Chapter 786: The Truth is Exposed
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S T E L L A R C L O U D
[Galetron]
O R A N G E S T A R
[Alma S.] [Christine G.-L.] [K.Rom]
[Suong D.] [Ziana K.-P.]
Y E L L O W S T A R
[Anasi G.] [Passerby]
G O L D S T A R
[Nevy] [Roxanne C.]
R A I N B O W S T A R
[Debra W] [Kiiayame]
T H E S U N
[kuroneko_chan] [Michelle K.] [Tionna M.]
C E L E S T I A L C O N Q U E R O R
[Ava C.] [Hong] [Leeyue] [Lily J.] [Manon] [Smurfinbatik] [Sophia W.] [Val Nes]
Also, many thanks to everyone who bought me coffee (*≧∀≦*)
Imperial Consort Wang was subtly probing Imperial Consort Dong.
Imperial Consort Dong, on the other hand, was just as eager to test the waters with the other imperial consorts.
“Don’t you all think there are too many little figurines?” She asked cautiously.
“And how many do you think there should be?” Imperial Consort Chen asked.
None of them were fools. After a few exchanges, it was clear to everyone what was going on.
But no one was willing to be the first to voice that crucial number.
Imperial Consort Wang said, “How about this, I’ll count to three, and we’ll all say it together. No one should stay silent. At this point, this imperial consort believes no one here is a fool, so don’t treat anyone as one!”
Several women exchanged glances.
Imperial Consort Dong thought for a moment and then agreed, “Alright, this imperial consort agrees!”
Immediately, Imperial Consort Chen and Imperial Consort Yang nodded as well.
With the unanimous consent of all the first-rank imperial consorts, the fourth-rank Imperial Lady Fang had no reason not to go along with them.
Imperial Consort Wang took a deep breath and slowly counted, “One, two, three!”
“One!”
“One!”
“One!”
“None!”
“None!”
The ones who said “none” were Imperial Consort Chen and Imperial Consort Yang, while those who said “one” were Imperial Consort Wang, Imperial Consort Dong, and Imperial Lady Fang.
As soon as the words were spoken, their expressions subtly changed.
Imperial Consort Wang furrowed her brow, pressing her fingers together tightly as if to contain her frustration. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Alright, next question. Only the three of us will answer. Where should the little figurine have been found? Let’s count to three again.”
Imperial Consort Dong and Imperial Lady Fang grew tense, nodding in agreement.
Imperial Consort Wang: “One, two, three!”
“In the flowerbed!”
“Next to the doghouse!”
“Under the bed!”
Imperial Consort Wang’s trusted eunuch had buried the little figurine in the flowerbed, Imperial Consort Dong’s expert had placed the little figurine near the doghouse, and Imperial Lady Fang, who had always sought to curry favor with Imperial Noble Consort Han, had taken the opportunity to personally toss the little figurine under Imperial Noble Consort Han’s bed.
Having reached this point of confrontation, who could still claim to have no inkling of what was going on in their hearts?
Imperial Consort Wang’s gaze turned cold: “Do you all…”
Imperial Consort Dong looked at her: “Do you, perhaps…”
Imperial Consort Wang thought to herself, Of course I do! But I didn’t expect you all to be in on it too!
Imperial Consort Wang’s breath trembled, and she held onto the last shred of hope, looking solemnly at the other four, “I believe everyone here already has a clear understanding of the situation. But I also understand the apprehension in your hearts; some things are difficult to say aloud, as they might expose your own intentions. In that case, let me be the first to speak!”
Such matters needed someone to take the lead; otherwise, even if they exchanged signals forever, they would never come to any substantial evidence.
“Shangguan Yan is faking it! She wasn’t injured by the assassin!”
As soon as Imperial Consort Wang finished speaking, she noticed that the others didn’t seem particularly shocked. She understood immediately, holding back her fury as she said, “She’s come to see you all, hasn’t she?”
Her anger wasn’t directed at Imperial Consort Dong and the others; it was aimed at the situation itself!
None of the four spoke, but their reactions spoke volumes.
Among them, Imperial Consort Wang was the eldest. She had entered the imperial palace around the same time as Empress Xuanyuan and Imperial Noble Consort Han. Next was Imperial Consort Yang, followed by Imperial Consort Dong and Imperial Consort Chen.
As for Imperial Lady Fang, she was relatively young, just turning thirty this year.
Her age and experience naturally made Imperial Consort Wang the leader among them.
Imperial Consort Wang had never suffered such a humiliating disgrace in her life. Her rivalry with Imperial Noble Consort Han wasn’t because she was outwitted; it was because she had no son, which was her greatest weakness.
Otherwise, how could Imperial Noble Consort Han ever have the chance to control the six palaces?
Imperial Consort Wang’s gaze swept over the four women again, her anger evident as she said, “Don’t all of you pretend to be mute now. It won’t help!”
“Damn Shangguan Yan!” Imperial Consort Dong could no longer contain her anger and frustration, gritting her teeth as she snapped off a vibrant flower nearby.
After Imperial Consort Dong’s outburst, Imperial Consort Chen stomped her foot in fury, “Shameless! Despicable! I knew she had bad intentions!”
It was too late for such realizations.
Why hadn’t they noticed earlier?
Wasn’t it the temptation of the Phoenix Throne that clouded their judgment?
Empress Xuanyuan had passed away years ago, and the position of Empress had remained vacant ever since. The desire for it had grown stronger among these women of the harem, much like an addict’s uncontrollable craving for their drug.
Now, they regretted it, but what good was regret?
Hadn’t they all been used as pawns by Shangguan Yan to bring down Imperial Noble Consort Han?
Imperial Consort Yang asked in confusion, “But among us five, only three succeeded in placing the little figurines in the Guiyi Palace. Where did the other little figurines come from? And those two letters are highly suspicious as well.”
Imperial Consort Dong snorted, “She must have found others!”
Imperial Consort Chen was furious, “How shameless!”
Imperial Consort Wang said indifferently, “Forget about the others; they’re just pawns used by Shangguan Yan. If they want to swallow their anger and suffer in silence, let them. But I can’t let this go. I wonder what the rest of you think?”
Imperial Consort Dong asked, “What does Imperial Consort Sister Wang plan to do?”
“To earn our trust, she left something in our hands…” Imperial Consort Wang paused, then added, “Surely, I’m not the only one holding her written promise, am I?”
At this point, there was nothing left to hide.
Imperial Consort Dong said seriously, “I have it too!”
“So do I.” Imperial Consort Yang and Imperial Consort Chen chimed in simultaneously.
Imperial Consort Wang turned to Imperial Lady Fang, who turned away, reached into her private inner pocket, and pulled out the document.
The document clearly stated the transaction between Shangguan Yan and Imperial Lady Fang, complete with both of their signatures, seals, and fingerprints.
Seeing that the document was identical to the ones in their own possession, the women were so enraged that their entire bodies trembled. Their fury burned so intensely that they wished they could tear Shangguan Yan to pieces on the spot!
Imperial Consort Wang said, “It seems we all have the document, so this will be easy! Let’s expose her together!”
Imperial Lady Fang was at a loss, “How do we expose her? Should we use these documents? But the documents also have our signatures and seals!”
“Who said we need to use those? Don’t you remember that her injuries were faked? All we need to do is bring His Majesty with us to verify her wounds! That will confirm her crime of deceiving the Emperor! And she won’t be able to escape the charge of framing the Crown Prince either!”
Imperial Consort Yang was silent for a moment, then said, “But if we do that, won’t the Crown Prince be reinstated?”
Imperial Consort Wang, who had no sons of her own and thus no direct stake in the throne, appeared indifferent. However, Imperial Consort Yang had a son, and she was unwilling to see the Crown Prince rise again.
Imperial Consort Dong and Imperial Consort Chen shared the same sentiment.
Imperial Consort Wang glared at them with frustration, “What do you mean the Crown Prince will be reinstated? Han Shi just committed treason; the son must pay for the mother’s crime. The Crown Prince won’t be able to turn things around anytime soon! We’ve wasted enough time today, and I think everyone is tired. Let’s all go back and rest for now. Tomorrow morning, we’ll go to see His Majesty and ask to accompany him to visit the Third Princess. Once we reach the Imperial Advisor's Hall, we’ll act according to the situation!”
Raz P.'s Thoughts
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Description:
In the suspenseful supernatural novel “Records of Mortals,” Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang’an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to succumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he becomes a harbinger of chaos.
When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family’s young lady, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.
The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.
From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.
***
Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.
After he had slaughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"
Shi Dai responded, “You’re really amazing! I applaud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also——you have dimples when you smile!"
Jiang Baiyan: ...?
—
After seeing her at a lantern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"
Shi Dai replied, "Does it come with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"
Jiang Baiyan: ...?
—
Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don't abandon me, alri—”
Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I’ll only have you. Mwah."
Jiang Baiyan: ...?
He hasn't finished his lines yet though…