Chapter 91: Imperial Edict

Chapter 91: The Dowager's Decree

It must be said that the Emperor's plan was well-conceived.

On the surface, it appeared to be a show of favor towards Lin Ji, yet beneath that affection, undercurrents stirred.

What Lin Ji and the Emperor discussed later in the study, Chen Yuhu had no way of knowing.

But after seeing the Emperor off, Lin Ji immediately sought out Chen Yuhu.

"The situation is not good. This matter is like a festering boil—we cannot suppress it. We must lance it early."

Chen Yuhu was also deeply worried. "How do we lance it?"

Lin Ji narrowed his eyes. "Madam, host a banquet! Invite the Xia and Cheng families. We should still have some beef left from our household. The beef soup from last time, used to cure drunkenness, was quite good."

Chen Yuhu looked at Lin Ji, and the couple exchanged a knowing glance.

"Rest assured, Marquis. Your concubine understands."

"Madam, proceed with confidence. I will ensure the matter is brought to fruition."

Chen Yuhu nodded.

Once brought into the open, the matter could be resolved; it could not remain suppressed as it was now.

Lin Ji had reached his current position by being cautious and meticulous.

Chen Yuhu had a sleepless night. Unlike her, the Emperor, who had slipped out for a stroll, slept soundly.

When Chen Yuhu received the invitation from her maternal family for her sister-in-law's child's third-day bathing ceremony, she realized that the news of the Emperor's incognito visit to the Lin residence the previous night had not yet spread.

Everyone assumed the Emperor had chosen to tolerate Lin Ji.

After all, he was a capable and favored minister—this was entirely plausible.

So Chen Yuhu received the invitation as usual. Otherwise, at the slightest hint of trouble, to avoid suspicion, Mother Chen might even have chosen not to hold the third-day ceremony.

That was absolutely something Mother Chen would do.

Chen Yuhu decided to host a grand banquet quickly—in three days, inviting many guests.

She planned to display several pots of expensive chrysanthemums.

But in the end, it wasn't necessary.

As soon as Chen Yuhu set down the invitation from her maternal family, someone came to report: "Madam, someone from the palace has arrived."

It was a eunuch from the Empress Dowager's side, followed by a large entourage, making a grand display—quite different from the Emperor's discreet visit.

The old eunuch, arrogant and haughty, read out the Dowager's Decree. Behind Chen Yuhu, a crowd knelt—concubines, children...

"Loyal and Brave Lady Lin née Chen, lacking in feminine virtue, acting recklessly, disregarding the law..."

It was almost as if he were pointing at Chen Yuhu's nose and scolding her.

"By the decree of the Empress Dowager, you are hereby confined to your residence for three months. During this period, you are to kneel in punishment for two hours daily."

Chen Yuhu pressed her head to her hands, performing a perfectly standard kneeling salute, and closed her eyes.

Fortunately, it wasn't a punishment of face-slapping. Otherwise, she would never have the face to go out and socialize again.

As for whether the punishment damaged her dignity, Chen Yuhu didn't really care all that much.

The Empress Dowager's current authority and credibility weren't very high among the ladies' circles.

If Chen Yuhu were bold enough, she could easily shift the blame onto the Empress Dowager—after all, she had just quarreled with the Cheng family.

Cheng Shi returned to the capital to impeach Lin Ji, and the Emperor chose to shield him. The very next day, Chen Yuhu was punished by the Dowager's Decree. Chen Yuhu didn't even need to spread the word—everyone would start drawing their own conclusions.

Chen Yuhu was calmer than she had imagined she would be.

Though kneeling for four hours a day would be hard enough on her.

"Your subject accepts the decree."

This was likely the result of the Empress Dowager showing some consideration for the Emperor. Otherwise, caning or face-slapping would have been possible.

The old eunuch, condescending and drawing out his words, said, "These are the matrons from the Empress Dowager's palace to supervise the kneeling punishment. Since you have accepted the decree, let it begin today, Mrs. Lin."

After receiving the decree, Chen Yuhu stood up, meeting the old eunuch's cold, triangular eyes directly.

"What? Is the timing of the kneeling punishment up to you, Gonggong, or up to the matrons?"

"Perhaps Gonggong should go back and request another Dowager's Decree from the Empress Dowager? I'll wait here."

Damn eunuch... Chen Yuhu thought bitterly.

Faced with Chen Yuhu's sudden assertiveness, the eunuch wasn't afraid, but he did tone down his arrogance a bit.

"Does Mrs. Lin hold dissatisfaction toward the Empress Dowager?"

Chen Yuhu curled her lips into a smile and bowed in the direction of the palace. "Your subject dare not. My entire family has received the Emperor's grace and would go through fire and water for Great Yong. I admire the Empress Dowager's virtue and willingly accept the punishment. May the Empress Dowager live a thousand years."

Her attitude was impeccable. Anyone who didn't know the truth would have thought she meant every word.

The eunuch's eyes sharpened again, clearly understanding the subtext in Chen Yuhu's words.

But Chen Yuhu held no imperial mandate and did not enter the palace. She would never see the Empress Dowager in this lifetime. So what if she implied something?

If she had to endure daily harassment from that old hag without any resistance, she might as well not go home—just drop dead on the spot.

Like that intern who quits in a fit of anger.

Others who transmigrate get everything they want, but she had to rely on her limited intelligence—no system, no space, no noble status, an older husband, a bunch of children, and a group of old ladies who harassed her every day.

She might just die.

But that wasn't going to happen. Chen Yuhu went to kneel.

If she couldn't resist, she'd outlast them.

Two matrons watched her from behind. Two concubines tried to reason with the matrons—couldn't they at least provide a cushion?

"Matron, the Empress Dowager's decree didn't say cushions weren't allowed."

"Nor did it say they were allowed."

"Ladies, stop causing trouble here. Instead of wasting time, perhaps you should think about who will take charge of the household while Mrs. Lin is confined for three months."

A blatant attempt to sow discord, but it was useless. With Chen Yuhu absent, Lin Qingjiao would run the household.

Yiniang Hua looked just like An Zhi—a delicate, innocent-looking white flower, making it easy for others to drop their guard.

Yiniang Hua asked, "Will the two nannies be staying at our marquis' residence for the entire duration of Madam's punishment?"

"If so, I should get the guest rooms ready for you early."

One of the nannies smiled more warmly, "We'd appreciate that, Yiniang. We’ll be staying at the marquis' residence for three months."

The nannies sent on such errands were clearly not highly regarded.

No sooner were these words spoken than the tightly shut door suddenly swung open, the noise startling both nannies.

It was Lin Qingjiao, accompanied by Old Madam Lin’s people.

The two nannies turned to look, and Lin Qingjiao beamed at them.

Behind her, however, stood strong, sturdy women holding implements.

Lin Qingjiao said with a smile, "I’ve prepared tea and snacks for both nannies—premium dark tea, awaiting your enjoyment."

"How would you two nannies like to come?"

The two nannies exchanged glances.

If the only choices were to walk or be tied up, they chose to walk.

If they were tied up, what awaited them might not be tea and snacks, but a woodshed or a dungeon.

Lin Qingjiao escorted the two nannies to their resting place with a smile and specially left two young maids behind.

"These two are specially assigned to serve you, nannies. If you need anything, just instruct them."

The two nannies nodded, and could only smile and agree.

They certainly understood that besides service, there was undoubtedly an intention to keep an eye on them—evident from the two maids.

Though their faces were youthful, their steps were light and their arms strong, clearly skilled in martial arts.