Lin Yu was momentarily stunned when she heard the several consorts chattering and competing to provide their testimonies. The sunflower seeds she had been nibbling on slipped from her fingers due to her 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 to herself. "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!"
With a slight furrow in her brow, Lin Yu pretended to be deep in thought, her delicate fingers lightly tapping on the table before her, producing a rhythmic "tap-tap-tap" sound.
The crisp noise echoed throughout the spacious palace, sounding particularly clear and resonant.
For a moment, the entire room fell silent, as if one could hear a pin drop.
The consorts who had been so vocal just moments ago now fell completely silent, not daring to breathe too loudly for fear that Lin Yu might take offense and ruthlessly drag them out for execution.
After all, who didn't know that while the Jing Pin Empress appeared amiable and approachable, when angered, she could be truly terrifying!
"What should I do about this? 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 voice tinged with helplessness.
She was just an ordinary person from modern society, feeling utterly lost in the intricate web of ancient court politics and schemes.
At that moment, the System's cheerful and excited voice chimed in: "Host, don't panic! This situation is an incredible opportunity that you must seize and make full use of!" The System's tone was reminiscent of an experienced gambler who had just spotted a perfect game, brimming with enthusiasm and eager to dive in for a chance to showcase their skills.
Lin Yu's curiosity was piqued even further by the System's words. She blinked her bright eyes and asked with skepticism, "Utilize? How exactly am I supposed to do that?" The System teased her with a sly tone: "Hehe, just sit back and enjoy the show! You'll definitely find it thrilling!"
Lin Yu fixed her gaze on the System, which appeared mysterious and secretive. Her curiosity intensified.
What on earth was this little creature up to?
Could it possibly possess some hidden special abilities?
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Lin Yu fell into deep contemplation.
At that moment, as if a bolt of lightning had streaked across the night sky, Lin Yu suddenly had a brilliant idea flash through her mind.
Her lively eyes darted around, and in an instant, she devised a plan.
Then, with a sharp "swish," Lin Yu abruptly stood up from her seat, exuding an aura akin to that of a seasoned general who had weathered many battles, commanding respect and fear.
Her gaze was piercing, radiating a sharp light as if she could see through everything. She quickly scanned the several 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.
Then, she bellowed angrily, "You reckless fools! How dare you conspire to frame This Palace? Your crimes are unforgivable and will not be tolerated!" Her voice was deafening, filled with boundless fury and authority, sending chills down the spines of those who heard it.
The consorts turned pale at her furious reprimand, their spirits nearly leaving their bodies.
One by one, they collapsed to the ground as if all strength had been drained from them, trembling like withered branches swaying in the wind or grains shaking in a sieve.
At the same time, they desperately knocked their heads on the ground, pleading in terror, "Your Highness, please show mercy! We beg you to spare us! We truly know we were wrong and will never dare again!" Their cries echoed painfully, resembling a group of pitiful lambs awaiting slaughter, evoking deep sympathy.
"Hmph! Spare your lives? You still dare to hope that This Palace would forgive you wretches?"
Do you think This Palace is so kind-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 her chest out, she embodied the stance of someone not to be trifled with.
As Lin Yu shouted angrily, "Come here! Quickly drag these venomous women out and give them thirty lashes!" As soon as her words fell, several burly Guards rushed into the hall like a fierce wind.
These Guards were all muscular and imposing, their faces devoid of expression as they stood like iron towers radiating an intimidating presence.
They executed Lin Yu's orders without hesitation. Without further ado, they seized the already terrified consorts with ease and dragged them out with rough and 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 someone who would endure bullying in silence.
She had always adhered to the principle of repaying grievances and revenge in kind. Once she took action, her ruthless and fierce methods of retaliation would ensure that Li Fei and Consort Xian would never forget it for the rest of their lives!
Lin Yu hurried back to her palace, and 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, resembling the brightest star in the night sky.
“Got it, Host!” The System's cheerful and slightly excited response rang out instantly, like a brave warrior ready to charge into battle, filled with fervor and passion.
Soon after, Lin Yu and the System engaged in a top-secret discussion.
They exchanged ideas back and forth, their thoughts colliding and intertwining like sparks.
Before long, a seamless and intricately linked plan emerged.
This plan was like a carefully 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, carrying with it a refreshing floral fragrance. The Imperial Garden was alive with vibrant blooms and the cheerful songs of birds.
Lin Yu donned an elegant pink palace gown that flowed gracefully around her like a blooming peach blossom.
Adorning her head was an exquisitely crafted Buyao that swayed gently with her steps, enhancing her delicate beauty and charming demeanor.
Thus, she strolled leisurely along the path in the Imperial Garden.
Suddenly, it seemed as if she had stepped on something; her foot slipped unexpectedly.
She leaned slightly forward, a look of pain crossing her face as she let out a startled cry, pretending to have accidentally twisted her ankle.
Suddenly, she shouted loudly, "Someone! Help me, This Palace..." Her voice was crisp and pleasant, 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 exceptionally shrill and filled with despair, as if she were enduring the most brutal 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 enjoying the flowers and chatting, exchanged glances upon hearing the heart-wrenching cries. Both felt a surge of secret delight.
They thought to themselves: Ha! This ignorant Lin Yu has finally gotten herself into trouble. Let’s see how arrogant she can be this time! So, they hurriedly set down their flowers and rushed towards Lin Yu.
When they reached Lin Yu, Li Fei feigned concern, speaking softly, "Oh dear sister, how could you be so careless? Look at what you've done to yourself!" She stepped forward quickly, extending her delicate hand as if to help Lin Yu, but a barely perceptible smirk of triumph flickered across her face.
Immediately following her, Consort Xian chimed in, "Indeed, sister! You mustn't be hurt! Let us see where you're injured!" Although her tone sounded gentle and caring, a glint of cunning malice occasionally flashed in her beautiful eyes.
Faced with the insincere concern of the two consorts, Lin Yu gritted her teeth against the excruciating pain and managed to portray an image of utter despair and suffering.
Her brows were tightly knitted together, beads of sweat already forming on her forehead. Tears swirled in her eyes, threatening to spill over; she looked so pitiful that anyone who saw her would feel an overwhelming sense of compassion.
"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 injury.
Several Eunuchs immediately stepped forward to assist Lin Yu, carefully helping her back to her chamber. They gently laid her down on the bed.
Li Fei and Consort Xian followed into Lin Yu's chamber, eager to witness her misfortune firsthand and relieve their pent-up resentment. They sat by the bed, feigning concern as they inquired about Lin Yu's injuries while secretly hoping for them to be severe.
However, they never expected that this was precisely the trap set by Lin Yu! Just as they were reveling in their triumph, Lin Yu suddenly leaped off the bed. She moved like a nimble leopard—quick and agile—showing no signs of injury whatsoever.
Pointing at Li Fei and Consort Xian, she shouted angrily, "You two venomous women have finally revealed your true selves!" Her voice was filled with rage and contempt.
Li Fei and Consort Xian were instantly taken aback; they had never anticipated that Lin Yu was merely 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 wicked 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 a plan orchestrated by Lin Yu and the System. They had anticipated that Li Fei and Consort Xian would come to take advantage of the situation, 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, then from green to purple, finally turning 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 venomous women will pay the price today!" Lin Yu scoffed, then ordered the Guards, "Take them down!"
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 lightness wash over her.
When the news reached the Emperor, he was delighted. He hadn't expected Lin Yu to be so clever—not only had she cleared her name but she had also exposed the malignant tumors in the harem. He immediately ordered generous rewards for Lin Yu.
As for Li Fei and Consort Xian, the two wicked women were sent to the Cold Palace, never to rise again. They would spend their miserable lives there atoning for their crimes.
Lin Yu could finally enjoy her wealth and status in peace. She lived a happy and content life in the palace.
However, deep down she felt an unsettling sense of foreboding, as if something was about to happen... Would this calm palace truly remain peaceful? She sensed that beneath the tranquil surface lay a much greater whirlpool waiting to emerge.
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