MCSCPM -Chapter 293 Trying to Find a Way to See the Emperor

The guards asked her, hoping to hear what she wanted to say.

After a long pause, Mei’er struggled to speak, “Miss… please tell my mistress… I… I’ve wronged her… I… I can’t… I can’t serve her anymore.”

It was as if she were giving her last words.

After saying this, Mei’er started coughing painfully, even coughing up streaks of blood. The young maid quickly stepped forward, wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth, worriedly asking, “Miss Mei’er, are you alright?”

Suddenly, Mei’er collapsed onto the bed, gasping for air as if she couldn’t get a full breath. Her eyes widened, and her hands gripped the bedsheet tightly.

Through clenched teeth, she called out, “Mistress… Mistress!”

The guards and the young maid were terrified.

After a moment, Mei’er loosened her grip and finally seemed to catch her breath, closing her eyes and remaining still.

The maid and guards stared for a long while before placing their hands near her nose—and realized she was no longer breathing.

“What do we do? Miss Mei’er… she’s dead!”

Everyone froze in shock. For a long time, no one recovered. If Mei’er had died, the guards would surely face punishment.

After a while, one guard said, “Miss Mei’er’s death is connected to Miss Shangguan. This is serious.”

“What should we do?”

“It concerns Miss Shangguan and the Shangguan household. This matter… might need to be reported to the Emperor,” the guard thought carefully.

But they were only guards stationed at the suburban residence by Prince Jing. Seeing the Emperor was impossible—it was just wishful thinking. The only option was to go to Prince Jing’s residence first.

The guards hurried to the Prince’s mansion, planning to inform Zhong Liang of the situation.

Zhong Liang was a second-rank guard in the Prince’s residence, slightly lower in status than Leng Feng and Leng Yi.

Arriving at the mansion, the guards rushed to the backyard but did not find Zhong Liang. They asked, “Where is Guard Zhong?”

A servant said, “Guard Zhong is practicing martial arts on the back hill.”

Hearing this, the guards quickly went to the back hill, where they saw Zhong Liang practicing. His martial arts skills were decent but still not as strong as Leng Feng or Leng Yi.

Seeing the guards in a panic, Zhong Liang sheathed his sword and asked, “Weren’t you in the suburbs? Why are you here?”

Breathless and nervous, the guard blurted out, “Guard Zhong… Miss Mei’er has died in the suburban residence.”

Zhong Liang’s expression immediately turned serious. “How did this happen?”

“It was Miss Shangguan. She whipped Miss Mei’er. She couldn’t bear it, and then…” The guard couldn’t finish the sentence.

“Miss Shangguan is known for being arrogant, but I never expected she’d cause a death.”

“Guard Zhong, what do we do now? This matter must be reported to the Emperor, since it involves the Shangguan household.”

Zhong Liang nodded thoughtfully, frowning. But seeing the Emperor was far from easy.

“You know, we’re only guards of Prince Jing’s residence. It’s impossible for us to enter the palace and see the Emperor. With Prince Jing absent, this matter… is tricky,” Zhong Liang admitted.

If Leng Feng and Leng Yi were present, entering the palace would have been simple. As it stood, Zhong Liang was the only one who could make decisions in the Prince’s residence.

Seeing Zhong Liang still deep in thought, the guard patted his forehead and urged, “Guard Zhong, we can’t delay any longer. You must think of a way quickly.”

Zhong Liang thought for a moment, anxious, then suddenly remembered something. He clapped his hands. “Right! Even if we can’t see the Emperor, we can see Consort Lan. Tomorrow, the palace consorts will go to the temple for blessings. At that time, we can approach Consort Lan, report this matter to her first, and then have her inform the Emperor.”

“But there are so many palace guards. We might not be able to reach Consort Lan,” the other guard said.

“There will be a way,” Zhong Liang said. “What about Miss Mei’er’s body?”

“It’s still in the residence. No one dared to move it.”

“Alright. We’ll deal with that after informing Consort Lan,” Zhong Liang said.

The guards nodded. They began planning how to meet Consort Lan the next day.

Meanwhile, in the palace:

Consort Lan had been in a very good mood these days. Sitting in her chair, she sipped tea while watching the palace maids prepare the garments for tomorrow’s blessing ceremony.

“Your Highness, these are all your favorites. Which one will you choose for tomorrow?” a maid asked.

Consort Lan’s eyes scanned the garments. Shaking her head, she said, “These are all too flashy. I cannot wear them. Tomorrow, we are going to pray for the Emperor and Northern Hao. In front of the Buddha, such bright colors are inappropriate.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the maid replied and instructed everyone to remove the garments.

After a moment, they brought out some darker, more subdued clothes.

“Your Highness, how about these?”

Consort Lan set her tea down, walked over, and picked up a dark purple robe embroidered with beautiful pear blossoms on fine snow-patterned silk. It was exquisite and lifelike.

Suddenly, she threw it to the ground, her eyes flashing with anger. “Do you want me to lose to that Liu Zhaoyi?”

The room full of maids and eunuchs immediately knelt, begging for mercy, “Your Highness, please forgive us!”

Whenever Consort Lan got angry, the maids and eunuchs often suffered. Everyone trembled, not daring to look up.

Consort Lan smiled wickedly, towering above them. “Do you understand where you went wrong?”

“Your Highness… I… I don’t know,” one maid admitted.

“Don’t know?” Consort Lan walked up, pinching the maid’s chin, coldly smiling. “Didn’t I just say? Tomorrow is the blessing ceremony. All palace consorts attend. We cannot wear overly bright colors, but neither too dull. And above all, we cannot lose to Liu Zhaoyi.”

“Yes, Your Highness, I understand. It won’t happen again,” the maid said.

“Enough. I’m in a good mood, and tomorrow is for blessings. I’ll let you off this time.” Consort Lan released her chin. “Go, bring me the blue liu robe. I will wear it tomorrow.”

The maid obeyed immediately.

Seeing the robe, Consort Lan was satisfied. “I wonder which one Liu Zhaoyi will wear?”

“Shall I inquire?”

“No need. Even if Liu Zhaoyi tries, she is only a Zhaoyi. That’s all.”

Nominally, the ceremony was for blessings; realistically, it was a contest of elegance.

Meanwhile, in Zhaoyi Palace:

Liu Sishui was selecting garments, though she was not in as good a mood as Consort Lan.

“Your Highness, are you choosing clothes?” a maid asked.

She waved her hand. “No need. This happens year after year. It’s not interesting. Besides, I have no patience for that Consort Lan.”

“But all other consorts are selecting attire for tomorrow,” the maid said.

“I said it’s unnecessary. Didn’t you hear?” Liu Sishui snapped.

The maids dared not speak.

Liu Sishui fumed. Consort Lan had been so arrogant lately, humiliating her twice in succession. The anger simmered inside, with no outlet. Thankfully, she wasn’t Consort Lan—otherwise, the entire room of servants would have suffered.

After a moment, she stood. “Take me to Consort Shu’s palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

By then, it was getting late. She hurried to Consort Shu’s palace.

Consort Shu was in the main hall talking with Prince Yi when a palace maid announced Liu Zhaoyi’s arrival. Consort Shu nodded.

Prince Yi stood. “Mother, I shall take my leave now.”

“Very well.”

As Prince Yi exited, he met Liu Sishui, who smiled at him politely.

“Greetings, Liu Zhaoyi.” Prince Chu Yi Feng remained courteous.

Liu Sishui appraised him and said, “Prince Yi, you have changed after all these days. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“I’ve been handling affairs outside, so I haven’t entered the palace,” he replied.

“Of course. A talented prince like you is naturally favored by the Emperor. Handling major matters leaves little time to enter the palace,” Liu Sishui added, her tone flattering.

Chu Yi Feng was not foolish and could tell. He just lowered his head and smiled. “Liu Zhaoyi flatters me. Prince Ling is also commendable.”

Mentioning Prince Ling, Liu Sishui frowned. “He cannot compare. If only he could settle down, I would be content. If he were even half as capable as Prince Yi, I would gladly sacrifice for it.”

“Prince Ling is clever. He is not as you say,” Chu Yi Feng replied.

“Enough. Be it dragon or phoenix, they are my children. I accept it,” Liu Sishui said helplessly.

Chu Yi Feng didn’t have time to listen further and said, “I won’t disturb you further. I take my leave.”

“Very well.”

After he left, Liu Sishui entered the main hall.

He Ningxiang noticed her late arrival and asked, “Why has Liu Zhaoyi come so late?”

“I had nothing to do in the palace, so I came to speak with you, Consort Shu. What’s wrong? You don’t wish to see me?”

“Not at all,” He Ningxiang smiled. “Please sit. We’ve prepared some pastries. Would you like to try them?”

Liu Sishui sat, admiring the pastries. They were much better than those in her palace, reflecting the difference in status.

Still, she was polite. “I’ve heard the pastries in Consort Shu’s palace are the best. Now I see it’s true.”

He Ningxiang, understanding her thoughts, smiled. “Prince Ling is also commendable, though playful. Once he matures, he will settle down.”

Liu Sishui smiled wryly. “Your words comfort me somewhat, but Prince Yi is still better. It’s good he can come back to the palace and see you.”

He Ningxiang smiled quietly.