Chapter 9: Concealment
Zhang Lingyang unconsciously identified himself with the identity of the emperor and said: "This name is not pleasant to hear, I shall bestow upon you another name, Xiaofuzi, what do you think?"
Upon reflection, Queen Wang indeed realized that, as Noble Consort Gao had said, even if the Emperor were to visit her tonight, she would not have the strength to 'serve' him any longer
After taking a bath and changing clothes, Zhang Lingyang lay down on the bed together with Queen Wang
Noble Concubine said: "During the day, Her Majesty the Empress has been busy all day long, and she must be extremely fatigued. How could she possibly have the time to attend to His Majesty? It would be better for His Majesty to come to me instead"
Is it not true that Wang Qin colluded with thieves, intending to commit acts of great treachery?
Seeing Zhang Lingyang standing there in good health, the Empress Dowager could not help but let out a sigh of relief and stepped forward to inquire with concern: "Is His Majesty all right?"
After rising, the ministers left the palace in groups of three or five
However, Queen Wang seemed to be oblivious, gazing at Zhang Lingyang with eyes full of waves, hoping that Zhang Lingyang would agree.
Under the service of numerous palace maids, Zhang Lingyang completed his washing and dressing, and then walked to the main hall
Upon seeing this, Queen Wang stepped forward with concern and said, "Your Majesty, the Yangxin Palace has been destroyed. Why not rest for the night at my place?"
After a whole day of exhaustion, Zhang Lingyang was naturally disinclined to work. At this moment, upon hearing Empress Wang's words, he was just about to respond in agreement, but unexpectedly, the Noble Consort Gao spoke up.
The young eunuch replied: "I report to Your Majesty that I have inquired, and during this period, Wang Qin has frequently left the palace, and his movements have been rather suspicious. It is likely that Wang Qin has colluded with thieves, intending to secretly harm Your Majesty, and thus set fire to the Yangxin Hall. Fortunately, Your Majesty is blessed, successfully escaping unharmed, and as a result, both Wang Qin and the thieves have ensnared themselves, being burned alive by the very fire they set."
In the imperial harem, who does not know that today the Empress has monopolized the Emperor for the entire day
Hmm, this young man can speak well, he has a bright future!" Zhang Lingyang nodded in satisfaction.
Thank you, Your Majesty! Little Fuzai stood up, unable to conceal the joy on his face.
However, after the young eunuch's narration, the loophole was covered up, how could Zhang Lingyang not feel satisfied in his heart
As she spoke, the Noble Consort's eyes were filled with anticipation
Oh? Zhang Lingyang became interested and asked, "Are there any casualties? Has Li Yu's body been found?"
I wish to be alone for a while, you all may leave!" Upon seeing a lake ahead, Zhang Lingyang's eyes lit up, and he waved away the crowd, making his way to the lakeside alone
The sky outside is dim and gloomy, and outside the Changchun Palace, a group of eunuchs and palace maids are already waiting, waiting for Zhang Lingyang to get up
At this moment, a young eunuch hurried over, glanced at the ministers, and shouted: "Imperial edict from His Majesty!"
At this point, the young eunuch dared not speak further
In fact, Zhang Lingyang is asking knowingly.
At this time, the fire has gradually weakened.
Upon finishing speaking, a snoring sound suddenly emerged from between the nostrils
Gently nudging Zhang Lingyang, Empress Wang softly called in his ear: "Your Majesty, it is time to get up"
After having breakfast with Queen Wang, Zhang Lingyang left Changchun Palace and, under the guidance of Xiao Fuzai, arrived at the Imperial Garden
Seeing Queen Wang sitting on the bed, a young eunuch was kneeling on the ground, seemingly saying something.
What is your name? Zhang Lingyang asked
Oh? With a feigned expression of concern, Zhang Lingyang asked: "Have you found out the identities of those two corpses?"
Fearing that he might reveal himself, Zhang Lingyang deliberated for a long time before stepping forward to the Empress Dowager and saying: "Mother, it is getting late; you should return to the palace and rest soon"
At this moment, the true mistress of the harem, Empress Dowager Xu, also arrived.
Hmm! Zhang Lingyang squinted his sleepy eyes and weakly said, "Let today's morning court be canceled; I will catch up on some sleep!"
However, Zhang Lingyang turned to Empress Wang and said: "Wang Qin has committed many injustices, and I shall not speak further on that. However, Li Yu has served me for many years, and last night he perished while saving me. I cannot treat a meritorious minister unjustly."
"Continue speaking, I grant you pardon!" Pretending to be nonchalant, Zhang Lingyang inquired
At this moment, Zhang Lingyang had no intention of having them 'serve' him, and he spoke up: "I shall rest in the Empress's quarters tonight"
That is fine! The Empress Dowager nodded noncommittally; after all, she was an elderly person who had gotten up in the middle of the night, concerned about her good son along the way. At this moment, seeing that Zhang Lingyang was unharmed, she finally felt relieved
Suddenly, Queen Wang shouted outside, "By the Emperor's decree, today's morning court session is canceled"
Upon seeing Zhang Lingyang enter, Empress Wang rose and said: "What about the great fire at the Yangxin Hall last night?"
I am also weary, you may all withdraw!" Zhang Lingyang waved his hand to dismiss the concubines.
It is ! ''
Although Zhang Lingyang did not know the Empress Dowager and was unaware of her appearance, he could not resist the repeated calls from the young eunuch beside him. Coupled with the large number of palace maids and eunuchs following the Empress Dowager, as well as the numerous consorts bowing in greeting, Zhang Lingyang naturally came to know who the Empress Dowager was
The young eunuch replied: "Last night, I conducted an inquiry among the palace maids and eunuchs serving in the Yangxin Hall. I found that, apart from the disappearance of Lord Wang Qin, everyone else is safe and sound. It seems that the corpse must undoubtedly belong to Lord Wang. As for the other corpse..."
Zhang Lingyang was naturally unaware of all this; instead, he took the delicate little hand of Empress Wang, chatting and laughing as they made their way to the Changchun Palace
Having set aside the anxious heart, one naturally feels a sense of fatigue without even realizing it
The remaining concubines, upon seeing this, could not help but understand the thoughts of the Noble Consort in her heart, and thus they all began to speak, "inviting" Zhang Lingyang to their palaces to "rest".
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lingyang slightly furrowed his brow: "My name contains the character 'Ling'. Do you know that your name is a taboo? It cannot be allowed; you must change your name"
Queen Wang smiled and said: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. I have heard that Li Yu has a younger brother outside the palace!"
Upon hearing this, all the ministers knelt down in unison
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lingyang could not help but narrow his eyes: "Since yesterday morning, I have not seen Wang Qin's figure; how could he be in the Yangxin Hall? Moreover, what is the matter with that man's corpse?"
During this time, Zhang Lingyang did not engage in any intimate activities with Empress Wang, but instead held her warm body, and before long, he fell into a deep sleep
The young eunuch replied: "Your Majesty, the body of Master Li has been found. However, in addition to Master Li's body, I also discovered two other corpses in the Yangxin Hall."
Especially the Noble Consort, when parting, turned back to glance at Zhang Lingyang, her eyes filled with deep resentment
Zhang Lingyang could only respond with a forced smile, saying: "Mother, please rest assured, I am fine!"
Seeing Zhang Lingyang's appearance, Empress Wang felt both angry and amused. However, thinking back to yesterday, when the Emperor had worked hard all day and then encountered a great fire at night, it was likely that he was extremely exhausted; otherwise, he would not be like this
In response to this, the ministers speculated among themselves: "Surely His Majesty must have had a sleepless night last night"
After giving a few more instructions to Zhang Lingyang, the Empress Dowager finally turned and left, surrounded by a large group of palace maids and eunuchs
Saying this, Zhang Lingyang looked at Xiaofuzi: "Xiaofuzi, this matter is entrusted to you, and you must handle it properly"
Upon meeting the Empress Dowager, Zhang Lingyang actually felt a bit embarrassed in his heart
Zhang Lingyang nodded and said: "Then convey my imperial decree, granting Li Yu's brother a hundred acres of fertile land and one thousand taels of silver, to comfort the spirit of Li Yu in heaven"
The servant is named Xiao Lingzi! the young eunuch replied
Outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the civil and military officials waiting to attend the morning court naturally learned about the great fire at the Palace of Nourishing the Heart last night, and they were discussing it in groups of three to five.
In fact, Zhang Lingyang's plan has many flaws, and the corpses of Wang Qin and Zhao Chenxi are the most significant flaw
The group of concubines reluctantly left the Hall of Nourishing Heart
In the bedroom, Queen Wang opened her eyes and looked at Zhang Lingyang, who was sleeping beside her, a happy smile appearing at the corners of her mouth
Upon hearing Queen Wang's words, the other concubines turned their gazes, their eyes filled with scrutiny
Rise, from now on you shall serve before me!
Zhang Lingyang said: "What are you talking about?"
Having finished speaking, the young eunuch hurriedly exited the Hall of Supreme Harmony
After speaking, Queen Wang reclined on the bed, her eyes fixed intently on Zhang Lingyang's face without blinking
In the Changchun Palace, when Zhang Lingyang awoke, the sky was already bright.
"Yes!" the young eunuch replied, "Apart from Master Wang, I found another corpse, which is that of an adult male. Furthermore... I also discovered a secret passage leading outside the palace within the Yangxin Hall."
Xiao Fuzai was instantly overjoyed and hurriedly knelt down, saying: "This servant, Xiao Fuzai, thanks Your Majesty for bestowing this name!"
The young eunuch said: "Your Majesty's decree, today's morning court is canceled"
After all, I have killed the son of the Empress Dowager