Chapter 5, Sisters

After Lady Yang was assisted away, Wang Shi finally had the time to notice that her hairpin had already tilted to one side, and she had lost two of her jade hairpins. She supported her hairdo and exchanged a glance with Yuan Xiu, saying, "I will go tidy up my appearance, and Xing Niang, please change the tea. You sisters, please wait a moment."

Princess Pingjin was naturally unwilling to accept this, but after a moment's pause, she came to understand that she was the one suffering in this situation. In fact, the person who harmed her had intentions directed at the Empress. If this investigation were to continue, it would involve not just the late Consort Yang and her one son and one daughter, but also the disgrace brought upon her as a princess during the period of mourning in the palace. If this were to spread, it would not only tarnish her reputation but also bring shame to the royal family. Therefore, regardless of whether the mastermind could be uncovered, it would not be publicized, let alone be a matter of restoring her honor.

Those two little ones certainly do not regard you and me highly!" Pingjin sneered and said, "If you don't believe me, go ask those around me. In these past few days at the Taiji Hall, how many times have I seen them come over to pay their respects voluntarily? Even when Wulang was still the Crown Prince, he observed the rules when meeting with the imperial aunts Yanqing and Jiashan. How old are those two? Who could have taught them such arrogance?

Ping Jin revealed a thoughtful expression: "This... could also be possible." It seemed she had thought of something, "The fragrance that person carries is quite different!"

Yuan Xiu took a sip of tea and, seeing that Ping Jin had calmed down considerably, finally asked in a leisurely manner: "Elder sister, what exactly is going on?"

Pingjin had a fairly good impression of Wang, and upon hearing this, he felt a bit ashamed: "It was also because of that despicable Yang person that I lost my head, causing trouble for the Empress. What does she like about hetushu.com? I will find a way to get her something similar or even better. " In the Dream Tang dynasty, there were not many princesses who were not bold and capable, and Pingjin was no exception. After agreeing, he couldn't help but add, "The Empress, after all, has no son, so she focuses her thoughts on these things. Moreover, the妖姬 of Wanchun Hall is also a bit too overbearing! The Empress should really show her some color!"

Wang noticed the fatigue on her face and felt grateful in her heart. Moreover, this matter was not something that sounded appropriate for an unmarried daughter to consider, so she thanked her and personally escorted her to the edge of the stage before stopping.

"The matters of the harem are to be decided by Fifth Sister-in-law; what is my involvement?" Yuan Xiu wearily rubbed his forehead, "It is merely that you all have caused too much commotion. One is my elder sister-in-law, and the other is my stepmother. With Fifth Brother not in the palace, Fifth Sister-in-law finds herself in a difficult position, which is why she dragged me over to mediate. As for why I asked you instead of asking Lady Yang... you are my elder sister. When something happens, it is natural for a younger sister to inquire out of concern for you, that person. " It is merely that you all have caused too much commotion. One is my elder sister-in-law, and the other is my stepmother. With Fifth Brother not in the palace, Fifth Sister-in-law finds herself in a difficult position, which is why she dragged me over to mediate. As for why I asked you instead of asking Lady Yang... you are my elder sister. When something happens, it is natural for a younger sister to inquire out of concern for you, that person. " A hint of annoyance welled up in her eyes, "Listen to what she just said! She keeps invoking the late Emperor. If that is the case, when the late Emperor passed away, why did she not accompany Consort Sheng in death? What grievances cannot be properly articulated? Seeking death and despairing, losing the Li family's dignity is one thing, but if it spreads, it will lead people to think that Fifth Brother has wronged his stepmother! If it were not for the sake of Third Brother and Seventh Sister..." What grievances cannot be properly articulated? Seeking death and despairing, losing the Li family's dignity is one thing, but if it spreads, it will lead people to think that Fifth Brother has wronged his stepmother! If it were not for the sake of Third Brother and Seventh Sister..."

Xing Niang agreed, and Ping Jin suddenly asked: "Aren't you going to ask that scoundrel Yang and the librarian?"

Yuan Xiu then understood why Pingjin held Zhao Lihui in such low regard, but still offered a reminder: "The nephews are still young; it is sufficient for them to have a mentor to guide them. Why should the elder sister quibble with the young ones?"

Where is everyone? Yuan Xiu just noticed that not only is the person involved in this matter not here, but even Geng Jingzhai is absent.

Yuan Xiu nodded and said, "Sister is here, I will take my leave first." Standing up, he whispered, "Fifth Sister has it tough; look at these few items on the ground, they are all her cherished possessions. But today, she said nothing. If you can, Sister, please do not make it too difficult for her."

Yuan Xiu did not want to speak ill of her fifth brother, so she merely said: "Zhao Lihui is, after all, the biological mother of King Han and King Wei. As the elder sister, she should be cautious in her words for the sake of her nephews"

Jiu Mei, since it does not concern you, of course you are not anxious!" Ping Jin said resentfully, "In my household, there are many handsome and charming young men. It is only for a few days that they come to the palace to keep vigil for Empress Dowager Zhao Xian. Do you really think I am someone of importance? How can I endure this!"

Pingjin spoke urgently, and Yuanxiu took a moment before saying: "Please tell me about the circumstances of your being drugged."

Yuan Xiu's heart stirred: "Was it that person who bumped into you? Could it be that someone tampered with you at that time?"

She frowned and did not continue speaking; Pingjin already understood: "That wretched person is lowly and rude, how can she be compared to a talented person like Sheng?"

Although Pingjin is extravagant and the princess's residence is filled with young men, not just anyone is deemed worthy of attention. Especially after suffering such a significant loss this time, had it not been for Geng Jingzhai's exceptional medical skills, which allowed him to diagnose the remaining poison in her body after a night, it would have been impossible to explain the situation. However, for the sake of the Li family's reputation and her own dignity, this matter cannot be made public. The palace maid who had her eat vegetarian food has already been sacrificed, so her anger can only be directed towards this young male attendant.

"What can the palace maid say?" Yuan Xiu furrowed his brow and pressed for an answer

Yuan Xiu was taken aback: "Is that palace maid among those to be buried with the deceased? It can't be a case of impersonation, can it?"

Pingjin curled her lips slightly. At this moment, the Empress had finished cleansing her face, re-styled her hair, and changed her clothes. She hesitated, likely because Yuanxiu had already persuaded Pingjin once, and she had also gone to comfort Yang Taifei with a few words before finally making her way over.

"It can't be wrong!" Princess Pingjin said with certainty, "Just now I informed the Empress, and she immediately sent someone to call the person to the corner as I described. Indeed, it was the palace maid designated for burial! By now, she is probably already dead!"

Sheng Cairen was the beloved concubine of the late emperor, known for her grace and loyalty. After the late emperor's passing, she voluntarily chose to follow him in death, leaving behind the tenth son of Emperor Xianzong, Prince Xu, Li You

Yuan Xiu sighed, saying: "This matter is indeed a loss for the eldest sister; the fifth brother certainly understands, but the truth will not come to light."

At that time, I didn't think much of it. Given Pingjin's temperament, if she had noticed something unusual about the food, it would have been strange if she hadn't caused a scene. As I recalled, "Since Man'er wanted plum blossoms when we left in the morning, I remembered there seemed to be a patch of spring plums near the Four Seas Pond, so I took a detour to the back. Who would have thought that as I approached, someone hurriedly ran over from the opposite side, and upon seeing me, did not even try to avoid me, crashing right into me! At that moment, I was about to scold him for his rudeness, but I didn't know how... Finally, I heard someone cough behind the rockery, which startled me awake!"

Wang took Tao Niang to the rear sleeping quarters, while Xing Niang swiftly brought new tea for Ping Jin and Yuan Xiu. Without even tidying up the floor, she quietly withdrew.

Pingjin thought for a moment and angrily said: "Once the matter is clarified, it must be related to that lowly person. At that time, let us see how I deal with her"

This is simple; before taking him out of the palace, just strangle his tongue, isn't it?" Ping Jinsen sneered coldly, "I will have someone fetch a dose of hemostatic medicine from Geng Jingzhai shortly!"

She said resentfully, "Fine, but leave that wretched servant from the brothel to me, and I will deal with her myself"

Yuan Xiu took the opportunity to take his leave: "Eldest sister has calmed down; matters of the harem should indeed be handled by Fifth Sister. I shall not remain here to listen."

This is merely a trivial matter for Yuan Xiu: "It is sufficient for the elder sister and Fifth Sister-in-law to discuss this matter. However, if the elder sister does not wish to kill him outright, it would be wise to keep an eye on him to prevent him from speaking recklessly."

Pingjin let out a sigh: "She said she knows nothing!"

Please continue to speak about when you discovered that there were medicinal properties in the ingredients or tea.

"It must be that wretched woman!" Pingjin exclaimed, only to be shot a glare by Yuanxiu: "After all, she was the consort of the late emperor, the honored dowager appointed by Fifth Brother. Without concrete evidence, do not speak carelessly!"

Yuan Xiu could not help but say: "Is there really no way to clarify this?"

She was originally meant to be buried with him. Moreover, with such a short amount of time, what can be asked? We cannot keep her for that reason; otherwise, the Ministry of Rites will investigate and escalate the matter

"The queen's people are watching," Pingjin scoffed, "It's truly laughable! Early this morning, the queen's people were worried that I had hidden someone in my carriage. They went on and on about it, so I simply had someone lift the curtain to put their minds at ease"

Pingjin noticed the faint blush on her profile, realizing that he had lost his words. Zhao Xian and Empress Wang were both daughters of the Wang family from Taiyuan, descendants of the noble Wang clan, who were raised with the teachings of virtue. Even in this lavish and extravagant Dream Tang dynasty, they still adhered to the ancient customs of chastity and propriety. Naturally, Yuan Xiu found it hard to accept such words.

Wugong allowed me to come and go freely through the Yongchun Gate during the period of Empress Dowager Zhao Xian's mourning, so I returned a bit late last night. At that time, a palace servant from the Taiji Hall came to inquire, saying that the Shangsijiu had just sent over some vegetarian pastries and asked if I would like to have some before leaving. Princess Pingjin gritted her teeth and said, "At that moment, I was both hungry and tired. Hearing her mention that the vegetarian pastries were in the side hall, I didn't think much of it and followed her there. After having some, the palace servant poured me a cup of hot tea. I thought to myself that this palace servant was different from the others there; the others were either terrified to death or crying so hard they could barely stand. Yet she still had the presence of mind to attend to me. It's a pity that the imperial decree has been issued; if it were for something else, I would have wanted to plead with Wugong on her behalf..."

Yuan Xiu fell silent for a moment, then raised his voice to call in Xing Niang: "How is it going over at Fifth Sister's place? Have someone come in to clean up the floor."