Chapter Sixty-Seven: Killing

“Consort Li, you’ve been considering this matter for over a month now. What are your thoughts? Give me a definite answer, won’t you? Prince Duan is still waiting for my reply,” urged Liu Xi.

“Liu Xi, I truly couldn’t have guessed—you have such audacity! Do you know what you’re doing? Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell the Emperor? And since when have you become involved with Prince Duan?” Consort Li’s voice was laced with disbelief.

“Of course I know what I’m doing, Your Grace. If I’m honest, it’s all for your sake. Your prime years are wasted in this deep palace; I even feel sorry for you.” Liu Xi’s words were tinged with regret, revealing his talent for performance.

“Liu Xi, do you really take me for some naïve girl you can trick? Yes, I once admired Prince Duan, wanted to share his bed—no, back then he was merely the Third Prince.

But don’t forget, it was he who personally sent me to the Emperor. They say a maiden blinded by infatuation sees nothing clearly, and that’s the truth. I gambled on who would ascend the throne, only to be dazzled by Prince Duan’s looks.

In retrospect, I should thank him. If not for his actions, how would I have become this exalted imperial consort?

And don’t think I’m a fool, swept away by impulse. My head may heat with passion, but it cools just as quickly. Did you think my mind was permanently burnt? When the Emperor ascended the throne, I saw things clearly: Prince Duan is nothing but an empty-headed fool, full of ambition yet caring only for pleasure.

You claim he pines for me day and night? That’s a lie for ghosts. Don’t think I don’t know your schemes. That idiot Prince Duan still covets the throne, doesn’t he?

With no support beyond his mother’s clan outside the palace, he’s remembered me now? You expect I’ll agree, so you can seize my weakness and manipulate me into acting against the Emperor?

Dream on. This isn’t possible. Even if my mind truly were muddled and I agreed to your schemes, rest assured—even if the Emperor passes, the throne will never fall to Prince Duan.

Besides, thinking back, I realize how blind I was. When I was favored, I supported you fiercely. Without me, would you have your current position? You treacherous dog of a servant.”

It was as if Liu Xi’s words had opened a floodgate; Consort Li spoke without restraint, leaving all within earshot stunned.

A cascade of information rushed into Jiang Yuyan’s mind. Though she had yet to untangle all the details, one fact became clear: the two people in the room and Prince Duan harbored intentions to harm Zhu Yu.

Zhu Yu was Jiang Yuyan’s most precious Achilles’ heel. Now, her inner energy surged uncontrollably; she wanted to storm in and kill them both, then tear Prince Duan to pieces outside the palace.

But she managed to keep her thoughts in order, knowing she’d only heard a small part and needed to listen further. Moreover, she had only recently ascended to the rank of Grandmaster, and might not be able to defeat Liu Xi yet—she had to consolidate her abilities first.

After a long silence, Liu Xi’s voice sounded again from inside.

“I never realized how clever you are, Consort Li. But don’t speak so harshly. Yes, you were favored, you helped me rise—but that’s all ancient history.

Don’t forget how long you’ve been out of favor in this palace. The only reason no other consort has pushed you into the abyss is thanks to me.

If you’re no longer useful, shouldn’t I seek another master?

One must know when to adapt. Mind your tongue. I cannot afford to offend a favored consort, but you? I can.”

“You… how dare you! Threatening me? ‘Chief Inspector’? Has being Deputy Chief gone to your head? I may not be favored now, but I haven’t been banished to the cold palace. I can still meet the Emperor anytime. Tonight is the last your head will remain on your shoulders. Tomorrow I’ll seek an audience and expose you. You and Prince Duan can prepare for execution.”

Her words bristled with fury and despair.

Liu Xi, however, remained unfazed, smiling as he said, “Your Grace, don’t be so hasty. If you won’t agree, so be it. But don’t speak of this to the Emperor—let’s discuss things calmly.”

Consort Li stared at him as if he were mad. “Are you raving? Leave. I am tired. Tomorrow you and Prince Duan can await your deaths together.”

“Your Grace, don’t be anxious. Say what you wish, but the Wang family of Yingzhou is about to be wiped out. Can you bear it?”

“You—you dare threaten me with my family? Who do you think you are, Cao Zhengchun? Or Rain Huatian?”

The screech of a chair scraping the floor echoed from within, betraying Consort Li’s unease.

“I’m not as powerful as those two Chief Inspectors, but a mere merchant family like the Wangs is nothing to me. Besides, I’m not asking you to do anything shameful—just to keep silent in exchange for your family’s lives. Isn’t that a fair trade?”

After a long pause, Consort Li’s voice rang out, shrill with rage: “Get out! Out, now!”

“Ha ha ha, your servant takes his leave.” Liu Xi laughed as he departed Consort Li’s chambers.

Once Liu Xi was gone, Jiang Yuyan silently returned to her previous vantage point.

Watching Liu Xi’s distant figure, a dangerous smile curved Jiang Yuyan’s lips.

Then she glanced back at the still-lit chamber, secretly thankful Consort Li hadn’t agreed to all Liu Xi’s demands. Otherwise, Jiang Yuyan feared she’d have lost control and burst in for a fight to the death.

Luckily, Consort Li had maintained her integrity, but she’d already entertained thoughts of deceiving the Emperor. Who knew what she might do in the future? Such a person could not be allowed to remain.

Thinking this, Jiang Yuyan tilted her head, recalling what martial arts Liu Xi possessed besides his energy-stealing technique. Yet, after much thought, nothing concrete came to mind. She shook her head, dispelling such unrealistic notions.

She then glanced down at the half-dead poisonous snake in her hand, squeezed it firmly, and tossed it into the flowerbed.

With inner energy flowing, Jiang Yuyan entered Consort Li’s bedchamber.

Soon, two figures appeared silhouetted against the still-bright window.

“You—” The words were cut short by the sound of something heavy crashing to the floor, followed by the extinguishing of the lights within.

From then on, Consort Li’s palace was as dark and silent as any other night. Yet, unlike before, it now lacked any trace of life.