As Lin Yu listened to the several consorts chattering and competing to provide their testimonies, she was instantly stunned, the sunflower seeds she had been cracking falling from her hands in shock.
Her eyes widened, and her mouth slightly agape, she looked utterly incredulous, nearly jumping out of her chair.
“Oh my goodness! Could it be… that I’ve actually crossed over into a live performance of a palace intrigue drama?” Lin Yu mused inwardly. “Just look at Li Fei and Consort Xian, their acting skills are so exquisite that it would be a waste not to cast them in a palace drama! What a pity!”
Lin Yu furrowed her brows slightly, pretending to ponder deeply as her delicate fingers tapped rhythmically on the table in front of her, producing a series of crisp “tap-tap-tap” sounds.
The clear sound echoed throughout the spacious palace, ringing particularly loud and clear.
For a moment, the entire room fell silent, as if one could hear a pin drop.
The consorts who had just been chattering away now fell silent, not daring to breathe too loudly for fear that Lin Yu might show any displeasure and drag them out for public execution.
After all, who didn’t know that although Consort Jing appeared amiable and approachable most of the time, when she truly got angry, it was enough to make anyone tremble in fear!
“What should I do? I can’t really drag them out and have them executed, can I?” Lin Yu pondered anxiously while also reaching out to the system for guidance, her tone revealing a hint of helplessness and worry.
It was important to note that she was just an ordinary person living in modern society; facing the intricate and scheming world of ancient court politics left her feeling utterly lost and unable to make sense of it all.
At that moment, the system’s cheerful and excited voice chimed in: “Host, don’t panic! This situation is an unprecedented opportunity that you must seize and utilize fully!” Listening to the system’s overly enthusiastic tone, it sounded as if it had stumbled upon a brand new unknown territory, much like an experienced gambler who became exhilarated upon discovering a perfect betting opportunity.
Lin Yu grew even more curious at the system's words, blinking her bright eyes and asking with skepticism, “Utilize? How exactly should I utilize it?” The system deliberately teased her with a slightly mischievous tone: “Hehe, host, just sit back and enjoy the show! You’ll definitely be thrilled!”
Lin Yu fixed her gaze on the system as it wore a mysterious expression. Her curiosity intensified.
What exactly was this little creature up to?
Could it possibly have some hidden special skills?
With that thought in mind, Lin Yu fell into deep contemplation.
At that moment, like a flash of lightning cutting through the night sky, Lin Yu suddenly had a brilliant idea surge into her mind.
Her lively eyes darted around, and in an instant, she had devised a plan.
Then, with a swift motion, Lin Yu stood up from her seat, exuding an imposing aura akin to a seasoned general who had weathered many battles, instilling fear in all who beheld her.
Her gaze was sharp and penetrating, radiating a light that seemed capable of seeing through everything as she quickly scanned the few consorts present.
That look was like a series of razor-sharp blades piercing deep into the hearts of these consorts, as if she intended to uncover all their hidden schemes.
With a furious shout, she reprimanded them, “You reckless fools! How dare you conspire to frame This Palace? Your crimes are unforgivable, and justice will not allow it!” Her voice was deafening, filled with boundless anger and authority that sent chills down the spines of those who heard it.
The consorts turned pale at her rebuke, their spirits nearly leaving their bodies.
One by one, they collapsed to the ground as if all their strength had been drained away, trembling like withered branches swaying in the wind or grains shaking in a sieve.
Simultaneously, they banged their heads on the floor desperately while pleading in terror, “Your Highness, please show mercy! We beg you to spare us! We truly know our mistakes and will never dare again!” Their cries echoed in despair, resembling pitiful lambs awaiting slaughter, evoking sympathy from anyone who listened.
“Hmph, spare your lives? You still dare to hope that This Palace would forgive you wretches?”
Do you truly believe This Palace is so soft-hearted and easy to deal with?” Lin Yu’s brows furrowed fiercely as her beautiful eyes widened. After a cold snort, her words dripped with chilling authority.
With her hands on her slender waist and standing tall with confidence, she embodied the attitude of someone not to be trifled with.
With a commanding shout, Lin Yu declared, “Guards! Quickly drag these venomous women out and give them thirty lashes!” As soon as she finished speaking, several burly guards rushed into the hall like a whirlwind.
Each guard was robust and muscular, their faces devoid of expression like towering iron statues radiating an intimidating pressure.
They executed Lin Yu’s orders without hesitation; without further ado, they seized the already terrified consorts and dragged them out with brutal force.
The entire process was swift and decisive, devoid of any mercy.
"Ah! Please spare us, Your Highness! We beg you to show us mercy and let us go..." Several consorts cried out in terror, their voices hoarse from desperation.
Their screams echoed throughout the palace, a wretched sound akin to the wails of malevolent spirits from the depths of hell, sending chills down the spines of all who heard them.
However, in the face of such a grim scene, Lin Yu felt no pity; instead, an indescribable sense of exhilaration surged within her.
She tilted her head slightly, a smug and cunning smile playing on her lips as she thought to herself, "Hmph, do you really think you can compete with me? How foolish! Now you know fear, but it's too late!" At that moment, she envisioned the once arrogant consorts trembling like frightened lambs before her, the formidable wolf.
The thought filled Lin Yu with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, nearly causing her to burst into laughter.
In truth, the astute Lin Yu had long since discerned the underlying scheme—those consorts were merely pawns manipulated by others. The true masterminds pulling the strings were Li Fei and Consort Xian, two women with ulterior motives.
Lin Yu's choice to remain inactive and feign ignorance, even deliberately acting in seemingly foolish ways, had one purpose: to thoroughly lull her enemies into complacency. She wanted them to believe they had ensnared her, gradually lowering their guard until they revealed their fatal flaws.
This strategy was none other than the well-known tactic from the martial world—"Luring the Snake out of its Hole"!
Sure enough, when Li Fei and Consort Xian heard that Lin Yu had mercilessly punished those consorts with thirty strikes, both were filled with delight and secretly rejoiced, convinced that their carefully crafted plot had succeeded.
Thus, this pair of triumphant sisters eagerly returned to their respective chambers, savoring fragrant tea and chatting animatedly.
Naturally, their conversation revolved around Lin Yu's impending downfall and the various misfortunes she would face after losing favor.
As they laughed heartily at the thought, their bodies shook with mirth as if they could already envision Lin Yu's tragic fate.
Yet in their moment of victorious glee, they remained blissfully unaware that they had unwittingly stepped into a trap meticulously set by Lin Yu.
What awaited them was not merely failure but a far more severe and ruthless punishment!
After all, Lin Yu was no ordinary person, nor was she the kind to endure bullying in silence.
She had always adhered to the principle of repaying grievances with grievances and revenge with revenge. Once she took action, her ruthless and fierce methods of retaliation would surely make Li Fei and Consort Xian remember it for a lifetime!
Lin Yu hurried back to her palace. As soon as she stepped through the door, she eagerly summoned the system: “Inverse Light, the time has come. We can finally initiate the long-planned scheme!” Her tone was resolute and unquestionable, her beautiful eyes sparkling with wisdom and determination, like the brightest star in the night sky.
“Got it, Master!” The system's cheerful and slightly excited response echoed instantly, reminiscent of a brave warrior ready to charge into battle, filled with fervor and passion.
Soon after, Lin Yu and the system began a confidential discussion.
They exchanged ideas back and forth, their thoughts colliding and intertwining like sparks.
Before long, a seamless and intricately connected plan emerged.
This plan resembled a meticulously woven net, waiting for the right moment to ensnare Li Fei and Consort Xian, those two venomous women.
The next morning, the sky was a brilliant blue, and golden sunlight poured down, draping the entire palace in a dazzling glow.
A gentle breeze wafted through, bringing with it a refreshing floral fragrance. The imperial garden was alive with vibrant blooms and the cheerful songs of countless birds.
Lin Yu wore an elegant pink palace dress that flowed gracefully around her like a blooming peach blossom.
Adorning her head was an exquisitely crafted tassel hairpin that swayed gently with her movements, enhancing her delicate beauty and fragile charm.
With that, she strolled leisurely along the path in the imperial garden.
Suddenly, it seemed she had stepped on something; her foot slipped sharply beneath her.
She leaned slightly forward, a look of pain crossing her face as she let out a startled cry, pretending to have twisted her ankle by accident.
Suddenly, she shouted loudly, "Someone! Help me, This Palace..." Her voice was clear and melodious, yet tinged with a hint of panic, making it stand out starkly in the tranquil and harmonious imperial garden.
"Oh no! My foot! It hurts so much!" A sharp scream pierced the air, the cry was exceptionally shrill and filled with despair, as if she had suffered the cruelest punishment imaginable.
Lin Yu curled up on the ground, her hands tightly clutching her right ankle, her body trembling from the pain.
At that moment, not far away, Li Fei and Consort Xian, who were admiring the flowers and chatting, exchanged glances upon hearing the heart-wrenching scream. Both felt a secret delight in their hearts.
They thought to themselves: Haha, this arrogant Lin Yu has finally gotten herself into trouble. Let’s see how she acts so haughtily this time! Thus, the two quickly set down their flowers and hurried towards Lin Yu.
When they reached Lin Yu, Li Fei feigned a concerned expression and gently asked, "Oh dear sister, how could you be so careless? Look at what you've done to yourself!" With that, she stepped forward quickly, extending her delicate hand as if to help Lin Yu, though a barely noticeable smug smile betrayed her true feelings.
Following suit, Consort Xian chimed in, "Indeed, sister, you mustn't be hurt! Let us see where you are injured!" Although her tone sounded gentle and caring, a glint of cunning malice flickered in her beautiful eyes.
Faced with the insincere concern of the two consorts, Lin Yu gritted her teeth against the excruciating pain and forced herself to play the part of a pitiful figure suffering immensely.
She furrowed her brows tightly; beads of sweat had already formed on her forehead, and tears swirled in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Her sorrowful appearance was so heart-wrenching that anyone who saw her would feel an urge to offer sympathy.
"Someone! Quickly help my sister back to the palace to rest!" Li Fei hastily ordered, her voice laced with urgency as if genuinely worried about Lin Yu's condition.
Several eunuchs immediately stepped forward to assist Lin Yu back to her chamber. They carefully helped her onto the bed and made sure she was lying comfortably.
Li Fei and Consort Xian followed into Lin Yu's chamber; they wanted to witness her misfortune firsthand to alleviate their own resentment. They sat by the bed, pretending to inquire about Lin Yu's injuries while secretly hoping for them to be severe.
However, they never anticipated that this was precisely the trap set by Lin Yu! Just as they were reveling in their perceived victory, Lin Yu suddenly leaped off the bed. She moved like a swift leopard—agile and graceful—showing no signs of injury whatsoever.
Pointing at Li Fei and Consort Xian, she scolded fiercely, "You two venomous women have finally revealed your true colors!" Her voice was filled with anger and disdain.
Li Fei and Consort Xian were instantly dumbfounded; they never expected that Lin Yu had been pretending to be injured! Their faces turned pale in an instant, and their bodies began to tremble slightly.
"You... you actually deceived us!" Li Fei exclaimed in a fit of rage, her voice sharp and piercing, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Hmph, what if I did? You two venomous women dared to frame This Palace. Today is your day of reckoning!" Lin Yu sneered, her smile as beautiful and dangerous as a mandrake flower blooming in hell.
At that moment, a group of guards suddenly rushed in, surrounding Li Fei and Consort Xian. Each guard was agile and sharp-eyed, clearly trained fighters.
It turned out that this was all part of Lin Yu's plan, arranged with the system. They had anticipated that Li Fei and Consort Xian would come to kick them while they were down, so they had set up an ambush in advance. This tactic was called "Catching Turtles in a Jar"!
Li Fei and Consort Xian were utterly dumbfounded. They never expected to fall into Lin Yu's trap! Their faces changed from white to green, from green to purple, and finally turned ashen.
"You... how dare you..." Li Fei pointed at Lin Yu, trembling with anger, unable to articulate her words. She looked like a plucked rooster.
"Hmph, what do I have to fear? You two wicked women will pay the price today!" Lin Yu scoffed and then ordered the guards, "Take them both away!"
The guards surged forward, binding Li Fei and Consort Xian tightly, like two dumplings ready for boiling.
Lin Yu had finally avenged Consort De and cleared her own name. She let out a long sigh of relief, feeling a wave of ease wash over her.
When the news reached the Emperor, he was greatly pleased. He hadn't expected Lin Yu to be so clever—not only clearing her name but also exposing the malignant tumors in the harem. He immediately ordered generous rewards for Lin Yu.
As for Li Fei and Consort Xian, these two wicked women were sent to the cold palace, never to rise again. There they would spend their miserable lives atoning for their crimes.
Lin Yu could finally enjoy her wealth and status in peace. She lived a happy and joyful life in the palace.
However, deep down, she felt an unsettling sense of foreboding, as if something was about to happen... Would this calm harem truly remain peaceful forever? She couldn't shake the feeling that beneath the tranquil surface lay a far greater whirlpool waiting to emerge.
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