A Mistaken Marriage Match: Mysteries in the Imperial Harem - chapter-79

Mysteries in the Imperial Harem: Chapter 79
Chapter 79: Ling Shui Alliance

Prime Minister Residence

Under the thick dark night, there was not a trace of wave on the deep
lake and the clear cool moonlight added a sight on the deep plated lake.
Two tall figures sat opposite of one another in front of Lan Yue Tower
and the stone table was already filled up with vats of wine. The
purple-clad male hand his hands on his forehead as his eyes slightly
narrowed, which an expression of unable to drink more. But under closer
scrutiny, it was not difficult to find a trace of clarity.

Seeing that the opposite outstretched hand was about to pick up another
vat of wine, the purple clad male finally could not resist to say, “The
hour is no longer early, the Emperor still not going back to the Palace?”

Yan Hong Tian’s hand stop mid-air as his brows raise, “Is Noble Official
is hurrying Zhen like this?”

“This official don’t dare.” Lou Xi Yan said he didn’t dare but he had
already place the wine jar under the table, indicating that he did not
let him continue to drink.

With one hand propped on the leg of the table, Yan Hong Tian cast a
sidelong glance at the wine vat under the table and when he reached out,
the wine vat was returned to his hands as he sighed, “The Prime Minster
who gave a Huan Jade when he gifts would be so petty as to bring Hua Diao
Niang to fool Zhen and now even not let drink?”

“There are only Hua Diao Niang and Xiang Xue Chun kind of light wine in
the Prime Minister’s residence. The Palace have plenty varieties of the
heavy and matured alcohol that the Emperor wants to drink.” He took his
cup and poured it a side and Lou Xi Yan did not stop him since there was
only one jar left, “Speaking about the Nuan Jade, that is a gift for a
nephew, how would Xi Yan dare to neglect?”

Yan Hong Tian drank his cup of wine with one mouthful and poured it full
himself, without forcing Lou Xi Yan to continue drinking. That pair of
dark eyes stared at Lou Xi Yan and teased, “Since when have you become
your wife’s servant?”

Lou Xi Yan did not get angry and slightly smile, “Comparing to General
So, I am nowhere near.”

As Yan Hong Tian held the wine cup, the teasing look on his face faded as
his brows kitted, “It was indeed unexpected for Su Ling to gift such an
thing over.” Su Ling was solitary by nature and had never had deep
relationships with any minister in court and because there were no
females in the Su Family, he did not have any relations in the Inner
Palace. At that time, he degreed Qing Mo to Su Ling and its sole purpose
was to pull him closer to Lou Xi Yan but did not think that he would sent
a ” ornament to Qing Feng’s child. This was an obviously indicating to be
the support for Qing Feng. For Su Ling to have such a change in mind,
what could be the reason?

Yan Hong Tian obviously have some worries but Lou Xi Yan instead laughed,
“No matter how precious the gift is, General Su will gift to win a
beauty’s heart.”

“Qing Mo?” It was really because of that little girl?

Thinking of that afternoon when the assassins from Ju Ling Island
kidnapped the official and demanded the court to hand over Qing Mo, Su
Ling that look of protecting at all cost, Yan Hong Tian suddenly
understood a little. He even dared to publicly contradict the Empress and
use the entire Su Clan’s reputation to protect Qing Mo, so sending a Ya
Zi ornament was really nothing worth to fuss.

Qing Mo…

That girl look weak and fragile but her skills were not weak. The most
peculiar thing was that even the Su Family of military forces also listen
to her instruction. As his fingers gently rubbed against the white jade
wine cup, Yan Hong Tian smiled, “That female is indeed interesting, no
wonder Su Ling treated her like a treasure. Her abilities should not be
only like that right?”

Qing Mo’s specialities were not just what was seen in the afternoon but
Lou Xi Yan did not intend to elaborate more and just laughed off the
question and asked instead, “The thing that happened the last time, it
should not be an accident.”

For Lou Xi Yan to suddenly change the subject, after so many years of
understanding, Yan Hong Tian naturally know which incident he was
referring to, “After the rocks rolled down, Ming Jian immediately went up
the mountain to investigate and it was indeed someone had loosen the
rocks and took the opportunity to create this ‘accident’. But other than
some loosen soil, there was nothing else. To be able to creating such a
ruckus, the person(s) would not have been in the residence for a short
time but not one person in the entire Imperial Guard noticed.”

“Oh?” It was that efficient? “There was not a little trace at all?”

“Yes.” Using his finger, Yan Hong Tian dipped it with a little wine and
drew some pattern on the stone table as he replied, “At the other
residence, they were very careful and did not leave any trace behind. But
there was only one route to Shu Chuan Courtyard so Ming Jian discovered
extinguished ashes and nearby there was 3 persons’ footsteps and also
discovered a diamond shaped marking.”

Lou Xi Yan looked down and saw a diamond shaped pattern with two
intersecting crosses connecting (++). Usually this was a fixed mark use
for liaison so it was definitely not a small-scale organisation. Lou Xi
Yan guessed, “The people from Ju Ling Island?”

“The actions of the people from Ju Ling Island were of a cornered beast
that would do anything and held Qing Mo just to strike demands. With
regards to Qing Feng’s attack, they would not have a single advantage.
Ming Jian had already investigated that symbol and it belonged to Ling
Shui Alliance, a Jianghu clan.”

Ling Shui Alliance? When Lou Xi Yan heard that name, his face stiffen. If
Ju Ling Island was a place that only recognise money and not people, then
Ling Shui Alliance was much more mysterious. According to Jianghu
rumours, Ling Shui Alliance’s leader was as principled as he was evil and
prefer to travel alone. They were also paid assassins but most of the
times they would be selling Jianghu’s news and would not interfere and
make an enemy with the court. Who in the court would be able to make the
people from Ling Shui Alliance move? If there was one, then this person
had a close relationship to the sect who sell secrets, which meant that
his plans would no longer be this simple. Or was it someone who purposely
left behind this mark? To divert the attention? With some doubts in his
heart, Lou Xi Yan softly said, “This matter must be investigate clearly.”

“Ming Jian had gone to investigate it.”

Yan Hong Tian’s expression was at a rest and so Lou Xi Yan guessed that
he had already arranged it earlier on and did not say anything more. Lou
Xi Yan waited till he had drank the last sip of wine and just got up to
leave before asking him faintly, “That child, how do you prepare to
handle?”

Yan Hong Tian’s stature slightly became sluggish but it was just for a
short moment before he behaved like he did not hear Yan Hong Tian’s
question and headed towards the courtyard doors.

Lou Xi Yan stared blankly as his sharp eyes squinted. Looking at that
figure going back in a bit of a hurry, his mouth could not help but
slightly raise. What was the meaning of being silent? Since when did the
broadly minded master of Qiong Yue escape like this?

*****

It was only after Wushi (modern timing: 11 am – 1 pm) and the front of
Qing Feng Hall was filled with people. The servants that were serving in
the hall were there, which was needless to say. There were also the seven
or eight mama and gugu who were sent over by the Empress Dowager to help
look after the Prince and even the other concubines and mistresses of
different palaces and their eunuchs and palace maids.

Fu Ling had been waiting in the at the front of the hall’s door very
early and from afar could see a carriage approaching. The carriage was
surrounded by eunuchs and mama and there were so Imperial Guards
protecting in the front and back. This entourage was no less than an
Empress returning back to the Palace. Fu Ling went down the steps with
joy as she walked forward to welcome. As the carriage got closer the
Imperial Guard who was in front was exceedingly family and upon a closer
look, it was actually Ming Ze?!

Fu Ling’s heart was distracted, he also followed the Emperor out of the
Palace this time? But why was he escorting Mistress back to the Palace?
Fu Ling stared at Ming Ze in a dazed for quite a while until the entire
entourage stopped in front of Qing Feng Hall before she recovered and
stopped staring for fear of being seen by others. Fu Ling picked up her
pace and walked to the side of the carriage and softly called, “Mistress.”

A youthful hand lightly opened the curtain and Ru Yi appeared to answer
her with a smile, “Older sister Fu Ling.”

Fu Ling gently nodded her head and Ru Yi retracted to the carriage and
supported Qing Feng out of the carriage in a short while.

It was the weather of early winter and she had a large cloak wrapped
around her with a red swaddling clothed baby in her arms. She seemed to
look like how she was when she left the Palace but it was only a few
days, her face a little smoother and rounder. With both Ru Yi’s and Fu
Ling’s support, Qing Feng dismounted the carriage easily. Looking at the
thinly clad Fu Ling, she quipped, “Why is it that it was only a few days
of not seeing, my Fu Ling has become this thin?”

Fu Ling was slightly stunned. As it turns out this Mistress just came
back and started to make fun of her. She secretly rolled her eyes at Qing
Feng as Fu Ling softly nagged, “This servant is well and dare not trouble
your Ladyship!”

Knowing that she was a little angry, Qing Feng did not tease her again
and instead place the Little Prince in Fu Ling’s arms assuredly so that
she can move her hands. Fu Ling gently lifted the corner of the swaddling
cloth and saw the little baby’s mouth was slightly open as he was fast
asleep. Fu Ling praised in her heart: the Little Prince was so handsome.

“This servant greets Imperial Concubine Qing, greets the Little Prince.”

Qing Feng only just alighted from the carriage and took a few steps when
she saw everyone kneeling at Qing Feng Hall’s doors and the greetings
were clear, loud and very neatly. Qing Feng found it funny, it was the so
called the mother’s position increases due to her son.

A fifty over years old mama straightened her body up and solicitously
smiled, “Imperial Concubine Qing, the Empress Dowager empathised your
hard work and specially sent these servants to take care of the Little
Prince.”

She send four or five over to the other residence and now there is
another seven or eight person. Just how many people were required to take
care of a child? Qing Feng disapprove of it but her expression did not
change as she call out, “All raise. Xia Yin, receive the gifts from the
different palaces and thank them on behalf of Bengong. Lan-er, bring
these mama to the rooms to rest.”

Xia Yin, who was all along standing behind, did not think that Qing Feng
would call her to do things when she come back until she was being tugged
by Lan-er. Xia Yin quickly came up with Lan-er to reply, “Yes.”

The leading mama was not happy and quickly said, “Your Ladyship, the
servants are here to serve you and little master…”

Qing Feng suddenly gave an candid smile, “Bengong knows, so these
arrangement are made so that you all will stay at Qing Feng Hall and
would be more convenient to take care. When your services are needed,
naturally Bengong will call for you all. Withdraw.”

If Qing Feng chase them away, she could vow to die rather than leave but
now like this, she was not able to say anything. No matter how reluctant
mama’s heart it, she could only consent.

Fu Ling was carrying Little Master and followed behind Qing Feng. Maybe
it was an illusion but it seemed that Mistress way of doing things seemed
to be smoother and evasive, not like before where it was a sharp
approach. Maybe it was because she had this Little Prince.

After walking to the front of the house, Qing Feng turned around and
spoke to Shen Yao, who was following her the past few days, “The Little
Prince is asleep, you can go and rest.”

“Yes.” And just like the usual quietly and obediently, Shen Yao withdrew.
When she passed Fu Ling, she bowed slightly. Fu Ling turned and looked
back, this person should be the wet nurse and seemed to know how to say
within one’s role.

After three of them entered the house and closed the room doors, Fu Ling
then gave a long sigh of relief and exclaimed, “Mistress, you have
finally came back.”

Finally came back? She did not leave more than ten days. Could there be
that something had happened again? Qing Feng passed the child to Ru Yi to
bring into the inner chambers and suppressed her voice to ask, “What
happened? Could it be that something happen to Chen Zhen?”

“It is not it. Now in the Palace, everyone’s focus is on you and no one
would noticed the Cold Palace so she and the child are actually quite
good.”

“What actually happen?” Chen Zhen was alright and she had also gave birth
to a Prince smoothly. What other situation in the Palace could make Fu
Ling this worried?

After pulling Qing Feng into the study, Fu Ling then softly replied,
“Three days ago, there was a group of Jianghu’s assassins who hid in the
Gao Residence and held Gao Daren and his family as hostages to demand the
court to hand over Miss Qing or else they would destroy the entire Gao
Residence. That Gao Daren is the Empress’s blood uncle.”

“What?” Qing Feng was covered in cold sweat, “Is Mo-er alright?”

“Rest assure Mistress, General Su used his military power to protect Miss
Qing and even… Publicly contradicted the Empress. Even though Gao Daren
and family were rescued finally, but Gao Daren’s second wife was still…
Killed.”

Dead? Fortunately Su Ling was there else the Empress would have tear
Youngest Sister apart! At this moment, Qing Feng’s impression of Su Ling
got much better but she was still lost with this sudden situation, “Mo-er
is a weak and fragile girl, how would she get involved with Jianghu’s
assassins?”

Fu Ling shook her head, “This servant is not clear of the details and
only know that it was related to one of the bounty hunter by the name of
Huan Ao Tian.”

Fu Ling’s expression was sombre and it seemed that she was more worried
than her. Qing Feng’s heart warmed as she pat her hands and smiled, “In
any case, Su Ling is true to Mo-er. This is considered a good news and
you still frown.”

Qing Feng had a calm like expression like a boat had reach the harbour
but this only made Fu Ling more anxious, “Mistress, General Su this time
had completely offended the Empress and the Empress would never take this
laying down. Since she is unable to create troubles for Miss Qing and
General Su, this debt would land on your head. And now you also have a
Prince, in the future…”

“Alright, don’t say more. We will be more careful in the future.” Qing
Feng suppressed what Fu Ling was going to say because of the ten over
guards that send her back to the Palace. There were still three person
that did not leave and stood guard outside the doors of the hall. She did
not know whether the hearing of these so-called high skilled martial
artists was much more extraordinary but it would be better to play safe.

Fu Ling followed Qing Feng’s sight and looked through the half opened
window that was facing the courtyard doors and her eyes landed on Ming
Ze’s tall back. She did not know why but Fu Ling felt guilty and looked
away before asking softly, “Mistress, these guards?”

Qing Feng pushed open the doors and loudly spoke to Ming Ze who was
standing outside the courtyard doors, “Imperial Guard Ming, Bengong had
already returned to the Palace safely, you can go back to report.”

Ming Ze still continued to stand outside the hall and replied in a
distinctly cool voice, “This guard received Imperial orders to protect
the safety of Imperial Concubine Qing and the Prince.”

Qing Feng and Fu Ling was startled and both of their minds were
momentarily blank. Imperial order to protect? Then… Won’t he be in Qing
Feng Hall all the time?