Chapter 55
**Chapter 55: The Ruler Looks Down on the Ants' Quarrels**
Hearing the slightly puzzled words of the Yan Wang, the Wangfei felt a heavy stone lift from her heart. She had expected Shen Wei to seize the moment and report her grievances to the Yan Wang. However, judging by his expression, it seemed Shen Wei had kept today’s events to herself.
The Wangfei couldn’t help but mock Shen Wei internally; she was truly timid and destined to achieve nothing great.
She informed the Yan Wang of their identities: “Your Highness, this woman is Zhang Shi from the Rose Courtyard, and beside her is San Lang, the stable boy of the Wangfu.”
The Yan Wang stared at the unfamiliar face of Zhang Yue, trying to recall where he had seen her before. After a moment, he remembered—she was the pregnant concubine. His impression of Zhang Yue was far from favorable; she was vain, cunning, and malicious. Even if she had miraculously become pregnant, he wouldn’t bother with her.
Zhang Yue sat on the ground, her heart sinking to the depths of despair. She had thought that by exposing Shen Wei’s supposed affair, she could regain the Yan Wang’s favor. Little did she know that within half a day, she and San Lang had been captured by the Wangfei.
The way the Yan Wang looked at her was filled with unfamiliarity and disgust... Zhang Yue felt a chill run through her; he didn’t even remember her face. Even if Shen Wei fell from grace, could she, Zhang Yue, truly gain his affection?
“Bring in the maid Fang’er,” the Wangfei commanded, taking the empty seat beside the Yan Wang.
Liu Mama entered with the maid Fang’er in tow.
The Wangfei said coolly, “Fang’er, relay to His Highness what you told me today.”
Fang’er knelt down with a thud, bowing her head heavily: “This servant reports that Zhang Yue has been engaging in an affair, bringing disgrace to the Wangfu. Her crimes are unforgivable!”
The room fell silent.
After another bow, Fang’er continued, “Zhang Yue is jealous of Shen Zhuzi’s favor and even accused Shen Zhuzi today. Thankfully, the Wangfei has keen insight and restored Shen Zhuzi’s honor.”
The Yan Wang furrowed his brows, looking at Shen Wei.
Shen Wei offered a weak smile: “Your Highness, please don’t worry. The Wangfei has seen through it all and has cleared my name.”
The Yan Wang recalled the red marks on Shen Wei’s wrist. Could it be that the Wangfei had sent someone to do this? Just as he was about to inquire further, Zhang Yue began to cry and defend herself: “Your Highness, please see! The child in my womb truly belongs to you!”
Her sharp voice gave the Yan Wang a headache.
Fang’er quickly bowed again: “Your Highness! I have served in the Rose Courtyard for many days and have repeatedly seen San Lang enter Zhang Yue’s room. They have been secretly meeting!”
Zhang Yue, terrified, let her tears fall in large drops: “Your Highness, I am innocent! For the sake of the child in my womb, I beg you to see the truth!”
As Zhang Yue pleaded, Fang’er swore to counter her claims, while San Lang trembled in fear.
The Yan Wang, overwhelmed by the noise, slammed down his teacup: “Whether it’s true or not, we’ll know once it’s sent to the Tiger Guard’s court for interrogation.”
The court was where the Tiger Guard interrogated criminals. Generally, one would go in standing and come out flayed.
The Tiger Guard was different from the usual guards of the Wangfu. They were a private army maintained by the Yan Wang, responsible for executing his orders and ensuring his safety.
Outside, the Wangfu guards received their orders and dragged Zhang Yue and San Lang out of the main hall. The two cried out for mercy, but the guards simply dislocated their jaws.
They were dragged out like trash, out of the Liuli Pavilion.
Shen Wei watched in shock. She had thought Fang’er and Zhang Yue would argue for a long time. In reality, Zhang Yue only made a few feeble defenses before the Yan Wang lost interest.
Those in power never cared for the squabbles of ants.
“Your Highness is wise,” the Wangfei said, rising slowly to bow to the Yan Wang. “It’s getting late, and Cheng Ke and Cheng Zhen will be returning from school. I shall take my leave.”
With Zhang Yue and San Lang taken away, they wouldn’t survive the night. With those two gone, Shen Wei wouldn’t dare report anything to the Yan Wang, leaving the Wangfei with no worries.
The Wangfei felt relieved and was about to leave with Liu Mama and the maid.
Just as she took a couple of steps, the Yan Wang’s cold voice rang out: “Mother has been unwell this year. The Wangfei should copy three volumes of Buddhist scriptures and deliver them to her tomorrow.”
The Wangfei’s body suddenly stiffened.
She turned in shock to see the Yan Wang seated in the main position. He looked like a statue, his face as cold and flawless as jade, the black and gold crown on his head reflecting a chilling light. He was stern and solemn, devoid of any emotion.
Strange, distant.
The Wangfei’s heart tightened; the Yan Wang must have guessed her scheme with Zhang Yue and realized she was trying to shift the blame...
Copying three volumes of scriptures was a punishment for her. It was a reprimand for being the mistress of the Wangfu, mistreating her concubines, and failing to discern right from wrong.
“I... I understand,” the Wangfei stammered, her knees weakening.
Liu Mama supported her as they slowly left the Liuli Pavilion.
The sunlight was blinding. Seeing the Wangfei’s pale face, Liu Mama worriedly said, “Wangfei, the Yan Wang is warning you. Could it be that Shen Wei is secretly instigating this, reporting you behind your back?”
The Wangfei shook her head: “Shen Wei is short-sighted; she doesn’t have that capability... The Yan Wang simply despises me now.”
The couple had grown distant, their mutual disdain palpable.
When the Yan Wang no longer loved someone, even her breathing felt wrong.
“This time, it was my carelessness,” the Wangfei said wearily, rubbing her temples. “From now on, I won’t concern myself with the matters of the Liuli Pavilion. Shen Wei comes from humble beginnings; even if she bears a child, she will never threaten my position.”
Upon reflection, she had two sons and a daughter, backed by the powerful Dantai family. A mere peasant girl like Shen Wei posed no threat to her.
Yet...
The image of the Yan Wang holding Shen Wei’s hand tightly flashed in her mind, and she felt a pang of bitterness. She still cared, cared about the Yan Wang’s affection for other women.
Once upon a time, she too had been in her prime, just married into the Wangfu, and had shared beautiful moments of love with the Yan Wang. She had naively believed that their love would last forever.
But time was merciless; she had aged and lost her beauty, while the Yan Wang’s heart was drawn to those flower-like newcomers. She had tried to win him back, but it was all in vain.
In the end, she was left utterly disappointed in the Yan Wang, pouring all her heart and soul into her children.
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