Chapter 71: Acrid encounter with a poisoned tongue (1/2)

The empress had paved the way for the empress dowager to naturally follow. “Look at that, I was so happy today that I forgot about this troublesome thing.”

Han Yunxi smiled coldly in her heart and didn’t speak, allowing the mother and daughter in-law tosing and act out their own play.

“Imperial Mother, I say that let’s not recognize her as an adopted daughter. We’re all one family, so as long as you dote on Yunxi and have her visit often, it’s all the same.” The empress spoke in such a carefree manner that it didn’t even seem to be a big deal.

The empress dowager nodded her head. “Well, that’s all right. Yunxi, what do you think?”

“Everything will be as the empress dowager decides. The Duke of Qin is preoccupied with affairs of state, so chenqie won’t trouble him.” Of course Han Yunxi had to express an opinion. Even if she wasn’t relying on the empress dowager, she wouldn’t slight her to the level of a criminal offense.

Han Yunxi’s words allowed the empress dowager to sole with difficulty. “Hehe, you really are an obedient child.” Since matters had ended like this, it was inconvenient for Han Yunxi to linger. She exchanged some polite civilities before rising and taking her leave.

As soon as she left, the empress dowager’s face fell as she swept her gaze across Han Yunxi’s teacup. “That thing can’t tell good from bad!”

“Imperial Mother, don’t get mad. It’s not worth harming your body with your temper. Chenqie has long said that this girl isn’t simple. In the future, we’ll have to take it into consideration,” the empress soothed the empress dowager.

“Hmph, that disgraceful girl can’t tell between the height of the Heavens and the depths of the Earth. For me to use her is showing her favor, but she had the guts to refuse! Just let her wait, one day I’ll make her regret it! I just don’t believe that she can live well in the Duke of Qin’s household! She was lucky this time, but she better not fall into my hands next time!”

The empress dowager really was angry. She really didn’t expect Han Yunxi to refuse and couldn’t calm herself down for a long time…

Han Yunxi only thought of the whole thing as a joke, but she finally exhaled in relief after leaving the palace. When she passed by the Han house on the road, she halted for a long time. The Han Family in the capital weren’t descendants of aristocrats, but still commanded prestige as an old and well-known family.

Currently, its vermillion gates were shut tight and everything looked peaceful, but Han Yunxi knew that once Han Congan was indicted tomorrow, this family would fall into chaos and ruin. The memories of this body kept floating to the surface of her mind. They were all childhood recollections of bullying, shame, and humiliation. Although they were memories of the original person, they’d long joined this body to become her everything and her past.

Everything was as vivid and real as if it happened yesterday.

A long time later, Han Yunxi smiled coldly as she turned to walk away.

—

It was already the dead of night when Han Yunxi returned to the Duke of Qin’s residence. She wasn’t even sure if she could knock on the door, but she saw lights in the windows from a distance. Those in the main hall shone the brightest. Her heart filled with misgivings. Had something happened in the middle of the night? With Grand Concubine Yi’s personality, she’d rarely miss her beauty sleep! Even if the skies were falling, she might not stay up all night!

Or had something happened to Long Feiye?

Han Yunxi couldn’t help but wonder if they were waiting for her?

She reached the gates soon enough and discovered that the old gatekeeper had been waiting for her. One knock was enough to open the doors.

“Esteemed Wangfei, congratulations! Grand Imperial Concubine has been waiting for you for a long time, hurry and go on in,” the old gatekeeper was very excited.

Congratulations?

Now Han Yunxi was thoroughly surprised. So this really was related to her! Could there be any good in this ‘congratulations’ proclaimed by Grand Concubine Yi’s servant? Preoccupied with doubts, she didn’t bother to ask any more but headed immediately for the main hall.

Right when she entered, she saw three large, open treasure chests. One had gold taels, one had silver, and the last was filled with pearls and jewelry. Next to them were various rolls of high-quality silk.

Geez, the sight made her eyes brighten. Where did all this good stuff come from?

The gold, silver, and jewels dazzled her eyes so Han Yunxi couldn’t be blamed for seeing them first before spotting Grand Concubine Yi. The grand imperial concubine was currently sitting in the seat of honor, her delicate face so gloomy that it looked like one could wring water from it. Murong Wanru stood by her side, a flash of jealousy, admiration, and hate passing through her eyes as soon as Han Yunxi arrived!

“Mufei, you were looking for chenqie?” Han Yunxi bowed to pay her respects.

“Hehe, the person with meritorious service has returned. Hurry and rise, how could I afford to accept your respects?” Grand Concubine Yi’s voice had turned bitter and sarcastic, so she’d likely heard of the events at court.

Han Yunxi rose and glanced at the treasure again, her heart clear. This was probably Emperor Tianhui’s reward. Nice as it was, why had it been sent so quickly? She stole a glance at Grand Concubine Yi as her mouth twitched. Her mother had saved the empress dowager while she saved the empress dowager’s grandson. No wonder Grand Concubine Yi wanted to flip out.

“Sister-in-law, I never knew your medical skills were so superb. You even cured the crown prince’s strange illness, so his majesty and the esteemed empress dowager must be thrilled, right? Look, these were all awarded to you. They sent it over this very night,” Murong Wanru said with a smile.

Grand Concubine Yi was still angry, but mentioning the emperor and empress dowager only added oil to the fire.

“Hehe, your life should be easier now that you’ve made the emperor and empress dowager happy!” Grand Concubine Yi smiled coldly.

What did she mean by this? Instead of sleeping, she’d gotten up in the middle of the night to be mean towards her? She had no tolerance at all!

Han Yunxi couldn’t stand the implicit irony in her tone. Grand Concubine Yi had measured her strength against her a few times. If she didn’t know Han Yunxi’s temper by now, then she didn’t mind displaying it one more time.