Lin Yu slept soundly, as if she were immersed in a soft cloud, enveloped by an indescribable sense of comfort.
It felt as if the heavy burdens that had weighed her down had vanished in an instant, leaving her with an unprecedented lightness.
She slowly stretched her arms, let out a big yawn, and then lazily arched her back. A series of satisfying cracks echoed from her bones, and that delightful sensation seeped through every inch of her skin.
Half-closing her eyes, Lin Yu reached out to gently rub the remnants of sleep from her eyes. A sweet smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.
It seemed that she must have had a wonderfully beautiful dream last night, which was why she woke up feeling so joyful.
As Lin Yu leisurely dressed and washed up, she suddenly recalled the events of the previous day. She turned to the system and said, “Inverse Light, what do you think Li Fei and Consort Xian are feeling right now?” Her tone was clearly playful and triumphant.
At that moment, the system’s gleeful voice echoed in Lin Yu’s mind: “Hehehe, I reckon their faces are probably greener than bitter melons! They might be brewing some wicked plans for revenge against us! Hahaha!” After finishing, the system punctuated its words with a series of infectious laughs.
Hearing this, Lin Yu couldn’t help but burst into laughter. She thought to herself that these two women were always at odds with each other, like two incompatible cocks squabbling endlessly.
This time they had aimed to scheme against others but ended up being outsmarted by their own cleverness—truly a case of stealing a chicken only to lose the rice! It was a classic example of self-inflicted misfortune. The thought made Lin Yu even happier.
After enjoying a sumptuous and delicious breakfast, Lin Yu felt her stomach completely full, even slightly bloated.
After some contemplation, she decided to take a stroll in the magnificent imperial garden to help digest her meal.
The weather today was simply perfect; the brilliant sunshine poured down like shards of gold through the layers of leaves above, warming Lin Yu’s body and filling her with an indescribable sense of comfort.
As she stepped into the imperial garden, she couldn’t help but marvel at the scene before her—it was like stepping into a vibrant green world brimming with life!
All sorts of peculiar and colorful flowers and plants were competing to showcase their beauty and fragrance;
A gentle breeze swept through, carrying with it a delicate and enchanting floral scent that wafted into her nostrils, making her feel refreshed and entranced.
Look! Several colorful butterflies danced gracefully among the flowers like fairies, fluttering up and down, swirling left and right, as if showcasing the enchanting wonders of nature in their unique way.
Meanwhile, lively little birds perched on the branches, joyfully singing at the top of their lungs. Their clear and melodious songs intertwined to create a beautiful symphony of nature.
Such a picturesque scene would bring joy to anyone who beheld it. Even Lin Yu, who had felt somewhat heavy-hearted from overeating, found her mood lifting like ripples on a lake caressed by a spring breeze.
Lin Yu strolled leisurely along the winding path made of smooth, round pebbles, taking her time to admire the breathtaking scenery around her. At that moment, she truly embodied a sense of carefree ease and utter contentment.
However, just then, a sudden clamor broke the tranquility of the Imperial Garden without warning, capturing Lin Yu's full attention.
"Oh dear, what on earth is happening? Why is it so noisy?" Lin Yu pondered with curiosity, an invisible hand gripping her heart and urging her to quicken her pace toward the source of the commotion.
As she approached, she saw a group of eunuchs and palace maids dressed in matching attire forming a tight circle. They whispered to each other, chattering away about something, each face displaying an air of mystery as if they were discussing some earth-shattering event.
Lin Yu perked up her ears, trying hard to catch what they were saying.
"Hey, did you hear? Li Fei and Consort Xian have been sent to the cold palace!" a young maid in pink whispered excitedly to her companion.
"What? Is that true? They were the Emperor's favorite consorts! How could they suddenly be sent away?" another maid in blue exclaimed in disbelief, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion.
"Is there any doubt? I saw it with my own eyes! Early this morning, they were taken away by guards all tied up. It was quite a scene!" The maid in pink said confidently, gesturing as if reenacting the moment.
"Oh my, they deserve it! Those two women have been so arrogant with the Emperor's favor, bullying this one and that one. They were bound to get their comeuppance!" an older eunuch said indignantly, his tone filled with outrage.
"Exactly! They've made things difficult for us lowly servants too. This is truly satisfying!" another young eunuch chimed in with a gloating smile.
"Indeed! I heard it was Consort Jing who exposed their crimes in front of the Emperor. That's why he flew into a rage and sent them to the cold palace," an informed maid interjected.
"Consort Jing is truly impressive! At last, we can take a breath for those of us who have been bullied by them!"
"Yes, yes! Consort Jing is really our savior!"
...
Lin Yu listened to the chatter around her, feeling secretly pleased. It seemed her plan was progressing smoothly; those two thorns in her side had finally been removed. Her days in the palace would surely be easier now.
As she continued walking, she suddenly spotted a familiar figure approaching—Jiang Chen.
Today, Jiang Chen was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, adorned with a golden crown, a jade belt at his waist, and black boots on his feet, exuding an air of authority. The sunlight bathed him, as if gilding him with a golden edge, making him appear even more striking.
Upon seeing Lin Yu, his originally serious face instantly broke into a warm smile. He quickly walked up to her, his deep-set eyes filled with tenderness and concern.
"My beloved consort, are you alright? I heard you were frightened yesterday, so I came to check on you," Jiang Chen said in a deep, magnetic voice, laced with genuine care and affection that warmed Lin Yu's heart.
"I'm fine, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern," Lin Yu replied with a slight smile. Following palace etiquette, she bowed respectfully to Jiang Chen.
"I've been worried since I heard about your fright yesterday; that's why I came to see you," Jiang Chen said gently, his gaze filled with adoration as if Lin Yu were his most precious treasure.
"I truly am fine. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Your Majesty," Lin Yu said again as she bowed deeply, feeling as sweet as honey inside. Although she knew part of Jiang Chen's affection stemmed from the plot's requirements, she couldn't help but feel happy and touched.
"I have uncovered the truth. Li Fei and Consort Xian dared to frame you out of jealousy; their actions are utterly unforgivable! I have banished them to the cold palace; no one will dare bully you again," Jiang Chen declared firmly, his eyes flashing with intensity as he expressed his anger towards Li Fei and Consort Xian's behavior.
"Thank you for standing up for me, Your Majesty," Lin Yu said gratefully, her admiration for Jiang Chen growing even more. This man, though an emperor, could distinguish right from wrong and uphold justice for her—such qualities were rare indeed.
"You have suffered," Jiang Chen said tenderly as he gently embraced Lin Yu, his movements soft and careful as if she were a fragile treasure.
Lin Yu nestled in Jiang Chen's broad and warm embrace, feeling the faint scent of dragon's saliva emanating from him, her heart filled with happiness and a sense of security. In that moment, she felt that she had finally found someone to rely on in this unfamiliar world.
“No one will ever bully you again, I promise,” Jiang Chen whispered softly in her ear, his voice as gentle as the spring breeze in March, intoxicating and soothing.
Lin Yu nodded slightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She knew that Jiang Chen genuinely cared for her, not because she was Consort Jing, but because she was Lin Yu.
The two of them remained quietly nestled together, savoring this rare moment of tranquility. The sunlight bathed them in a golden glow, making the scene look as beautiful as a painting.
“I will always protect you and ensure you suffer no harm,” Jiang Chen said earnestly, his gaze filled with love and determination, as if making a solemn vow.
Lin Yu lifted her head to meet Jiang Chen's deep-set eyes, which reflected her own image. She could feel his affection for her, and her heart swelled with emotion. She realized that in this world, she was no longer alone; she had Jiang Chen's companionship and protection. What was there to fear?
“Your Majesty, I believe in you,” Lin Yu said with a gentle smile, nodding slightly, her voice soft yet resolute.
Jiang Chen smiled back, his grin radiant like the sun, dispelling all shadows and illuminating the entire imperial garden.
Just then, a eunuch rushed over in a flurry, breaking the warm atmosphere.
“Your Majesty, it’s bad! Something terrible has happened!” The eunuch's voice was high-pitched and urgent, tinged with fear; clearly, something significant had occurred.
“What is so urgent?” Jiang Chen frowned and asked sharply, his imperial aura instantly radiating from him, causing the surrounding air to feel tense.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, the Minister of Justice has barged into the palace with a group of officials. They say… they say they are here to arrest Consort Jing…” The eunuch's words were cut short by a sudden loud explosion.
“Boom!”
An explosion erupted in the imperial garden, flames shooting into the sky and thick smoke billowing forth. The once-beautiful garden was instantly transformed into a wasteland.
Lin Yu and Jiang Chen were startled by the sudden explosion, both momentarily stunned.
"What happened? What's going on?" Jiang Chen's expression darkened as he asked sharply, his eyes filled with anger.
"I... I don't know, Your Highness!" the eunuch stammered, his face pale and trembling.
"Protect the Emperor! Protect Consort Jing!" The guards immediately surrounded Jiang Chen and Lin Yu, forming a human wall to ensure their safety.
Lin Yu was also shielded by the guards, her heart filled with confusion and unease. The explosion had come too suddenly; who could be behind it? Could it be Li Fei and Consort Xian's accomplices? Or was there someone else involved?
What was going on with the Minister of Justice? Why were they trying to arrest her? Was Li Fei and Consort Xian scheming behind the scenes?
A series of questions flashed through Lin Yu's mind, giving her a headache. The intrigue in this palace was far too deep; she had just resolved one problem when another, even bigger one emerged. It was overwhelming!
"Inverse Light, what is going on? I feel like I'm in a drama where one crisis follows another," Lin Yu complained to the system in her mind.
"Host, don't panic. When soldiers come, we fight; when water comes, we block. We'll handle whatever comes our way!" the system reassured her.
"That's all we can do," Lin Yu sighed, silently praying that this crisis would pass smoothly.
At that moment, a middle-aged man in official robes approached with a group of constables; it was the Minister of Justice.
"Minister of Justice Li Ming pays his respects to Your Majesty!" Li Ming stepped forward and bowed before Jiang Chen.
"Li Aiqing, what is the meaning of this? Why have you barged into the palace?" Jiang Chen asked coldly, his voice filled with authority.
"Your Majesty, I am here under orders to arrest Consort Jing!" Li Ming replied, his tone neither servile nor arrogant.
"Arrest Consort Jing? What crime has she committed?" Jiang Chen frowned deeply, clearly displeased with Li Ming's words.
"Your Majesty, Consort Jing is suspected of plotting to harm the heir. The evidence is conclusive. I have been ordered to bring her back to the Dali Temple for questioning!" Li Ming replied.
"What? Plotting to harm the heir? That’s impossible!" Jiang Chen was taken aback, unable to believe that Lin Yu would do such a thing.
"Your Majesty, I have evidence!" Li Ming said, pulling a letter from his robe and handing it to Jiang Chen. "This was found in Li Fei Palace. It is a letter from Consort Jing to Li Fei, in which she states that she has mixed an abortion drug into Li Fei's pregnancy medication. It was she who caused the death of Li Fei's child!"
Jiang Chen took the letter and saw the words written on it: "Sister Li Fei, I have prepared what you asked for, ensuring that no one will know. Just wait for good news!"
At the end of the letter was Lin Yu's personal seal.
"This... this..." Jiang Chen trembled slightly as he held the letter, unable to believe that it was truly written by Lin Yu.
"Your Majesty, we have both witnesses and physical evidence. What else do you have to say?" Li Ming pressed on relentlessly.
"There must be some misunderstanding! My beloved, please tell me this isn't true!" Jiang Chen looked at Lin Yu, his eyes filled with anxiety and hope, wishing for an explanation from her.
"Your Majesty, I..." Lin Yu opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.
The letter was indeed written by her.
However, what she wrote was not about an abortion drug at all, but rather...
Comment 0 Comment Count