Chapter 58: Matchmaking Part 2

Xun Changqing’s eyes gleamed shrewdly. She was an expert at playing the fool to catch the tiger—Shao Lanheng had even poisoned his own younger brother, so she couldn’t be fooled. Her expression remained icy as she mocked coldly, “If Shao Cheng knew you killed Shao Tang, you’d obey him obediently.”

Her cold words stabbed into Shao Lanheng’s heart like a blade. He suddenly felt his legs go weak and knelt down, pleading, “Spare me, Princess. I was forced by my father; I had no choice.”

Looking at Shao Lanheng’s pale, terrified face, Xun Changqing sneered inwardly, her eyes growing even more sinister and ruthless. For someone as cunning as Shao Lanheng to confess so quickly was not his style. She tapped the table. “The Shao Family’s regicide—as long as you write a testimony, it can count as meritorious service in atonement. I can beg His Majesty to spare your life.”

That was exactly what Shao Lanheng had been waiting for. He kowtowed hurriedly. “I’ll write… I’ll write it right now…”

There were no palace servants in the hall, so Xun Changqing fetched pen and ink for him and watched as he wrote out the Shao Family’s “crimes” stroke by stroke. Once finished, she snatched the paper, glanced over it casually, and had him press his handprint on it.

Smiling, she tossed him the jade pendant from the table. “Lord Shao is indeed sensible. I won’t send you to the Heavenly Prison—we can’t alert the enemy. Continue having your people act as usual. Watch your father’s movements and report any sign of trouble to me.”

With the jade pendant in hand, Shao Lanheng kowtowed in thanks. As he turned to leave, a sharp glint condensed in his eyes. He gripped the pendant tightly and quickly departed the Radiant Benevolence Palace.

A woman emerged from behind the beaded curtain—over forty years old, still alluring, but with ruthlessness etched between her brows. She said harshly, “The Shao Family is truly audacious. Why did you let Shao Lanheng go? Just send him straight to prison.”

Xun Changqing handed her the confession, her eyes shifting slightly as she proposed, “My Lady, I know Shao Lanheng’s character well. For him to confess so easily, I fear the Shao Family isn’t behind it. By letting him go, he’ll be hunted too. Let’s see who tries to kill him—we can save him then. I’ll notify the Yuan Commander immediately to keep an eye on Shao Lanheng.”

The Wise Noble Consort’s gaze lingered on her, then softened into a gentle smile. She patted Xun Changqing’s shoulder, understanding. “Wei Lingci worries you’ll face more trouble in the palace, but I think she’s overconcerned. You’re capable of shouldering the burden. To say something treasonous—Xun Yi’s legitimate daughter and son are exceptional; even your two half-sisters from concubines can’t compare to you. Xun Yi has this one advantage over His Majesty.”

At those words, Xun Changqing’s lowered lashes cast dark shadows, concealing the memories that surfaced in her eyes. Having lived a second life, she had finally learned to protect herself. When she raised her head again, she wore a serene smile. “You’re too kind, My Lady. But His Majesty’s food can no longer go through the Imperial Kitchen.”

The Wise Noble Consort’s eyes narrowed, and she smiled faintly. “I know how to handle this. Rest easy. I’ll head to the Containment Origin Hall first.”

After the Wise Noble Consort left, Zi Jin hurried in. “I’ve sent someone to notify the Yuan Commander—he’ll keep watch on him at all times. Also, a letter from Miss Wei arrived.”

The first part didn’t pique Xun Changqing’s interest, but the second did—it was what she thought of day and night. It had been three or four days since the last letter, and in half a month, the few letters could be counted on one hand. Was Wei Lingci busy, or just lazy? Taking the letter, Xun Changqing’s smile froze at her lips, her brows arching. It contained only two characters: I know.

So perfunctory—it should have been at least a dozen characters. But this woman wrote just two: I know. Did it mean she knew not to flirt, or knew she would? Amid annoyance and worry, Xun Changqing wondered what scenes lay at the other end of the letter.

The Imperial Capital had seen drizzling rain for over ten days, but Shangrao enjoyed mild sunshine and clear skies for miles.

Mu Chen’s personality was never one to dawdle. He swiftly led his men into the iron mine. His first act was to free the captured miners and have them jointly write letters exposing the bloodshed beneath the mine.

The miners had been recruited from all over Great Qi—likely deceived—with promises of huge rewards. They were told the work was easy, pay several times higher than elsewhere, good food and clothing, and travel money home for the New Year.

Most came from poor backgrounds, living off manual labor and crops. They had never seen the big world and left with their bundles at once. Only upon arrival did they realize it was a scam, but they couldn’t escape. Those who tried secretly were caught and beaten to death.