Chapter 134: Last wish
Wu-shi's pupils shrank, and Mu Xi Yao noticed an instant stiffness in her expression.
"Sure enough, it's you."
Zong Zheng Lin had mentioned to her that one of his informants mixed in the Crown Prince's mansion had reported that the House of Duke An Guo had intervened in Zhong Zheng Lin's inner yard, inserting a spy with the codename 'Gardenia'. Mu Xi Yao had kept an eye on any suspicious candidates, eventually targeting Wu-shi, Wan-shi, and Ahn-shi.
None of these three women were simple. So far, Wan-shi and Ahn-shi hadn't shown any flaws. Only Wu-shi abnormally walked to Lady Zhang's courtyard more diligently, which attracted her attention. Later, it was discovered that Wu-shi often sent a maid to contact the servant boy in the front yard, asking to buy a small object or something.
These trivial things that seem to be ordinary, once you pay careful attention, you will find abnormalities. Every time something happened in the mansion, or Mu Xi Yao made any noise, the number of purchases by Wu-shi will be sure to increase once or twice. This significant change made Mu Xi Yao especially interested in Wu-shi.
After that, she discovered an unusually strange phenomenon. The two first-ranked maids around Wu-shi's side were actually different every time they came into contact with people. It seemed that she had two sets of servants who did not interfere with each other. Mu Xi Tao had already taken notice of such a sophisticated arrangement. If she had not been in the Palace and with insufficient manpower, she would have sent people to look into it and see what was going on.
Until this incident, Mu Xi Yao hadn't had time to clean up the inner yard. Then, Wu-shi was one step ahead of her and closed her courtyard door.
Therefore, when Mu Xi Yao investigated, Wu-shi was the first she suspected. As for Kong-shi and Qi-shi, it was only because of their qualifications and security that they were added to the list of suspects.
"So, who is the real master behind you? I'm really curious. Is it the rebel leader or the house of An Guo behind the Crown Prince?" Mu Xi Yao looked at the expressionless woman in front of her eyes. Inward, she admired her. She played her game really well. Maybe she's even a double-sided spy. If so, then she was one of the best in the Wei Dynasty.
Unfortunately, this woman had a fatal wound [1], that is, she had feelings for Zong Zheng Lin. Several times when Mu Xi Yao was close to Zong Zheng Lin, she could capture the pain that flashed in Wu-shi's eyes. That kind of extremely forbearant and bitter emotion shook Mu Xi Yao immeasurably.
[1] 致命傷 Mortal wound (fig.) fatal weakness, Achilles' heel.
Later, she fully cooperated with the rebels, probably because of her long-standing jealousy and revenge.
"Mu Cefei really surprises this concubine. What else is there in the backyard that it's not clear to you yet." Wu-shi glanced at her and went back to sit with great momentum.
When the people around saw her approaching, they immediately scattered to make room for her. There was no one around her when she sat down.
What a surprise! This honest-looking woman turned out to be the most poisonous snake and scorpion. She was not only part of the rebel party, but she was also of the house of An Guo. No one could believe this identity.
"Bold! Wu-shi, you are a woman of sin. What qualifications do you have to sit in the hall?" He Lian Min Min who was shocked by Mu Xi Yao's words finally swept out of her reverie. When she looked back, Wu-shi was sitting down in a dignified manner. Actually, there was no consciousness of becoming a prisoner.
"Sister doesn't have to get angry. For a dying person, rewarding her with a stool is regarded as sending her on the road." Mu Xi Yao's smile was gorgeous, but her eyes were somber.
Wu-shi couldn't be sent to the government office. As soon as she entered prison, the Crown Prince will be waiting for an opportunity to make a move. Zong Zheng Lin was not in Shengjing and she was a woman. It was absolutely impossible for her to openly compete with the Crown Prince's mansion.
Previously it was said that Wu-shi will be sent there for the official investigation. That was because her other identity had not been determined. Now that things were clear, Wu-shi couldn't go there.
"Mu Cefei pointed out this concubine's identity in public, this is just wanting to break this concubine's back road. [2]".
[2] 后路Escape route/retreat route/room for maneuver.
If Mu-shi did not open her mouth, the Crown Prince could look at her past achievements and try to find a way to get her out and make another arrangement. Now, this was not possible. Zong Zheng Chun will never go through this muddy water [3], let alone admit her identity when she was unmasked in public.
[3] 不去趟这趟浑水 Wandering in muddy water (fig.) It refers to events that will cause trouble for oneself.
"You are clever." Mu Xi Yao didn't care about the strong hatred in Wu-shi's eyes.
"Has Yin Ji been seen through too?"
"This concubine is a concubine of the Sixth Prince's mansion. I can't interfere in the backyard of other mansions." That Yin Ji, afraid Zong Zheng Ming hadn't had the time to investigate. Otherwise, he wouldn't have just banned the entire backyard until he left Beijing, without news to report.
"That is to say, this concubine's luck was not good, and entered the mansion of his Sixth Highness." Then she fell in love with his Highness and met this demon-like woman. "Mu Cefei also knows that the life of this concubine isn't long, can Mu Cefei finally solve the confusion for this concubine and let this concubine die willingly?"
"No." Mu Xi Yao unexpectedly rejected Wu-shi's final request.
Wu-shi's eyes widened suddenly, and blood spilled from the corners of her mouth.
"Ah!" Lady Qi was frightened by Wu-shi's strange appearance and screamed loudly, and the room was shrouded in fear in the blink of an eye.
The women in the inner yard had never seen such a bloody scene in person. Su Lin Rou was too frightened, and because of her previous shame and anger, her mood fluctuated too much, and she fell down as soon as her body softened.
He Lian Min Min's face turned pale, and her fingertips trembled slightly. At this time, she understood that Mu Xi Yao's words of "sending her on the road" were not merely cruel words. The death of Wu-shi was to be expected.
"Sister, if you don't say anything again, the situation will get messy later, and it won't look good." Mu Xi Yao sat leisurely, looking at the chaotic women below, her ears were constantly disturbed by the noise. He Lian Min Min saw how calm she was and in contrast, she seemed to be too inferior. Her face could not be hanged [4].
[4] 脸上挂不住 Can't hang on one's face (fig.) It means to feel embarrassed with shame. It is usually used to describe one's displeasure or uneasiness because of shame or embarrassment.
For this woman, the easiest thing was to get angry. He Lian Min Min was so angry that the scared women in the inner yard who had lost their sense of propriety became quiet in an instant.
The front of Wu-shi's apricot dress had been dyed red with blood, but the woman was stubborn and leaned on the back of the chair. She stared at Mu Xi Yao as she spoke, "Mu Cefei refuses to fulfill this humble one's last wish?" Her breath was already unstable while speaking, and her chest was slightly undulating.
Mu Xi Yao took the palace fan in Hui Lan's hand and quickly fanned to disperse the faint smell of blood on the tip of her nose.
"No. If you want to go on the road willingly, I'm afraid you can't bear the answer you are asking for. Once I say it, you may not be able to let it go."
"What can't a dying woman bear?"
Seeing that she was going to die, she had to understand everything. Mu Xi Yao didn't agree. So close to dying, do you want to go with resentment and unwillingness? Why the need to ask so many questions? This person, you have to learn how to let go before you can experience happiness.
"I don't understand. What kind of smell does that note have on it, that Mu Cefei can hold on to this concubine and convict this concubine in one sentence?"
After disposing of her so quickly and ruthlessly, she couldn't even see a shadow of that person. Your Highness…
Ouch, still have time to miss her man? Mu Xi Yao looked at her carefully. Zong Zheng Lin was now her personal pillow [5], and it is reasonable to say that it was her private property. Demoness Mu was feeling vengeful.
"The note passed through your hands first. As a carefully cultivated meticulous work, you still can't detect the strangeness, so how can I know more than you?" Mu Xi Yao blinked slyly. People who have ghosts in their hearts[1] will naturally not be at peace.
[1] 心中有鬼 Have ulterior motives; have a bellyful of tricks; have sth. to hide.
Wu-shi was really smart, and after a little thought, she understood what she meant. Knowing that she had been calculated from beginning to end, her eyes were shattered in an instant, and she couldn't hold her breath, and the suppressed blood in her throat gushed out.
Mu Xi Yao was sure that she would be reluctant to accept it, and it really became true extremely quickly. Your Highness, is this the kind of woman you are happy with? In the face of the enemy, the last blow will never be soft.
Wu-shi thought of the figure she had been looking forward to countless times, the helplessness that she wanted to get close to but had to suppress. She pretended to be dull and sent him away with her own hands, leaving only sadness in her heart.
"His Highness... His Highness will not... die. This concubine prepared the antidote."
On the occasion of her death, will Mu Shi convey this belated explanation to his Royal Highness, even if she only gets a little understanding from him?
Mu Xi Yao looked at her expectant eyes and instantly understood the unspeakable guilt in the depths of this woman's heart. Even though she was in love with him, she would destroy his women and heirs with her own hands. She was terrified by such an act, which was bound to provoke his hatred.
Mu Xi Yao frowned slightly, not knowing what to think. She didn't like this kind of tragic drama. But this woman's feelings were really pure. Personally, Mu Xi Yao thinks that she couldn't do it.
Wu-shi's eyes gradually became sluggish, and her fingers on the armrest slowly relaxed. Finally, she took a deep look at her.
Mu Xi Yao couldn't help but shake her head in pity when she saw her dead. Even if she did not have the intention of murdering Zong Zheng Lin, once the man learned of her identity, he would never turn a blind eye to her because of her affection.
Zong Zheng Lin was domineering to his bones. Whatever he wants he is to get it by all means. What he doesn't like, even if the sentiment is like the sea [2], he will give it up heartlessly. As for Wu-shi, Zong Zheng Lin never paid attention to her from beginning to the end, so why did he have to pity her?
[2] 情深似海 One's feeling is (as) deep as the ocean. Love is as deep as the sea, a love so deep and great.
"Take care of things, follow the rules." Mu Xi Yao was too lazy to ask questions after Wu-shi's death. This woman's tragic life made her very disgusted. The Great Wei women were much worse off than she was and they still worked hard to survive, so why did she have to do evil deeds to do the same thing? Zhang-shi ended up childless all her life, and the role of this woman in it should not be underestimated.
"Sister, this matter is over, and it is not convenient for this concubine to stay here longer than this."
Seeing Wu-shi dead, He Lian Min Min finally let go of her griping heart. This was good. Now there were no people in the mansion who were plotting against his Royal Highness, and she now can recuperate her body with peace of mind and give birth to a son for his Royal Highness as soon as possible.
"Sister has worked hard today, be careful on the road."
Wan Jing Wen followed Mu Xi Yao with her gaze until she could no longer see her figure, then she slowly retracted her eyes. She then glanced at Su Lin Rou, who was carried away, with a strong look of contempt in her eyes.
That one [3] was a Cefei too and had the same pressure to birth, yet she couldn't even climb the bed. To be completely frank, it was not surprising that Zong Zheng Lin didn't allow her to serve.
[3] 那个 That one/that thing/that, as opposed to this. Used to humorously or indirectly refer to something embarrassing, funny, or when one can't think of the right word.
"Tomorrow Princess Consort will be bound to enter the palace. Consort Shu as his grandmother will take Cheng Qing to greet the Empress. After all, it has been almost a month since I last paid her obeisance and the Empress too must've been thinking of him."
Cheng Qing was the flesh and blood of Consort Shu. He Lian Min Min wanted to take advantage of her inconvenience to win Concubine Shu's favor. How could Mu Xi Yao let her do what she wanted? As a result, the small bun, Cheng Qing, was pushed out by Mu Xiyao again to carry the black pot [4] for his mother and became the most troublesome child in He Lian Min Min's eyes.
[4] 背黑锅 Take the blame for others; be made a scapegoat; be unjustly blamed.
QiCheng, the front yard of Zhizhou Mansion.
"This Minister [5] welcomes the two Royal Highness. My humble home is simple, if there is poor hospitality, asking Your Highnesses to forgive the shortcomings". Wang Zhi Kui, the Master of Zhizhou Mansion prostrated himself on the ground devotedly.
[5] 微臣明白 Weichen. This small official/humble servant. I, your servant (used in addressing the sovereign).
Zong Zheng Ming closed the folding fan and tapped the table beside him. His tone was lenient and amicable. "Master [6] Wang doesn't have to be polite. Bendian and sixth brother are just passing through QiCheng, and there are other important things to do after staying for one night. You can get rid of all the politeness on the scene." The words were soft with a hard, clear meaning.
[6] 大人 Dàrén. In ancient times, it was used to address aristocrats or government officials.
When Wang Zhi Kui heard his Highness he knew they were speaking of the false flattery in the officialdom. The welcoming [7] banquet in the Juxian building at night seemed hopeless, he better quickly withdraw that and replace it with a family banquet at Zhizhou Mansion. That was much better.
[7] 洗尘 Dust-washing. Give a dinner of welcome.
In this way, his colleagues who were looking forward to getting close to His Royal Highness and were familiar with each other will definitely be extremely disappointed. Fortunately, His Royal Highnesses stayed in Zhizhou Mansion, which was a good thing for him. To entertain the two Royal Highness alone, this face-giving task [8], on weekdays, it was a grace that couldn't be asked for.
[8] 面子 Face. It refers to a cultural understanding of respect, honor, and social standing.
"This Minister understands that he will wrong the two Highness at night. This Minister's house has rough tea and light meals, asking the Royal Highnesses to not dislike it." Master Wang was now feeling very grateful that his wife had a good cooking technique, she should be able to hold the facade [9] of their home.
[9] 门面 Shop front/facade/prestige.
"Home-cooked rice would be excellent." Zong Zheng Lin turned the ring in his left hand's thumb, feeling satisfied with his response.
"Then This Minister will go down and prepare it. If the two Royal Highness are tired, hot water is already in the room." Wang Zhi Kui was a meticulous and well-organized man who was used to making arrangements early.
"Fifth brother, take a bath and rest. I [8] will come to see you later." Zong Zheng Lin took the lead on leaving. In the inner room, Yan Cheng Zhou had already put out his change of clothes neatly.
[8] 弟弟 Didi. Younger brother/junior male/I (modest).
"Your Highness, there are letters from Consort Princess He Lian and Mu cefei" Yan Cheng Zhou handed the letter to Zong Zheng Lin. Looking at the weight of these two letters alone, afraid his Highness will not be satisfied.
Sure enough, his Highness took the letters, and his brow creased. Zong Zheng Lin swept Mu Xi Yao's familiar handwriting and put her letter aside. He opened the letter of He Lian Min Min and read it carefully.
In addition to talking in detail about the situation in the house it said to beware of the cold and hotness of the weather, and to take care of his body. Finally, she mentioned a few words about the entry of the He Lian family's children into the army, and there was some embarrassment between the words.
Zong Zheng Lin folded the letter, there was no joy or anger to see between his eyebrows. Then he picked up Mu Xi Yao's letter and saw her naughty smear on the envelope. His Royal Highness was very helpless.
This woman had to be unique even when she wrote a letter. Just look at the unruly big smiling face in the lower right corner of the envelope, and you will know that she has been in a good mood these few days.
Zong Zheng Lin opened the letter, and after a moment his face turned black [9].
[9] 黑脸 Gloomy face.
Mu Xi Yao actually only returned half a page of the letter and then dared to "pay off debts" with her son. Looking at the hand and foot imprints of Cheng Qing, Zong Zheng Lin could even picture the scene at that time. That kid must have been taught very well by his mother. He should like this fresh thing.
It stands to reason that if his woman and son are very happy, the sixth Royal Highness, as the head of the family, should also be infected and experience the beauty of happiness [10] in the home. It's a pity that Zong Zheng Lin was now gritting his teeth with hatred, not feeling at all grateful for Mu Xi Yao's "well-intentioned efforts."
[10] 和乐 From the Selected Works Ji Kang Qin Fu: "If a peaceful person listens to it, then you will be harmonious and happy, and you will be humble and Xuanzhen."
Good. Before leaving, she was repeatedly told not to be lazy. At this moment, she was full of crooked ways [11], sly and sneaky. Mu Xi Yao's brain was good, but using her exquisite mind on him… it seemed that this woman had not learned her lesson.
[11] 邪门歪道 lit. Devil's gate, crooked path (idiom); corrupt practices, crooked methods, dishonesty.
By the way, does she intend to take Cheng Qing as a facade [12] again and again? His Sixth Highness knew Mu Xi Yao's temperament and guessed it right.
[12] 门面 Keep up appearances.
Zong Zheng Lin put the letter away with a black face and gently stroked his thumb ring. His eyes slowly showed a smile.
Since the little woman dared to play with him, don't blame him for taking the lead.
Later, Yan Cheng Zhou came by boat, took the urgent letters from his Highness, and went out to work. He muttered in his heart, how did Mistress Yao provoke His Royal Highness in her letter, so that Master delivered such a clear-cut hand play.
He had two replies in his hand. One was to be sent to the Princess Consort He Lian's family. The other letter, Yan Cheng Zhou was particularly curious, was to be sent to the Mu Mansion in the capital, and it had his Royal Highness's private seal engraved on it. This personal seal meant that the matter at hand was very serious and couldn't be ignored.
Yan Cheng Zhou only reached the corner of the state when he encountered his Highness, the Fifth Highness, bringing people over. Zong Zheng Ming caught sight of the letter in his hand, the words "House of Mu" suddenly entered his eyes, and he smiled unconsciously.
"Has Mu cefei committed another crime?" If Mu Xi Yao hadn't made his sixth brother unhappy, how could Zong Zheng Lin write to the "House of Mu" instead of her directly?
Yan Cheng Zhou frowned, had Mistress Yao's reputation spread to the ears of his fifth Royal Highness? With a Master like this, Yan Cheng Zhou really didn't know how to answer.
Seeing that he was embarrassed, Zong Zheng Ming tapped his folding fan in the palm of his hand twice as he smiled magnanimously. "Don't mind it. Sixth brother's family affairs are important, so hurry up and do it." Don't know what that little girl's expression will be like in a few days.
Zong Zheng Ming felt that if Mu Xi Yao was angry and rushed to write her family a letter to "confront", then he could laugh at Zong Zheng Lin's jokes and follow the fun for a while.
It was almost September now. There was still a month to go before her second child will be born. It's been a long time since he first met her in the draft that year…
"Fifth brother is here." Zong Zheng Lin brought Ye Kai over, but when he looked closer, he found that Zong Zheng Ming's expression was wrong.
"I was looking for you." Zong Zheng Ming smiled, concealing his mood.
"For the things in Shu…" The two walked side by side, exchanging views from time to time. If the inevitable hostile relationship formed by the fight for the throne was ruled out, it can be said that they can get along.
"Still not confessing! Did you secretly take the brocade fur cloak of the young lady out of the house and pawned it for money?!"
"Momo knows that this slave has been with the lady for seven years, how could this slave do such a shady thing?"
The reprimand and scolding noise in front interrupted the two of them from discussing political affairs. This was the front yard [13], how could there be a woman crying on the veranda?
[13] A Chinese courtyard has an inner compound that you can access by a second gate. Women are always inside that inner yard, and can't come to the front yard without permission. Women inside, men outside, it's like this.
"Who is ahead? Still don't salute their Highnesses!" The steward of Zhizhou Mansion was sweating with fright. Which blind minion was this, really unlucky? How can you lose your courtesy in front of a nobleman?
The four people in front of them heard that the visitor was the royalty being carefully served by his own master, and they immediately fell to their knees. Trembling and stammering, they confessed their crime.
Zong Zheng Lin was originally impatient with these trivial matters of the inner yard, and his eyes moved away only to suddenly fix on a woman. His phoenix's eyes [14] were unfathomable.
Zong Zheng Ming's eyes were also fixed onto the woman who only showed half of her face.
She was alike, very similar. The outline was seven to eight points like Mu Xi Yao, and apart from the difference in temperament in her eyes, it made people recognize the wrong person in the blink of an eye.
"Who are you?" Unexpectedly, the first person to question out loud was Zong Zheng Lin, the Sixth Royal Highness who had been silent since.
"Your Highness asked you a question, don't you answer quickly!" The Momo in charge, who was severely reprimanded just now, saw that the woman looked at the two royal Highness stupidly, and was so frightened that she hurriedly poked her arm, telling her to reply.
The woman seemed to be frightened too, and there was a tremor in her voice. "Answering his Royal Highness, this slave is the maid next to the Third Lady."
Seeing that she was afraid, Zong Zheng Ming made his tone gentle, "What is your last name. Describe the situation clearly." The woman's bun was scattered, her clothes were unclean, and her eyes were slightly red. Glancing at the remaining people with sharp eyes, Zong Zheng Ming roughly guessed the rest of the story.
When they heard her accounts of the matter, Zong Zheng Ming and Zong Zheng Lin raised their eyebrows.