, knelt down, and calmly met Cai Nu Wang's gaze.

"Cai Nu Wang, did you truly do this?"

Cai Nu Wang did not look at her. The light had already faded from her eyes, leaving only numbness and indifference.

From this angle, Noble Consort Yao's gaze happened to meet Jiang Yunran's.

Jiang Yunran nodded to her.

Noble Consort Yao suddenly asked her, "Cai Nu Jiang, is there nothing you wish to ask?"

Jiang Yunran was momentarily taken aback, then began to ponder. After a brief pause, she said, "Thank you, Noble Consort, for granting me this opportunity. Cai Nu Wang, I wonder if you could answer me: why did you frame me?"

Why?

Cai Nu Wang finally reacted. She offered Jiang Yunran the most logical answer possible.

"Because I was jealous of you."

"Your background is even less distinguished than mine. Why do you receive more imperial favor than I do?"

Cai Nu Wang's voice was hoarse. As she spoke, she let out a low, bitter laugh.

"Is that all?"

Cai Nu Wang replied, "That's all."

Jiang Yunran exhaled and turned back to Noble Consort Yao: "Noble Consort, I have no further questions."

For Cai Nu Wang could offer no more answers.

Noble Consort Yao suddenly reached out and patted Cai Nu Wang on the shoulder. She then rose and declared, "Your Majesty, I have concluded my questions."

Just then, Ruan Hanzhen spoke up.

"Your Majesty, I acknowledge my rashness today and my wrongful accusation of Cai Nu Jiang. I wish to apologize to her and humbly request her forgiveness."

After witnessing Cai Nu Wang's interrogation, Ruan Hanzhen finally regained her composure.

She realized she had indeed made a grave error today. Her reckless actions had disrupted His Majesty's plans. Although the outcome was ultimately favorable, it was more by accidental good fortune—a stroke of luck for Consort De, not for herself.

Jing Huayan was always just in his rewards and punishments. He would not allow imperial concubines to act recklessly based on personal affection, reputation, or past favors.

When he said today that he would not impose a severe punishment, he meant it. However, Ruan Hanzhen still needed to demonstrate her remorse.

Though unwilling and deeply resentful, she still had to apologize to Jiang Yunran.

Yet, she was ultimately petty.

While apologizing, she simultaneously pressured Jiang Yunran to be magnanimous, deliberately trying to make her uncomfortable.

Jiang Yunran, however, smiled faintly.

"Lady Ruan was misled; it was not originally your fault, so why should you apologize to me? Moreover..."

Jiang Yunran raised her gaze to Jing Huayan: "Moreover, my reputation is a minor matter; Virtuous Consort Xu's health is of greater importance, and Your Majesty's governance is the paramount concern. Baolin Ruan should apologize to Your Majesty and to Virtuous Consort Xu."

Jiang Yunran's words were incisive and precise.

This wretched woman!

Ruan Hanzhen's fingers nearly snapped from clenching them, but she ultimately restrained herself.

She rose and obediently knelt on the cushion, looking up at Jing Huayan.

"Your Majesty, I admit my fault, and I also implore Virtuous Consort Xu's clemency."

Behind the green gauze screen, Virtuous Consort Xu coughed faintly, her breath growing increasingly weak.

Her voice was intermittent: "This concubine defers entirely to Your Majesty's judgment."

After saying this, she added: "Although today's incident was carried out by Cai Nu Wang, those in charge of the ice cellar cannot escape responsibility either."

"I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

Jiang Yunran's heart stirred.

It seemed that Virtuous Consort Xu was treating all matters concerning Cai Nu Wang with leniency, not intending to severely punish her or implicate her family.

After all, her life was still in Cai Nu Wang's hands. If pushed too far, and Cai Nu Wang refused to treat her, she would have no hope of survival.

It was better to coax and appease her. In any case, Jing Huayan had already condemned Cai Nu Wang, and she would spend the rest of her life in the Guanghan Palace.

Entering that place was tantamount to death.

But Virtuous Consort Xu was not one to be so forgiving. Having endured such great suffering, someone had to be punished.

And the ice cellar was the perfect choice.

Jiang Yunran lowered her head, a slight curve to her lips.

These consorts, each more intelligent than the last, were truly admirable.

Jing Huayan said gently: "Virtuous Consort, focus on your recovery. Other matters will be handled by the Empress Dowager and the Noble Consort."

Only then did he truly look at Ruan Hanzhen.

Ruan Hanzhen's heart tightened, and her face showed a hint of pleading.

In the end, Jing Huayan said calmly: "Baolin Ruan, you were swayed by false accusations and nearly caused a grave error by falsely accusing Cai Nu Jiang. Considering your unwavering loyalty, you are merely fined three months' salary, which will be compensated to Cai Nu Jiang. Additionally, you are ordered to reflect in confinement for ten days as a warning to others."

The punishment was light, yet it still caused Baolin Ruan to lose face.

Her face turned pale, and she finally knelt and kowtowed: "Yes, thank you for Your Majesty's leniency."

By this point, the truth of the matter had been fully revealed.

Jing Huayan then said to Empress Dowager Renhui: "Mother, court affairs are pressing. Since today's matter has been resolved, I shall not linger here."

Empress Dowager Renhui replied affectionately: "My son, I know state affairs keep you occupied, but you must also take care of your health. You seem somewhat fatigued lately and seldom visit the rear palace. How can this be?"

Jing Huayan merely smiled without a word.

Empress Dowager Renhui sighed.

"You are grown now, not like in your youth. I should not meddle too much, but you must be mindful and prioritize your well-being."

With that, Empress Dowager Renhui scanned the room and said: "From now on, serve His Majesty well, strive to bear royal heirs, and refrain from these petty, sordid schemes. With so many eyes in the palace, no misdeed goes unseen, and you will not escape punishment."

"Have you all understood?"

The consorts rose and assented in unison.

Just then, Virtuous Consort Xu said: "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

This indicated a desire for a private conversation.

Empress Dowager Renhui smiled: "Virtuous Consort is truly pitiable, having been so gravely ill lately. It pains me to see. Emperor, do stay and speak with her for a while."

Then, Empress Dowager Renhui directly commanded: "Liang Santai, take these offenders away. Director Mai, you and Commoner Wang will work together to prepare the antidote for Virtuous Consort. As for the rest, return to your respective palaces; you are all dismissed."

"Sister, let us stroll in the garden," Empress Dowager Renhui said to the Imperial Noble Dowager Consort with a smile. "The weather is truly lovely today."

The Imperial Noble Dowager Consort quickly rose and approached, smiling: "The weather is indeed fine today, Sister. Let us go."

In just a few words, Lingxin Palace was half-emptied.

As everyone took their leave, Jiang Yunran was the first to withdraw.

After leaving Lingxin Palace and walking for about half an hour, she heard two people behind her breathing heavily.

Jiang Yunran couldn't help but smile: "Were you frightened?"

Qing Dai said she was fine, while Zi Ye patted her chest.

"I was truly terrified," Zi Ye whispered. "Even though I knew you had informed His Majesty early on, I was still afraid."

"My courage is too small."

Jiang Yunran shook her head: "Who wouldn't be afraid of a crime punishable by death?"

Yes, Cai Nu Wang was spared today for the sake of royal dignity and her service to His Majesty.

She was granted some dignity.

Thus, she survived, though consigned to the cold palace, where her future would be a living death.

But her attendants would likely all be sent to the Court of Judicial Review, ultimately ending up in unmarked graves.

No consort or noble, when unable to ensure her own safety, could protect her servants.

Even Jiang Yunran, who tried to shield them, could not guarantee everyone's safety if such a day came.

This was not Zi Ye's undue anxiety; it was the repeating history of the Changxin Palace over centuries.

"Yes, I was also afraid just now," Jiang Yunran said softly. "But fortunately, we were prepared early on and emerged unscathed."

She smiled and said: "This is the reward for being a good person."

Directly asking Jing Huayan about the ice cellar, though based on her own suspicions and the pursuit of truth, was also an attempt to save a life.

Virtuous Consort Xu might be overbearing and stubborn, but she had never truly caused anyone's death.

Nor had she genuinely harmed Jiang Yunran.

Jiang Yunran was a person who knew exactly where she stood with people and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

As things turned out, she ended up helping herself.

Zi Ye and Qing Dai exhaled again, both wearing expressions of relief after surviving a disaster.

Jiang Yunran smiled and said, "I cannot guarantee that I will always remain undefeated, nor can I promise to definitely save your lives. If that day ever comes, I will fight with all my strength. Even if we fail in the end, we will face it together."

"Sound good?"

Zi Ye pursed her lips and exchanged a glance with Qing Dai. In unison, they said, "Alright!"