Chapter Forty-One: The Conspiracy

Cheng Youchun grasped the underlying meaning in Wei Yanqiao’s words. If she visited too frequently, it would inevitably invite suspicion and unwanted attention. If things reached that point, all of Wei Yanqiao’s previous efforts would be in vain. Feeling that she should not overstay her welcome, Cheng Youchun said, "Then I shall take my leave."

She had come today merely to see for herself the state of Wei Yanqiao. Seeing her safe and sound, and observing that everything seemed to be unfolding according to her plan, the weight that had been pressing on Cheng Youchun’s heart finally lifted.

Wei Yanqiao nodded slightly. "Go. Remember, do not give anyone cause for suspicion."

Cheng Youchun nodded quickly, responding, "I understand. Rest assured."

As she turned to leave, a gloating smile appeared on Cheng Youchun’s face. With a trace of mockery, she said, "Look at the once-majestic and glorious Imperial Consort Sheng, now reduced to such a miserable state. As they say, good begets good and evil begets evil; this is truly divine retribution! You shall spend the rest of your life in this dilapidated Taoist temple!"

Having said this, Cheng Youchun burst into laughter and strode out of the room with an air of triumph.

The eunuch who had been guarding outside immediately wore a fawning and sycophantic smile as he saw Cheng Youchun emerge. With a beaming face, he said, "This servant respectfully sees off Noble Lady Cheng! Please walk slowly!"

Hearing this, Cheng Youchun turned her head slightly and cast a glance at Ping'er, who was standing not far away.

Ping'er shook her head slightly, indicating that nothing unusual had occurred.

Relieved, Cheng Youchun turned her gaze back to the smiling eunuch. A faint smile touched her lips as she said, "Ping'er, go and get some more silver for this young attendant. I am in high spirits today, so I don't mind rewarding him a bit more."

Ping'er nodded obediently, took a few pieces of gleaming silver from her purse, and placed them into the eunuch's hands.

The eunuch was overjoyed. He hurriedly took the silver with both hands, thanking her profusely, "Many thanks for Noble Lady Cheng's generous reward! May everything go as you wish, and may your blessings be as vast as the heavens!"

After the eunuch’s endless expressions of gratitude, a radiant Cheng Youchun left with Ping'er.

The young eunuch then tiptoed to the door, peering cautiously through a crack to see how Wei Yanqiao was faring. He hadn't witnessed what happened inside earlier and had been quite anxious, fearing that the Noble Lady might have acted impulsively and killed her. If a life were lost, he would be unable to escape the blame.

When he saw Wei Yanqiao struggling to rise from the cold floor in her disheveled and wretched state, then wobbling back to the table to resume copying the thick volumes of scriptures, his heart finally settled. As long as she was alive, nothing else mattered to him.

Wei Yanqiao sensed she was being watched. She lifted her head, cast a cold, sharp glance toward the door, and curled her lip in disdain. She lowered her head to continue writing, but silently communicated with Wei Tianze in her mind: "Tianze, what is the situation now?"

Wei Tianze's steady and resolute voice echoed in her mind: "Master, I have secretly contacted several local officials to jointly report the severity of the disasters in their regions. I expect these memorials will reach the imperial court in a day or two, which will surely cause a stir. As for Father’s collaboration with neighboring countries to invade the border, I am unsure of the status; I shall write to Father shortly to inquire and urge for my eldest brother to lead the troops into battle as soon as possible."

"Inquire clearly and report to me immediately. Furthermore, when you write to your eldest brother, be sure to emphasize that he must suffer a defeat in this campaign. It would not hurt to cede one or two cities to the neighboring countries as a generous gift of appreciation. Also, regarding the mole within the military camp, ensure you preserve the key evidence; there must be no lapses."

"Understood!"

Wei Yanqiao’s face was cold as frost. As the exalted Son of Heaven, besides his preoccupation with the state and the prosperity of his descendants, surely he must also be concerned about the omens of heaven?

If the prince born of the Empress were viewed as a baleful disaster, could the position of Crown Prince be firmly established? Thinking of this, Wei Yanqiao let out a cold laugh and buried her head back into her copying.

The maid who had left yesterday returned, this time clutching a thick stack of snow-white paper. She walked hurriedly to Wei Yanqiao's side.

After performing a formal bow, the maid said softly, "Miss, this is the paper you require for copying the scriptures."

Wei Yanqiao nodded slightly in thanks. Staring at the blank sheets, she felt a flare of intense anger, grinding her teeth. Xiao Ceyun was indeed thoughtful! Knowing her supply was nearly exhausted, he had specially sent so much more.

The maid nodded and continued, "Miss, Chief Steward Bi has specifically instructed that the number of scriptures you copied in the past few days was far too low. When I return in three days to collect your work, you must have copied all of this paper."

Wei Yanqiao’s eyes widened in shock. "What? This amount of paper is more than enough to copy the scriptures two or three times over! Do you mean to say I must copy the scriptures hundreds of times in a mere three days?"

The maid nodded gently and replied respectfully, "That is correct, Miss. Furthermore, Chief Steward Bi has emphasized that your daily practice of chanting and paying homage to the Buddha must not be neglected; you must spend two full hours each day in focused chanting."

Wei Yanqiao felt a mix of rage and amusement. What a man, Xiao Ceyun! He clearly intended to work her to death. Not only was she required to spend two hours a day in devout chanting, but now she had to copy hundreds of pages of scriptures without a moment's rest...

Once the maid had finished delivering her instructions, she bowed to Wei Yanqiao and said softly, "This servant will return in three days to collect the scriptures. I shall take my leave now."

With that, the maid turned and slowly walked away.