Chapter 97: Shall we study “The Red Hairpin” together tonight?

Chapter 97: How About We Study "The Tale of the Red Hairpin" Together Tonight?

After Mrs. Liao left the palace, Ruan Hanzhen finally was back to being the lady of Changchun Palace once more.

Even though Baolin Su still resided in Changchun Palace, her meek personality meant she deferred to Ruan Hanzhen in all matters.

These past few days had been a winning streak for Ruan, and with the suck-up Su Xue by her side, her mood was particularly upbeat.

Today, she had invited Baolin Su and Talent Lady Han to enjoy the snow together in the Imperial Garden.

The snow blanketed the pine and camphor trees, creating a beautiful sight of pure white mixed with pine green in the distance.

After enjoying some tea and snacks for a while, Talent Lady Han brought up the topic of Yin Zhui.

She merely sighed, "That day, she struck me as sweet-natured—such a shame."

Ruan Hanzhen didn’t even remember the name of Beauty Wei’s palace maid. Hearing this, she recalled what Su Xue had said and had to sneer.

But who could have predicted that Beauty Wei would happen to overhear them right then?

Now, Ruan Hanzhen stared blankly at Beauty Wei, who had rushed up to her, momentarily at a loss for how to react.

Beauty Wei was gaunt and frail, her face pale and bloodless. Standing there in the icy snow, she resembled a ghostly specter fixated on its enemy.

Auntie Xing, who served behind Ruan Hanzhen, pursed her lips and instinctively averted her gaze from Beauty Wei’s sinister stare.

"Say it again."

Beauty Wei’s voice was cold and full of blame.

Ruan Hanzhen’s temper flared instantly.

Unaware of how extreme her thoughts had become or how irrational her behavior was, she had been living it up without a care since her promotion to one of the Nine Concubines and her father’s commendation. She felt that no matter what she did, she could get away with anything.

As Su Xue had said, now that the Emperor had the Ruan family in his good graces, he would naturally value her.

When had Ruan Hanzhen ever put up with such nerve?

A mere Beauty dared to act wildly in her presence.

Ruan Hanzhen sprang to her feet, glaring furiously at Beauty Wei. "So what if I did?"

Her voice was shrill, her demeanor arrogant.

"How dare a mere Beauty question me? Who do you think you are? Auntie Xing, slap her."

Auntie Xing truly didn’t dare.

She was willing to bully Selected Attendants and Cai Nus by flaunting her power, but she wouldn’t dare lay a hand on any imperial concubine ranked Talent Lady or above.

Moreover, Wei Xinzhu was already a Beauty Consort.

Feeling guilty and haunted, she couldn’t even lift her head under Wei Xinzhu’s piercing gaze.

Who could have imagined that this consistently frail and gentle Beauty Wei would go to such lengths, frantically searching everywhere for a mere palace maid?

If she had known, she would never have dared to take action.

But it was too late; what was done could not be undone.

Auntie Xing was frozen in panic.

After giving the order, Ruan Hanzhen had expected to gloat over Beauty Wei being struck, but Auntie Xing remained motionless, standing there like a statue behind her.

Ruan Hanzhen turned in disbelief. "Are you refusing my order?"

Auntie Xing hurriedly tried to dissuade her. "Your Highness, perhaps we should let this go. It’s not a big deal anyway—why stir up trouble?"

Her attempt to calm her down only made Ruan Hanzhen angrier.

The effects of Bo Ruo surged through her mind, stripping away all reason.

"Not a big deal?"

"I merely said her maid got what she deserved, and she dares to overstep her rank like this? If everyone behaved this way, would there still be any order left in the palace?"

Ruan Hanzhen’s anger flushed her face crimson; her eyes seemed stained with blood, appearing terrifying.

Baolin Su and Talent Lady Han were both frightened. They rose together and instinctively stepped back.

Witnessing this scene only infuriated Ruan Hanzhen further.

She raised her hand high, ready to strike Beauty Wei.

"Your Highness!"

"Sister, don’t be angry!"

Several voices overlapped but failed to prevent the sharp sound of a slap.

With a resounding crack, Ruan Hanzhen’s head jerked to the side, her teeth cutting into her tongue. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

It was Beauty Wei who had seized Ruan Hanzhen’s wrist and slapped her back with full force.

The sound echoed through the Imperial Garden.

Ruan Hanzhen’s ears rang; wide-eyed, she touched the blood at her lips in disbelief.

The crimson was blinding.

"You dare hit me?"

Ruan Hanzhen’s eyes reddened with fury. "You actually dare hit me?"

Beauty Wei gripped her wrist tightly, exerting a force that seemed capable of crushing Ruan’s slender bones.

"Why wouldn’t I dare hit you?"

"As a concubine, you show no compassion or mercy. You mock and slander a missing palace maid without a shred of concern. Why shouldn’t I hit someone like you?"

Ruan Hanzhen was too enraged to speak.

Her cheek throbbed with pain, her mouth filled with the taste of blood. Rage clouded her mind, making her less sharp and composed than usual.

Auntie Xing no longer dared to remain passive.

If this matter escalated, it would be impossible to contain.

She stepped forward, reaching out to slap Beauty Wei's hand.

But Beauty Wei was quicker, shooting her a glare first.

Her pale gray eyes were icy and piercing, as if they could penetrate the darkness in Nanny Xing's heart.

"I've been dreaming every night lately."

Beauty Wei said, "In my dreams, Yin Zhui's face is covered in blood. She cries and tells me how much it hurts, how cold she is."

Beauty Wei stared fixedly at Nanny Xing, her voice eerie and cold: "She said someone killed her, murdered her."

"She wants to crawl out and demand vengeance."

Nanny Xing shuddered involuntarily, her heart panicking uncontrollably, unsure how Beauty Wei could have known.

How did she know where Yin Zhui was...?

Could it truly be that a vengeful ghost had visited her in a dream?

With that thought, Nanny Xing felt a chill run down her spine, cold sweat pouring down.

Ruan Hanzhen finally regained her composure. Seeing Beauty Wei’s spectral demeanor, her anger only intensified.

"Stop with the spooky act!"

"You probably know better than anyone why your maid went missing," Ruan Hanzhen hissed venomously. "Maybe she couldn’t stand the loneliness and ran off with some palace eunuch..."

The sound of a slap rang out again, and Ruan Hanzhen’s head was instantly snapped to the side.

Beauty Wei was even-handed, not playing favorites—one slap on each side, so Ruan Hanzhen’s face was now symmetrical.

"Concubine Hui Ruan, if you don’t understand the saying 'disaster comes from the mouth,' go home and ask your mother."

Her gaze remained fixed on Nanny Xing.

She watched her tremble, watched cold sweat drip from her forehead, watched her lower her eyes, not daring to meet her gaze.

She must have a guilty conscience.

Beauty Wei let out a cold laugh, her voice sharp enough to pierce the darkest hearts.

"Yin Zhui came to me in a dream. I know where she is, and I know why she died."

Beauty Wei suddenly burst into laughter.

She looked every bit like a madwoman.

Ruan Hanzhen covered her face, trembling with rage: "You... you insolent—!"

Yet even so, she didn’t dare to cover Beauty Wei’s mouth.

The current Beauty Wei seemed too terrifying; no one dared to approach or disturb her.

In the end, Ruan Hanzhen was nothing but a cowardly bully—a true fool.

Beauty Wei paid her no mind. She kept on laughing wildly, until she’d laughed herself dry, then turned to look at the two of them.

Her eyes were very light in color, filled with hatred and venom that seemed ready to burst through her eyelids.

Transforming into icicles that pierced the heart.

"Whoever harmed Yin Zhui, whoever harmed me—I have evidence," Beauty Wei shouted hoarsely. "Just wait, I will take revenge."

"I will make you pay with your lives for Yin Zhui’s!"

With that, Beauty Wei turned and left without looking back.

Nanny Xing was still stunned by Beauty Wei’s words, her mind in turmoil.

Did she have evidence?

Did she really know the truth?

What did she plan to do?

Would she expose her? Expose Mrs. Liao?

This thought circled in her mind, and Beauty Wei’s eyes, filled with hatred, were burned into her mind.

Just then, a sharp pain shot across her cheek.

Nanny Xing instinctively covered her face, looking up in confusion.

Before her was another pair of eyes blazing with fury.

"My lady..."

Before Nanny Xing could finish her sentence, another slap landed.

In the corner, Baolin Su and Talent Lady Han exchanged glances, too afraid to utter a word.

Ruan Hanzhen only stared at Nanny Xing.

"Why didn’t you stop her?"

"You just stood there and watched me get hit?"

Nanny Xing finally came back to herself. She hurried forward, ignoring the swelling on her own face, and took hold of Ruan Hanzhen’s arm.

"My lady, let’s go back and discuss this inside."

Ruan Hanzhen was ready to explode, but Nanny Xing had served her for many years. Although Su Xue often usurped her duties lately, she still knew how to persuade her.

"My lady, today Beauty Wei went mad, hitting anyone she saw. It has nothing to do with us," Nanny Xing held her hand. "Let’s go back and see to your face. The imperial garden is full of gossips..."

Her meaning was clear.

If this petty quarrel were taken to Jing Huayan, it wasn’t certain whom he’d side with.

After all, it wasn’t just Concubine Hui Ruan and Beauty Wei present; there were two other concubines, and Concubine Hui Ruan’s earlier words had been downright offensive.

Concubine Hui Ruan seemed to finally sober up.

She felt a mix of grief and indignation, too ashamed and furious to get a word out.

Seeing her like this, Nanny Xing understood completely and coaxed her back to Changchun Palace.

The imperial garden wasn’t just home to the few concubines; there were many servants in attendance. In just one afternoon, word had spread throughout the palace that Concubine Hui Ruan had spoken ill of Yin Zhui and was slapped twice by an enraged Beauty Wei.

This matter is truly embarrassing.

Both Concubine Hui Ruan, who gossiped behind others' backs, and Beauty Wei, who struck her superior, violated palace regulations.

Upon learning of the incident, Noble Consort Yao immediately ordered the palace servants to keep quiet and stop gossiping. She then went to see Empress Dowager Renhui. In the end, both were sentenced to ten days of confinement for reflection, and the matter was dropped.

By the time Jiang Yunran learned of the incident, it was already evening.

Ying Ge looked worried, clearly concerned about Beauty Wei's situation.

Just as Jiang Yunran was about to comfort her, Qian Xiaoduo's cheerful laughter echoed from outside.

"Greetings, Eunuch Little Liu. You seem especially spirited today, sir. Has something joyful occurred?"

Jiang Yunran paused for a moment, then she ruffled Ying Ge's hair, messing up her hair buns.

"Silly, Sister Wei is fine. There's no need for you to worry so much."

Ying Ge blinked; clever as she was, she didn’t linger on the topic but instead stood up and urged her, "Your Highness, Eunuch Little Liu’s arrival at this hour likely means His Majesty has summoned you to serve him tonight."

"You should hurry and get ready."

Jiang Yunran couldn’t help but smile.

What a good child.

When she arrived at Qianyuan Palace, Jiang Yunran was escorted by Liang Santai as they made their way toward the main hall.

"His Majesty is currently meeting with Censor Ruan."

Jiang Yunran raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Only after listening to Liang Santai’s report did she step into the study.

By the window, a three-legged Boshan incense burner gave off a faint scent of ambergris. The room felt calm. Jiang Yunran passed through the outer rooms, heading straight for the study at the back.

She pushed aside the bead curtain and saw Ruan Zhongliang kneeling before the desk, eyes downcast and silent.

Meanwhile, Jing Huayan sat confidently on the dragon throne, casually writing on a document.

Noticing her arrival, a gentle smile appeared on Jing Huayan’s face.

"Beloved Concubine, there’s no need for formalities. A seat for her."

Jiang Yunran still bowed slightly before taking a seat on the official's chair nearby.

Her gaze followed the brush holder forward, landing on Ruan Zhongliang’s dark, properly placed official hat.

At that moment, Ruan Zhongliang seemed to sense her gaze and glanced up slightly.

Their eyes met.

Jiang Yunran gave him a slight smile. "Your Majesty, why is Lord Ruan kneeling here?"

————

Jing Huayan seemed to be in a better mood due to her arrival.

A hint of a smile finally appeared on his stern handsome face.

He set down the imperial brush and sighed softly, his tone a bit tired.

"A minor incident in the palace has disturbed Minister Ruan, and he insisted on entering the palace to apologize. Looking at the time, it’s already evening."

Jiang Yunran appeared surprised. "What matter? How is it that your consort knows nothing of it?"

As an inner-palace consort, she was unaware, yet Ruan Zhongliang, an outside official, already knew of the palace affairs.

With just a few simple words, Jiang Yunran had put Ruan Zhongliang on the spot.

Jing Huayan glanced at her with a knowing smile, as though he hadn’t quite understood, and said gently.

"Beloved Concubine, you were recovering from being sick these past few days and naturally wouldn’t concern yourself with palace gossip. Minister Ruan, you may explain."

Ruan Zhongliang bowed respectfully and was about to speak when Jiang Yunran interrupted.

"Your Majesty, Lord Ruan is still kneeling."

Only then did Jing Huayan speak indifferently, "Minister Ruan, have you not thanked Beauty Jiang yet?"

Ruan Zhongliang had no choice but to bow to Jiang Yunran again. "Thank you for your concern, Consort Jiang."

After Ruan Zhongliang rose and stood steadily, he began, "Today, Concubine Hui was in low spirits and casually spoke a few careless words, which upset Consort Wei. The two had a minor disagreement."

He certainly knew how to make his daughter look good.

Those were not just careless words—they were practically stabbing at Beauty Wei’s backbone, saying her servants were lawless and promiscuous.

Jiang Yunran acted surprised. "There was such a matter?"

Jing Huayan glanced at her. Jiang Yunran coughed lightly, lowered her head, and took a sip of tea.

Ruan Zhongliang, his head bowed throughout, missed the look they exchanged between the emperor and his consort. He continued, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, kindly, only punished Concubine Hui with ten days of confinement for reflection. Auntie Xing, who serves Concubine Hui, is a longtime family servant. Worried, she left the palace to report the matter to me."

"Your Majesty, I failed to raise my daughter. I beg for your punishment."

Jing Huayan looked toward Jiang Yunran, who kept her eyes modestly lowered and remained silent.

"Minister, don't be so hard on yourself. I often think of Jie Yu Ruan—she was gentle, elegant, and clever. Why would you claim to have failed in educating your daughter? Clearly, Jie Yu Ruan was raised very well. It is only a pity... a beautiful life cut short." Jing Huayan sighed.

The atmosphere in the imperial study grew tense. After a moment, Jing Huayan spoke calmly, "Concubine Hui is likely still childish, young and impulsive."

The current Ruan Hanzhen was only a year younger than "Ruan Hanzhang." How could she still be called a child?

Jing Huayan was now playing the role of a virtuous emperor who treats his officials with respect.

"Since the Empress Dowager has already decreed the punishment, let it be carried out accordingly. Minister Ruan, you have overreacted."

Ruan Zhongliang wore a sorry expression, the downward curve of his lips unwavering.

"I am very uncomfortable, feeling that I have failed Your Majesty’s trust. I also find myself unable to face Consort Wei," Ruan Zhongliang said. "I have heard that Consort Wei is often sick and fear this incident may cause her condition to worsen. I have specially sought medicinal herbs as an apology gift, hoping to ease Consort Wei’s anger."

Jiang Yunran raised an eyebrow.

This Ruan Zhongliang was truly a master of being two-faced.

The key was he looked utterly sincere. A less perceptive person might easily be deceived by him.

Jing Huayan said, "Let Liang Santai make the arrangements."

Then, he turned to Ruan Zhongliang. "Minister Ruan, this is but a trivial matter, not worth mentioning."

Only then did Ruan Zhongliang breathe a sigh of relief. He knelt down again and kowtowed three times, thump thump thump.

"Your Majesty’s benevolence is the nation’s fortune."

"However, Concubine Hui has been so out of line that I remain uneasy. I beg Your Majesty to issue another decree ordering my wife to enter the palace to properly advise Concubine Hui and prevent further incidents."

Jiang Yunran narrowed her eyes.

This move by Ruan Zhongliang was all for this matter.

The last time Mrs. Liao entered the palace, it was only through Jing Huayan’s exceptional favor. However, after arguing with her daughter Ruan Hanzhen, who would not submit to guidance and insisted on her mother leaving the palace, Mrs. Liao had no choice but to depart to avoid causing greater trouble.

But some things are better dealt with while she’s in the palace.

Thus, Ruan Zhongliang used this incident to request that Mrs. Liao be sent into the palace again.

The excuse was ready-made and didn’t seem contrived.

Jing Huayan also raised an eyebrow.

He did not look at Ruan Zhongliang but instead shot a glance at Jiang Yunran.

Seeing her smiling eyes and mockery at the corners of her lips, he felt it was quite interesting.

"Minister Ruan is such a caring father."

Without even asking, he knew Jiang Yunran also hoped for Mrs. Liao to enter the palace.

He wanted to see how things would unfold.

Jing Huayan agreed readily: "Since you have made this request, let Mrs. Liao enter the palace to properly counsel Concubine Hui."

"She must make Concubine Hui understand that trouble comes from careless words."

At this point, Jing Huayan's voice became very cold.

Ruan Zhongliang's heart clenched. He kowtowed in gratitude, not daring to say more, and respectfully retreated.

Only when the emperor and his consort were left alone in the study did Jing Huayan turn to her: "My beloved consort, you really didn’t know?"

Jiang Yunran sighed.

"Your Majesty said you would trust me, so why are you still doubting me?" she said, looking wronged. "I truly did not know why the two of them quarreled."

Jing Huayan replied, "It wasn’t just an argument—you could even say they came to blows."

He looked at Jiang Yunran: "Who would’ve thought Beauty Wei had such a fierce side too—slapping Concubine Hui even in her sickbed."

These words pleased Jiang Yunran greatly.

She tried hard to hold back a smile, feigning solemnity: "Perhaps Beauty Wei was too worried about Yin Zhui and in low spirits."

"Even a rabbit will bite when cornered."

"Is that so?"

Jiang Yunran smiled at Jing Huayan and said, "How could I know? Beauty Wei has refused to see anyone during her illness. She hasn't confided in me either."

She sighed and said, "To everyone else in the palace, this is nothing worth mentioning. It's long since passed, and no one remembers who Yin Zhui was."

"But Beauty Wei must've remembered her all along, keeping her close to heart."

Jiang Yunran felt deeply touched. Had it not been for this incident, she would never have known how deep the bond between the two had been.

Nor would she have realized that Wei Xinzhu was such a passionate person who loves and hates fiercely.

"To be honest, I am quite touched," Jiang Yunran smiled. "Even if she was just a palace maid, someone still cherished her. Their bond wasn’t limited by status or rank."

Jing Huayan did not speak, listening quietly until she finished before saying, "Your attendants are very loyal too."

Especially Qing Dai and Qian Xiaoduo, who had once risked their lives for her.

Jiang Yunran smiled and said, "So I treasure them as well. If anyone dares to bully those close to me, I will spare no effort to return the favor tenfold."

From the time she was still a Selected Attendant, she had defended Zi Ye against Auntie Xing. Later, when Lingxin Palace ran into trouble, she did not yield in the slightest, forcing Supervisor Wei of Lingxin Palace to back down and apologize to Qian Xiaoduo.

That’s how Beauty Jiang got her reputation for fiercely protecting her people. From then on, no one dared to provoke anyone from Tingxue Palace.

It’s a two-way street.

It was because of her care and affection that her servants remained loyal.

Jiang Yunran looked at Jing Huayan and said, "There is no such thing as love or hate without reason; only mutual support. Am I right, Your Majesty?"

Jing Huayan shot her another look.

"It seems that during these past few days of recuperation, my beloved concubine has been doing quite a bit of reading," Jing Huayan said. "That book 'The Tale of the Red Hairpin' actually has so many lessons to teach?"

At the mention of the book, Jiang Yunran blushed.

She protested coyly, "Your Majesty!"

Jing Huayan smiled faintly.

He took Jiang Yunran's hand, his thumb stroking her palm, making her shiver.

"I gave it a quick read and found the book quite good," Jing Huayan leaned in and whispered in her ear, "and actually had some revelations—learned a thing or two."

As for what exactly he learned, the Emperor didn’t need to spell it out.

Jiang Yunran's face burned as if on fire. She bit her lip, acting shy, "From now on, I won’t read it anymore. If I do…"

Jiang Yunran lifted her head and kissed him on the cheek.

"I’ll keep it hidden where Your Majesty can’t find it."

With that, Jiang Yunran swiftly stood up and, laughing, dashed out of the imperial study.

Leaving Jing Huayan alone in the imperial study, he lowered his gaze to the memorial in his hand.

It was not a political memorial written by a court official, but a confidential investigative report from the Imperial Guard.

Jing Huayan looked at the few short words on it, his face grew stormy.

After a long while, he sneered, "How dare they."

The Qianyuan Palace in winter was as beautiful as a painting, the snow on the palace roofs looked like cotton, softly covering the golden glazed tiles.

The covered walkways meander around the palace, with carved beams and painted rafters, stunningly beautiful.

In early spring, flowers bloom like rich tapestry; in midsummer, lush greenery abounds; in late autumn, golden leaves blaze like fire; in deep winter, snow lies pure white.

Throughout the year, through the turning of the four seasons, Changxin Palace never loses its elegance.

Jiang Yunran sat in the Haoran Pavilion, the evening glow poured through the wide-open doors, setting the floor aglow. Outside, the Flowing Light Pool's surface shimmered, the sunset’s reflection casting the day’s final glorious light.

The winter cold kept the plump koi carp huddled at the bottom of the pool, conserving their warmth.

From here, the pool’s depths seemed to burn with red lotuses, eternal and unextinguished.

Jiang Yunran worked leisurely on her sewing, her profile delicate and beautiful, her expression completely serene.

She had many facets—sometimes willful, sometimes playfully sulky, sometimes charming, sometimes elegant.

But most of the time, she was quiet, intent on the task at hand.

Whatever she did, she approached with steadiness and practicality, never restless or flighty.

This was one of the qualities Jing Huayan valued in her.

At this moment, His Majesty stood outside the door, watching the beautiful woman's graceful form inside the hall, his expression as calm as ever.

At times like these, Liang Santai did not need to guess his thoughts.

He simply stood quietly behind, ready for orders at any moment.

But this time, Jing Huayan did not summon him. After gazing quietly for a while, he strode into the Haoran Pavilion.

Hearing the footsteps, Jiang Yunran turned her head and smiled at Jing Huayan.

“Has Your Majesty finished your work?”

Jing Huayan came to sit beside her, reaching out to touch the back of her hand.

It was not cold but still warm.

“You've just recovered from your illness, yet you take so little care for yourself.”

With a single command from the Emperor, Liang Santai had the doors closed.

The evening glow was shut out, and in an instant, only the swaying palace lanterns lit the hall.

Jiang Yunran smiled and said, “It’s not cold. There was no wind today, and it was quite warm when the sun was out.”

Her hands were indeed warm, so Jing Huayan did not scold her further. He simply sat beside her, watching her sew.

What she held in her hands was his inner robe.

“Why trouble yourself with this? There’s no need for you to worry about it,” Jing Huayan said.

Jiang Yunran smiled as she finished the last stitch, put away the needle and thread, and shook out the garment.

“I noticed the seams of Your Majesty’s inner robe had come undone. It took just a few stitches—hardly worth troubling the palace servants.”

“Your Majesty, see? My work is excellent. Can you even tell where it was mended?”

Having entered the palace as an embroiderer, her needlework was naturally exceptional. Jing Huayan took the inner robe into his hands and examined it carefully.

The stitching was fine and tight, without any flaw, as good as new.

“Your skill is outstanding, Beloved Concubine. It is admirable,” Jing Huayan remarked, feeling inexplicably moved.

He pulled Jiang Yunran’s slender waist closer and gave her a gentle kiss on her lips.

As the kiss ended, a special mood lingered between them.

Jiang Yunran’s cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes soft and misty.

Jing Huayan caressed Jiang Yunran’s slender waist. “Beloved Concubine, would you like to study *The Tale of the Red Hairpin* together tonight?”