How Dare You?! 成何体统 (Cheng He Ti Tong)
By 七英俊 Qi Ying Jun
Translation by Spider
*火葬场: Literally translates to crematorium but refers to the type of story where the ML treats the wife badly, the wife leaves and then he spends the rest of the story begging and trying to find ways to make it up to her.
Yu Wanyin was writing a note to Prince Duan.
The best thing about living in the Cold Palace was that she didn’t have to meet Prince Duan. The guards outside seemed to be imprisoning her, but they were actually protecting her, cutting off all prying eyes. A Shadow Guard was even set up inside the main gate, making it as impregnable as the former noble consort’s palace.
After that bloody magic trick, Prince Duan seemed to regard her as a useful tool, and sent notes to her frequently.
His notes were quite elegant, with graceful handwriting and refined language, always filled with affectionate words. Yu Wanyin could read between the lines, every note was essentially telling her to ‘get to work.’
Yu Wanyin’s ‘divine eye’ sometimes activated very proactively, doing her best to help him battle the Empress Dowager. Referring to the book left by Xu Yao, she could always give precise predictions about his actions, often adding a few words of “I see you winning a great victory.”
Sometimes, her visions were strange, “Last night I dreamed of Xie Yong’er weeping alone, her belly swollen. I wonder what this signifies.”
Perhaps her probing was too obvious, as he didn’t respond.
There were times she had to help Prince Duan suppress Xiahou Dan as well.
According to Xu Yao’s notes, if Prince Duan continued with his plan, he would soon defeat the Empress Dowager’s faction and turn his attention to the throne.
But Yu Wanyin couldn’t act rashly yet.
As they had discussed before, she actually only had one chance to betray him. After that, regardless of success or failure, she would no longer be able to influence Prince Duan.
Each note exchange was a strategic move in a game of intrigue, with no room for regrets after each move was made. Her reactions were far slower than Prince Duan’s, often requiring long consideration before making a move. In the past, when they faced each other and spoke in veiled language, she would always be so nervous that her hair stood on end. Now, with a thick palace wall between them, her stress was greatly reduced.
Another benefit of the Cold Palace was that it shielded her from the outside harem.
Since Xie Yong’er’s shocking vomit incident, the harem had been in turmoil, and the palace drama had long run off the script like a runaway horse.
Yu Wanyin stayed hidden, knowing she wasn’t cut out for palace scheming. To avoid becoming collateral damage, she decided not to step out at all.
But the more she feared something, the more it would happen.
She didn’t engage in palace intrigue, but the palace intrigue came to her.
Just as Yu Wanyin finished writing her note, she heard a sharp voice outside the door, “I want to go in. What right does a mere discarded concubine have to stop me?”
Yu Wanyin thought, “…”
This voice sounded familiar. Who could it be…
Every palace drama had at least one unfortunate concubine who sincerely admired the emperor but could never win his love.
In this story, that role belonged to Consort Shu.
Consort Shu had been enjoying herself for a while.
Ever since the once-favoured, arrogant Yu Wanyin had someone attempt to poison her but ended up banished to the Cold Palace herself, Consort Shu had been powdering and painting herself every day, her jewellery jingling, walking gracefully past all the consorts with the air of a matriarch.
However, no matter how long she waited, Xiahou Dan never summoned her.
Consort Shu was confused and anxious.
Even though Xiahou Dan had punished Yu Wanyin for her sake, why wouldn’t he see her?
Consort Shu used every trick in the book, bribing An Xian and creating an encounter in the imperial garden while Xiahou Dan passed by. When the tall figure she longed for appeared in the corridor, she turned her head in surprise, her eyes glistening as she gracefully saluted him.
“Move.” Xiahou Dan said.
And walked away.
Consort Shu was devastated.
She finally realised that this story had nothing to do with her from the beginning. Xiahou Dan punished Yu Wanyin because he was angry at her. She, a Consort, didn’t deserve even his anger.
If she was unhappy, she wanted Yu Wanyin to be even unhappier.
As time went on, Yu Wanyin was still trapped in the Cold Palace, seemingly having lost all hope of regaining favour.
Today, Consort Shu came to settle the score.
The long-closed door of the Cold Palace creaked open, and Consort Shu entered the courtyard with several palace attendants.
Yu Wanyin went out to greet them, putting her hands behind her back and signalling the Shadow Guards to stay calm. She couldn’t reveal the Shadow Guards’ presence over such a trivial palace drama.
Consort Shu looked her up and down, seemingly surprised, and said with disdain, “Oh, you’ve been in this wretched place for so long, yet your fox-like face has become even more delicate.”
“Thank you for the compliment, sister.” Yu Wanyin replied.
“Why didn’t you salute when you saw me?” Consort Shu angrily said.
Yu Wanyin made a proper salute and said, “It was my mistake. Please forgive me, sister.”
Consort Shu signalled to a eunuch, who stepped forward and said sharply, “If you’re apologising, do it properly. Kneel down.”
Yu Wanyin stood still for two seconds.
In those two seconds, she did some calculations: if a physical conflict arose, the Shadow Guards would definitely reveal themselves. Once Consort Shu knew the secret of this place, she would become a threat. Living people don’t keep secrets, but killing someone was not an experience she wanted to repeat.
“What’s the matter? Unwilling to kneel?” The eunuch raised his hand and walked towards her aggressively.
With a thud, Yu Wanyin knelt down.
The eunuch didn’t hesitate and slapped her face!
The Shadow Guards had already drawn their swords.
Yu Wanyin suddenly raised her arm, barely blocking the slap, and then got up and ran.
Her sudden move surprised everyone, including the Shadow Guards. there didn’t seem to be this option in palace dramas.
Consort Shu shouted, “Stop!”
The eunuchs and palace maids swarmed her, chasing and beating her.
In desperation, Yu Wanyin reached her maximum speed, rushing into the room like the wind. She slammed the wooden door shut with a loud bang and whispered to the Shadow Guards, “Quick, quick, reinforce the door!”
Outside, the furious Consort Shu ordered her attendants, “Push it open!”
The attendants crowded around, pushing the door with all their might, kicking and pounding it, but the wooden door seemed to be reinforced with steel, refusing to budge.
Consort Shu paced like an angry lioness and then said, “Bring an axe, chop it down.”
“……”
They’re really going all out. It’s like they want to execute me.
“Madam, please retreat to the tunnel for safety.” Shadow Guard said.
“Make sure to cover the entrance well. Don’t expose the tunnel.” Shadow Guard replied.
“His Majesty has ordered that if anyone discovers the tunnel, they are to be killed on the spot.”
Yu Wanyin smiled wryly, “This is what they call ‘delivering one’s head on a platter,’ isn’t it…”
A loud crash came from the wooden door as a palace servant struck it with an axe.
At that moment, a sarcastic voice came from outside. “Consort Shu, what kind of fun are you seeking here?”
Consort Shu turned to see An Xian.
The sight of the head eunuch seemed to strike her like a heavy blow. She wavered on the spot, her arrogance evaporating. “Eunuch An?”
“His Majesty has ordered that no one is allowed to visit the Cold Palace. Consort Shu, please go elsewhere for your stroll.” An Xian said.
Back in her quarters, Consort Shu gathered her entourage and vented her frustrations, crying and cursing.
“That little fox still has such means to make Eunuch An protect her even after losing favour!”
Xie Yong’er sat listening silently in the corner, looking sickly.
Xie Yong’er had once been Consort Shu’s most trusted confidant. However, ever since she was suspected of being pregnant, she had ignited Consort Shu’s jealousy and was now heavily ostracised within the group.
After listening to the curses for a while, Xie Yong’er finally spoke, “Sister, something seems off.”
Consort Shu glared at her. “What is it?”
“Eunuch An always goes with the flow. If someone has lost favour, he wouldn’t even look at them, let alone rush to the Cold Palace. His standing up for Yu Wanyin shows he still thinks she has value.”
Consort Shu was shocked. “Could that wretched concubine have regained favour?”
Xie Yong’er lowered her head. “I don’t know, but for now, it’s best not to provoke her any further.”
Meanwhile, Yu Wanyin was trying to persuade Xiahou Dan, “We can’t keep Consort Shu detained.”
“We can.”
“If you detain her, Prince Duan will know I haven’t lost favour. All our previous efforts will be wasted!”
“If we don’t detain her, others will come with axes to find you.”
“…I’m not that unpopular.”
“Wanyin, this Cold Palace exists to protect you. If it becomes ineffective, you must move out.” Xiahou Dan said seriously.
Yu Wanyin felt a warmth in her heart but then firmly shook her head. “I finally managed to deceive Prince Duan…”
“I’ve already thought of that.” Xiahou Dan smiled. “Next, we’re going to act like this: I realise I still need your ‘divine eye’ so I restore your position as a concubine, humbling myself to beg for your forgiveness but you’ve endured so much suffering that you’re estranged from me and only open your heart to Prince Duan.”
“Is this a ‘Chasing wife crematorium’ scenario?” Yu Wanyin, well-versed in romance novels, summarised accurately.
Xiahou Dan, “?”
Xiahou Dan, “Uh, yes.”
Yu Wanyin, realising what she had said, blushed and quickly added, “It’s also plausible since Prince Duan wouldn’t believe you’d let me go to waste. This plot would make more sense to him.”
Xiahou Dan sighed in relief and got up to leave.
Yu Wanyin stared at his back, “Where are you going?”
“To detain someone.”
Yu Wanyin, having little sympathy for Consort Shu, only reminded him, “Don’t kill her.”
“I won’t.” Xiahou Dan’s light tone masked the murderous intent in his eyes.
Yu Wanyin was once again Consort Yu, moving back to the palace she had lived in when she first arrived.
When she moved out of the Cold Palace, Consort Shu had already been confined to another, more dilapidated Cold Palace. Thus, she didn’t see what Consort Shu looked like when she was imprisoned.
She only noticed the faint fear in the eyes of other concubines when they looked at her.
Xiahou Dan began his ‘wife chase crematorium’ act, frequently sending clothes and jewellery to her palace. Yu Wanyin, on the other hand, remained cold, with an air of deep sorrow, wearing no makeup and looking as if she had given up on life.
A few days later, the Qianqiu Festival arrived.
At the Qianqiu banquet, Yu Wanyin dined with other women in a side hall.
She was now just an ordinary concubine and, being disliked by the Empress Dowager, was seated in the back row, right by the window.
To show her indifference to Xiahou Dan, she wore a pale green dress and only a simple silver hairpin, making her look rebelliously out of place in such a setting. Yet, with her beautiful face, there was a striking cold beauty to her.
Ignoring all the furtive glances, she focused on the food before her. Although there were small meals in the Cold Palace, such a lavish banquet had been long missed.
From afar came an announcement, “The envoys from the Yan Kingdom have arrived. “
Yu Wanyin turned her head to look out the window.
More than thirty people arrived, both men and women, with high noses and deep-set eyes, clearly not of Central Plains origin. The men were all strong and wore fur clothing; the women were beautiful with graceful figures, adorned with intricate jewellery that jingled with each step, resembling dancers.
The leader was a middle-aged man with a somewhat plump face, smiling amicably. However, Yu Wanyin’s attention was drawn to the person beside him. This man, though dressed similarly to the others, was the most robust, sporting a thick beard that covered most of his face, leaving only a pair of deep-set eyes visible.
As Yu Wanyin peered from the window, the man suddenly raised his head slightly, his sinister gaze piercing through her. Even from such a distance, she felt a chill, as if a beast was being targeted by a hunter. She hurriedly withdrew her head.
When she looked again, the envoy group had already entered the main hall. The plump middle-aged man was presenting gifts to Xiahou Dan, speaking in heavily accented words, “Envoy of Yan Kingdom, Hasina*, wishes His Majesty of Great Xia eternal longevity.”
* 哈齐纳: Ha Xi Na. I looked the name up and there turned out to be a ‘Sheikh Hasina’, who’s the Bangladesh president right now and that’s how her name is written in Chinese. So that’s the translation I’m going with.
Xiahou Dan courteously accepted the gifts and invited them to take their seats. Hasina then said, “We have also brought dancers from the Yan Kingdom to perform for His Majesty.”
Xiahou Dan responded, “Very well.”
A few Yan people borrowed instruments from the palace musicians and lightly strummed the strings, creating exotic music. As the drumbeat began, the enchanting dancers entered gracefully.
At that moment, someone suddenly cried out, “It’s delightful to see beautiful dancers, but for His Majesty’s safety, perhaps we should thoroughly search them first? It hasn’t been long since the last Yan dancer entered the palace, after all!”
The music abruptly stopped, and silence fell over the hall.
Everyone knew this was a veiled reference to the failed assassination attempt by the beauty Shani years ago. The officials exchanged glances, and some cast furtive looks at the Empress Dowager sitting beside the Emperor – the one who spoke was from her faction.
Hasina’s face twitched with barely contained anger. Xiahou Dan rebuked, “How dare you!”
The minister knelt swiftly, “I speak at the risk of my life for His Majesty’s safety!”
Hasina waved his hand, “No matter, we came to celebrate and do not wish to provoke conflict. If this is the palace’s rule, then we shall be searched.”
In the side hall, where the atmosphere was more relaxed, the absence of the intimidating Empress Dowager and Emperor made everyone more at ease. The young women chatted and ate as if at a casual gathering.
Faint music from the main hall intrigued the concubines, who tilted their heads to listen, only for the music to stop abruptly. They exchanged puzzled glances.
Such an incident at the Qianqiu banquet was indeed odd, prompting a few to get up and peek out the window, while others whispered among themselves.
Only Xie Yong’er and Yu Wanyin remained unmoved. Xie Yong’er, looking like a withered plant, glanced briefly toward the main hall before withdrawing her gaze. Yu Wanyin, however, was observing Xie Yong’er.
Sensing someone watching her, Xie Yong’er looked up to find Yu Wanyin staring back. After a few moments, she stood up, holding a wine cup, and walked over, “Sister, let me offer you a toast.”
Yu Wanyin replied, “Ah… it should be me toasting you. I heard you advised Consort Shu not to trouble me anymore. I’m grateful.”
Xie Yong’er smiled bitterly, “I understand now. We’re all pitiable people.”
Full of thoughts, she raised her cup to drink, but Yu Wanyin stopped her, “Alcohol isn’t good for your health, have some tea instead.”
Xie Yong’er hesitated, sensing Yu Wanyin’s implication, and tensed like a wary cat. Yu Wanyin tried to reassure her, “It’s okay, you can trust me…”
But Xie Yong’er, uninterested in talking, downed the wine and returned to her seat. Shortly after, she accidentally knocked over her cup. Yu Wanyin looked over in surprise, but Xie Yong’er, accompanied by her maid, quickly left through the side door.
Somehow, she got past the guards and disappeared into the night. Yu Wanyin blinked hard. Did she just miscarry?
Panicking, she hurried out, leaving her maid behind. The guards outside asked, “Is there something urgent, madam?”
Yu Wanyin smiled awkwardly, “…Just answering nature’s call.”
She looked around, but Xie Yong’er was nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, the music resumed from the main hall.
The dancers had passed the search and began their performance. Xiahou Dan took a sip of wine, observing the reactions of those present. Some sneered, some were puzzled, and some were visibly tense.
One of the tense individuals glanced up nervously, locking eyes with the Emperor. He jolted and then exclaimed, “Oh… oh no! My jade pendant is missing!”
His attendants reassured him, “Don’t worry, keep looking.”
“I’ve searched everywhere. I had it when I took my seat…” the official said, glancing suspiciously at the Yan envoy beside him.
The implication was clear. The Yan envoy scowled and muttered something. Hasina approached, coldly saying, “If there’s suspicion, then let’s search.”
The official’s hands trembled as he reached for the Yan envoy’s clothing. When he pulled back, he held a jade pendant.
“How did it end up on this envoy?” the official exclaimed.
The Yan envoy was shocked, then furious, smashing his wine cup. The shattering cup signalled danger, and the guards swiftly surrounded the Yan delegation, weapons drawn.
Hasina trembled with rage, turning to Xiahou Dan, “You… you…”
A hand on his shoulder stopped him. It was the burly attendant. They exchanged a quick glance. Hasina took a deep breath and bowed, “We are barbarians unfamiliar with such splendour. Perhaps he was momentarily tempted. Please forgive us.”
Before he finished, the burly attendant punched the accused envoy, knocking him to the ground.
Hasina said, “Do with him as you will.”
Finally, the Empress Dowager, who had been watching quietly, spoke leisurely, “Since the envoy likes the jade pendant, let it be a gift. Let’s not let a small matter ruin our relations.”
Lord Wang chuckled and threw the jade pendant onto the man’s body. The Yan people’s faces turned pale with anger. The man didn’t even glance at the jade pendant, slowly stood up, letting it slip off with his movement, and it broke into two halves with a clear sound.
The atmosphere in the hall was tense, with one tension already stretched to the point of breaking. Xiahou Dan spoke, “Lord Wang, where did you find this jade pendant?”
Lord Wang was stunned, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty, it was… inside his… clothing.”
Xiahou Dan asked, “Oh, really? Specifically, where?”
Everyone had seen Lord Wang’s search just now, so he could only grit his teeth and say, “It seemed to be near his chest.”
Xiahou Dan remarked, “Looking at the Yan people’s clothes, it seems unlikely they can conceal such a small item in their clothing, let alone fix it near the chest. Quite interesting. Quickly, demonstrate it again.”
Lord Wang hesitated.
Hasina muttered a few words and the accused man bowed, picked up the broken half of the jade pendant, and placed it in his own clothing. There was another clear sound as the jade pendant fell to the ground again, shattering even more.
Lord Wang was already pale with fear. “This… perhaps there’s some misunderstanding…”
Xiahou Dan said, “Looking at Lord Wang’s cuff, it seems capable of holding the jade pendant securely. Why not try putting it in so we can see?”
Lord Wang dared not move, only bowed his head.
Xiahou Dan sighed, “Very well, take him away.”
Lord Wang was taken away.
At that moment, Hasina looked deeply moved, praising the Emperor’s wisdom. Xiahou Dan looked apologetic and personally gave a cup of wine to the wronged man.
The music resumed. No one spoke again at the banquet.
Everyone present received the same message: the Emperor had completely fallen out with the Empress Dowager.
If looks could kill, the Empress Dowager would have shot Xiahou Dan through with holes already.
Unaware, Xiahou Dan toasted respectfully, “Imperial Mother, Here’s to you?”
At that moment, an eunuch hurriedly ran up and whispered something in the Empress Dowager’s ear.
The Empress Dowager paused, her anger subsided, and a hint of a smile appeared on her lips. She said to Xiahou Dan, “I heard just now that two concubines suddenly left their seats and went out of the side hall, seeming to head into the forest of the Imperial Garden. Who were they?”
The eunuch bowed and said, “It was Consort Yu and Consort Xie.”
Xiahou Dan’s brow twitched slightly.
“It seems there was also a concubine with blood on her clothes…” The Empress Dowager sighed, “I’ll go and take a look. The Emperor will continue to host the birthday banquet here.”
The Empress Dowager left directly.
The civil and military officials in the hall were all secretly watching the imperial family’s drama, but one person still looked at the Yan envoy.
As the Yan people gradually returned to their seats, Prince Duan also stood up. He seemed to be going to toast the Emperor. As he passed by the Yan people, however, he accidentally dropped the wine cup.
It fell towards someone’s toe.
That person deftly tilted their foot, caught the wine cup steadily, and not a drop was spilled.
But it was just a moment.
After this moment passed, the wine cup followed its original trajectory and rolled off from his foot, splashing all over the floor.
“Sorry about that.” Prince Duan raised his head gracefully and looked at the burly attendant.
“… It’s fine.” The attendant said.
Prince Duan widened his eyes in surprise. “You speak court language so well.”
The attendant bowed and walked away.
Prince Duan turned his head to look at the beautiful women dancing in the hall, murmuring to himself softly, “Truly peerless beauties of the mortal realm, but alas, still not comparable to the Lady Shani of years past.”
He didn’t look at the Yan people’s reactions, appearing regretful and refraining from speaking.
Back at the banquet, he subtly gestured to his advisor beside him, indicating to track something.
Only his advisor knew the meaning of this gesture: send someone to follow.
At this moment, all the important figures were gathered at the birthday banquet, and the security near the Imperial Garden was lax.
Yu Wanyin wandered around in the dark and desolate woods for a long time. Finally, her ears caught a heavy panting sound.
“Sister? Xie Yong’er?” She followed the voice.
Xie Yong’er was collapsed next to a tree, leaning against the trunk and panting heavily. Bathed in moonlight and faint distant lights, Yu Wanyin saw the mottled blood stains on her skirt.
Yu Wanyin asked, “What happened to you…”
She anxiously scanned the surroundings, relieved not to see any horrifying masses of flesh on the ground. In the distance, footsteps approached, and several palace lanterns swayed as a group of people walked towards them.
Yu Wanyin was in such a hurry that she couldn’t think about the details.” Can you still stand? Run back quickly and change your clothes. I’ll stall them.”
Xie Yong’er stared at her with a bewildered look.
Yu Wanyin could tell she was at her wit’s end. “We can discuss what happened later. Please, go.”
Xie Yong’er didn’t move.
With a bitter smile, she said, “I can’t stand up.”
The newcomers were now in front of them.
The Empress Dowager said, “What are you all doing? Oh my, how can there be blood in such a place?” She raised her sleeve to cover her face, turned her eyes away, as if unable to bear such filth.
Yu Wanyin explained with a forced tone, “Your Majesty, even I am unaware. Perhaps she’s been injured?”
But Xie Yong’er on the ground seemed disoriented, murmuring, “It was the wine just now…”
She took a brief breath, tilted her head, and fainted.
Xie Yong’er had been shocked beyond belief when she first discovered she was pregnant.
The whole affair stemmed from intense emotions, jealousy, and a deliberate act of drunkenness. She had hoped to capture Prince Duan’s heart. She thought she was safe after drinking the contraceptive drug. Who could have guessed it would be useless against him?!
After Prince Duan found out, he remained calm and even comforted her gently, saying, “It’s alright. The Emperor and I look so similar that no one will notice anything unusual when the child is born.”
Xie Yong’er was horrified, “But the Emperor didn’t…”
“He didn’t what?”
Xie Yong’er fell silent. In that instant, she felt something dreadful stirring in Xiahou Bo’s gaze.
She couldn’t let Prince Duan know that the Emperor hadn’t touched her, as he would surely force her to have an abortion.
As a modern person, she knew how dangerous ancient abortion methods could be. But she still had a way out. She could have sex with Xiahou Dan while she was still not showing any signs of pregnancy, thereby legitimising her child.
This should have been a straightforward task. If only Xiahou Dan wasn’t such an oddity.
Xie Yong’er couldn’t fathom how Xiahou Dan could remain so unmoved, like a saintly figure. Was he truly impotent? The original text didn’t suggest so, right?
As time passed, the situation gradually spiralled into despair. A bout of vomiting drew the Empress Dowager’s interference. Initially, Xie Yong’er thought the Empress Dowager suspected her of an affair with Prince Duan. But upon reflection, had that been the case, she would have been executed immediately. The Empress Dowager had acted without knowing the truth.
The reason for the lack of any imperial sons in the harem in recent years was clear. The Empress Dowager allowed only one young prince. In other words, whether or not a child was legitimate, there was only one outcome. a dead end.
Xie Yong’er finally gave up and turned to scientific methods of abortion. Being a female protagonist, she had some special opportunities, such as a brilliant apprentice in the Imperial Medical Centre who had taken a liking to her. She was gradually winning his favour, hoping he could secretly help her with some safe medicine.
At the same time, she had to be vigilant against all food and water, lest the Empress Dowager succeed in poisoning her. She had read the original work and knew the Empress Dowager’s recipes were all deadly, consuming them was risking her life.
Just as the safe medicine was about to be prepared, fate dealt a blow during the Grand Autumn Banquet. After drinking that cup of wine, she experienced severe abdominal pain, her vision darkened, and she barely managed to escape from the side hall, collapsing into the woods.
During that nightmarish process, only one maid accompanied her. She was thankful it was dark, and she couldn’t clearly see the shape of the foetus. She instructed the maid to escape alone and bury the flesh elsewhere.
After that, Yu Wanyin arrived.
When Xie Yong’er woke up again, she was in her own bed. A court physician was checking her pulse, with the Empress Dowager and the resentful Yu Wanyin standing by. Yu Wanyin was simply caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and was brought in for questioning.
The Empress Dowager asked, “How is she?”
The physician hesitated, “There’s… a lot of bleeding, the pulse is weak and floating, indicating a miscarriage, but there’s no sign of the foetus…”
The Empress Dowager immediately said, “If it’s a miscarriage, this is serious. Quickly inform His Majesty.”
Xie Yong’er suddenly looked up.
She couldn’t let Xiahou Dan know! If Xiahou Dan found out, she would be doomed!
She struggled to sit up, “Your Majesty, please listen. I was never pregnant! It’s just… on that day, I had a stomach upset and vomited in front of others. Someone must have mistaken it for a pregnancy and poisoned my drink…”
The Empress Dowager said, blinking, “So you mean someone poisoned you to induce a miscarriage, so even though you weren’t pregnant, you still bled and fainted?”
Xie Yong’er nodded, staring at the Empress Dowager’s chin, unable to meet her eyes.
The Empress Dowager’s crimson lips opened and closed, “Then who poisoned you?”
Xie Yong’er slowly raised her head. She couldn’t accuse the Empress Dowager unless she wanted to end her own life. But the bleeding was a fact, so someone had to take the blame.
Yu Wanyin watched helplessly as Xie Yong’er slowly turned towards her.
Yu Wanyin gasped in surprise.
The Empress Dowager smiled broadly, “It seems that Consort Yu is implicated in this matter.”
Yu Wanyin suddenly kneeled and said, “At that time, Consort Xie voluntarily offered me a drink. I absolutely did not touch the cup in her hand!”
The Empress Dowager asked, “Then why did you chase after her?”
Yu Wanyin hesitated, “… I was just worried…”
The Empress Dowager didn’t want to hear explanations, “Guards, lock these two consorts here. They are not to leave without my orders.”
She left with her head held high, and the door creaked shut.
If looks could kill, Yu Wanyin had just set Xie Yong’er’s entire bed on fire.
It was deliberate. This woman absolutely did it on purpose. She knew this foetus had to be aborted, and that poisoned wine had to be drunk, so she had to drag Yu Wanyin into the water. She came to toast, and that was a clear bait!
As for Xiahou Dan, she didn’t know what had happened, but she was stuck here and didn’t know what crime the Empress Dowager would accuse her of.
Xie Yong’er avoided her gaze and showed a rare hint of guilt.
But Yu Wanyin had already lost all hope for this person.
Even though she was from a book, she still had a modern character setting. How could her outlook be so low?
Under the interweaving of exhaustion and anger, she impulsively made a decision.
It was time to give up the appeasement tactics.
Prince Duan was about to overthrow the Empress Dowager, and soon he would use all his strength to deal with Xiahou Dan. There wasn’t much time left for them.
A palace maid approached with a bowl, “My Lady, please take your medicine.”
Xie Yong’er had developed a psychological aversion to the liquid offered by the palace maid, “No need, I’m fine…”
Yu Wanyin said sarcastically, “If you’re unwell, you should take the medicine. Don’t neglect yourself.”
Xie Yong’er lowered her head in silence.
Yu Wanyin said, “It’s like one day you’re riding a horse, lost in the deep mountains with no food. You search and search, until you finally find a river with fish, and you want to catch them.”
Xie Yong’er looked at her blankly.
Yu Wanyin continued, “But you have no bait, so you look at your horse.”
Xie Yong’er stared at her with a blank expression.
“You kill the horse, chop up its meat as bait. You catch the fish, but you’ve lost your horse. Was it all worth it?” Yu Wanyin’s voice was gentle but firm.
Xie Yong’er froze entirely.
She didn’t know when the palace maid had left, or how long she had been locking eyes with Yu Wanyin.
It felt like a century had passed before she finally managed to speak, “You… who are you…”
“Is there any other possibility?” Yu Wanyin walked to the bedside, looking at her softly. “I’m tired. Let’s speak frankly.”
Xie Yong’er’s eyes lost focus, her vision blurred.
She tried to focus but saw behind Yu Wanyin, a tall figure reflected on the door.
Xie Yong’er’s hair stood on end, trying to stop Yu Wanyin, “Stop talking.”
Ignoring her pleading eyes, Yu Wanyin said calmly, “Avoidance won’t work. You already know who I am.”
Xie Yong’er broke into a cold sweat, “What do you mean, who you are, I don’t understand…”
“I think you understand perfectly well what I mean.” Yu Wanyin, seeing Xie Yong’er still evading, grew increasingly impatient. Originally intending to directly ask “how are you”, she remembered the guard standing outside and turned to the table to pick up a pen, swiftly writing down the words on the paper.
She held up the paper and walked back to the bed, pausing midway and looking towards the door, “Your Majesty?”
The figure outside moved, and Xiahou Dan pushed open the door and walked in.
Xie Yong’er had experienced many emotional ups and downs tonight, almost to the point of a mental breakdown. Without waiting for Yu Wanyin to say anything, she blurted out instinctively, “Your Majesty, Consort Yu has been saying strange things and wrote weird symbols on paper. I’m scared!”
Yu Wanyin remained silent.
Xiahou Dan placed a hand on Yu Wanyin’s shoulder, asking Xie Yong’er, “Did you already notice my presence outside and deliberately provoked her to speak and write?”
Xie Yong’er, “?”
Xiahou Dan said, “You caught the fish, but you lost your horse. Was it all worth it?”
Xie Yong’er, “…”
Xie Yong’er, “…………”
In the time Xie Yong’er turned into a sculpture, Yu Wanyin patiently waited for her to come back to her senses, and asked him in a low voice, “How did you come here?”
“I heard someone was framing you, so I came to rescue you.” Xiahou Dan replied.
“What about the Empress Dowager?”
“She had someone test the wine Xie Yong’er drank before leaving. It was laced with a abortion drug. Then she said Xie Yong’er confessed it was poison you administered and sent people to arrest you. I intervened.”
“And then?”
“Then I said I wanted to personally interrogate Consort Xie. She accused me of trying to extract a confession by torture. I said, ‘Since we’re investigating thoroughly, we might as well settle everything.’”
Xiahou Dan frowned and roleplayed on the spot, “Imperial Mother, isn’t prevention better than a cure? All entries and exits to and from the palace must be recorded. Consorts cannot leave without reason. If such poison could easily slip in, the negligence of our security is simply outrageous!'”
“‘What does His Highness mean?'” Yu Wanyin followed along.
“In my view, we should start by rigorously interrogating all the eunuchs and palace maids who served at today’s banquet. If no one confesses, we should widen the scope, including checking each gate guard. We must find out who brought in the medicinal herbs. Guards–! Then I pointed to the senior palace maid next to the Empress Dowager,” Xiahou Dan added as a narrator, “‘If I remember correctly, you were also present at the Qianqiu Feast, right?'”
Yu Wanyin raised an eyebrow, mastering the Empress Dowager’s style perfectly, “‘Hmph, is His Highness implying something?'”
Xiahou Dan worriedly continued, “‘Imperial Mother, calm down. I fear there may be hidden dangers around, endangering you.’ Then that matter was settled. Anyway, the Empress Dowager already has three thousand grudges against me, so one more doesn’t matter much.”
He said it casually, but Yu Wanyin was unsettled by it.
“You really are something, Xiahou Dan,” she felt a bit scared now, “You show no fear at all.”
“It’s necessary. She’s the one with a guilty conscience. She should be the one feeling nervous,” Xiahou Dan glanced at the piece of paper with English writing in Yu Wanyin’s hand, casually taking it and burning it in the candlelight.
Seeing him ignore the English text, Xie Yong’er, frozen on the side, finally losing all hope, “So, both of you are like me, and transmigrated here?”
Yu Wanyin thought about the subtle differences between their circumstances but didn’t mention them, “Yes. Since we’re all the same. “
Xie Yong’er’s face turned pale, interrupting, “I understand now. You’ve been watching me from the beginning, and I never stood a chance, right?”
Before Yu Wanyin could respond, Xiahou Dan jumped in, “Exactly. We’ve been watching you the whole time, green with envy.”
Yu Wanyin coughed from being choked and gestured urgently: Enough, don’t provoke her.
After a moment of silence, Xie Yong’er bitterly smiled, “So why reveal everything now? Just kill me directly, announce externally that I died from a difficult childbirth, without raising suspicions from Prince Duan. Wouldn’t that be better?”
Xiahou Dan interjected again, “Indeed, I find it strange too. Wanyin, why did you tell her? Just kill her.”
Yu Wanyin: ?
Bro, are you here to sabotage me? Yu Wanyin gave him a hard stare, then turned to Xie Yong’er with a more friendly tone, “With matters like miscarriage and framing involved, if we didn’t come clean, it would turn into a life or death situation between us. Since we’re all the same, have you considered another possibility?”
Xie Yong’er laughed bitterly, clutching the blanket, “I admit defeat. No need for pretences. You didn’t tell me from the start, watched me sink step by step into this quagmire. Now that I’m at rock bottom, you suddenly claim we’re alike. Isn’t that laughable?”
She was now pale, sitting wrapped in the blanket, looking fragile except for her eyes, which burned with unyielding anger. Yu Wanyin saw her defiant gaze and felt an infinite sense of helplessness, “If we had informed you from the beginning, would your first reaction have been to cooperate?”
“…..”
Xie Yong’er was stumped.
At that time, she felt that fate had given her a chance to start anew, abandoning her previously mundane life and strove to make a mark in this new world.
She foresaw Xiahou Dan’s inevitable demise and promptly allied herself with Prince Duan, who naturally accepted her. She was confident and each step she took seemed to lead to certain victory.
If she had suddenly discovered Xiahou Dan becoming a variable at that time, her first reaction would probably have been panic, fearing his retaliation, and then informing Prince Duan to eliminate this variable while it was still weak.
Yu Wanyin’s question hit her sore spot, “What do you mean? I just want to survive to the end. Is that wrong? Don’t you want that too?”
“I do.” Yu Wanyin replied.
She softened her tone, “Actually, I don’t think it’s all your fault. The fault lies with this cursed environment. If possible, I hope you can survive until the end too. The few of us could have a hotpot together, play a few rounds of cards…”
She meant to reassure, but Xie Yong’er felt humiliated, glaring at this pair of treacherous partners, “It’s winner takes all. Don’t pretend to be a saint. If our roles were reversed, your choices wouldn’t be any different from mine!”
“Oh, the difference would be significant.” Xiahou Dan chuckled.
Today, he seemed determined to dismantle everything. “If Wanyin were like you, how would you still be alive?”
“No no no, it’s not like that. Actually, Yong’er isn’t as ruthless as she imagines. Just before you came in, she was trying to warn me.”
Xie Yong’er choked up, her expression murky and unclear.
Xiahou Dan shook his head, reaching out to grab Yu Wanyin’s hand, “There’s nothing more to say to her. Let’s go.”
Yu Wanyin looked at him incredulously, but Xiahou Dan subtly tightened his grip, forcefully leading her out the door. He turned back to add, “Bring in more guards. Seal off this door during Lady Xie’s recuperation period. No one in or out.”
Once they were alone, Yu Wanyin slowed her pace, “What are you doing? Xie Yong’er still has some utility. She’s emotionally vulnerable right now, and I was planning to coerce her into turning to our side.”
Xiahou Dan remained calm, “I know, I’m cooperating with you.”
“Is that what you call cooperation?”
“Yeah, I’ll apply pressure, you use persuasion. Since she’s already hostile towards me, a bit of tough interrogation is only natural, right? You can go back in later, deliver a meal, give her medicine, break down her psychological defences.”
Yu Wanyin hesitated, “Tough interrogation?”
Xiahou Dan nodded, “Trust me, just talking won’t work.”
“Don’t rush me. Let me try at least.”
Xiahou Dan shrugged, “I knew you’d say that. Give it a try, take her down if you can, if not, forget it. She’s a real villain. Even if you turn her, you’ll always have to watch out for her acting, quite pointless.”
Yu Wanyin pondered for a moment.
“To be honest, much of what I said earlier was sincere. Thinking about it now, her actions tonight might not have been deliberate, just a stress response. And my desire for her to live is ultimately about self-preservation…”
Xiahou Dan stopped in his tracks.
Unaware that Yu Wanyin was still walking ahead, she continued, “I’m not so different from her.”
“You are,” Xiahou Dan asserted firmly.
Yu Wanyin turned back, “?”
Xiahou Dan stood still, looking at her strangely, “Have you ever thought that there are many ways to keep someone alive? Cut off her legs, imprison her for life. As long as she doesn’t die, isn’t the objective achieved?”
“…” Goosebumps rose on the back of Yu Wanyin’s neck.
“If you didn’t think of that, do you still dare to call yourself evil?” Xiahou Dan seemed amused, “But Xie Yong’er, she’d definitely think of it. Let me remind you again, she’s a puppet, a fictional character, as bad as the plot requires her to be.”
Yu Wanyin stared blankly at Xiahou Dan.
He was still dressed in formal attire from the banquet, only without the crown, and his hair was dishevelled. He must have been toasted many times just now, still faintly smelling of alcohol. Perhaps that’s why he was more talkative and casual tonight, to a slightly unsettling extent.
Yu Wanyin said, “You. “
“Hmm?”
“You must stay vigilant. Don’t let this role assimilate you.”
“You. ” Yu Wanyin pursed her lips, “Did you notice anything wrong with those Yan people at the banquet earlier?”
Xiahou Dan casually replied, “There’s definitely something wrong. The Empress Dowager was so provocative, yet they endured it without showing any temper. Looks like they’re brewing something bigger.”
Yu Wanyin absentmindedly nodded.
“But the Qianqiu Feast is when security is the tightest. If they were planning trouble, they wouldn’t choose today. They’re probably waiting to negotiate privately with me before making a move. Don’t think about that now; it’s cold outside. Let’s go back quickly.”
But as she turned away, Xiahou Dan grabbed her hand.
Yu Wanyin’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to look at him.
Their skin touched briefly, and Xiahou Dan’s knuckles twitched involuntarily, as if he wanted to let go but ultimately didn’t.
His slender, pale hands, already cool, felt even colder in the night breeze, like snakes.
Yu Wanyin shivered.
This time Xiahou Dan released her, “You rushed off just now. Are you hungry? Xie Yong’er might not be useful now, but she’s emotionally vulnerable. I was thinking of pressuring her.”
“…Huh? It’s fine. I’ll have the palace attendants heat up something for a late-night snack.”
Xiahou Dan took out a few pastries wrapped in handkerchiefs from his robe, “They’re still warm, have a bite first.”
Yu Wanyin mechanically took the pastries. They had indeed been kept warmed by his body temperature.
This person confronts the Empress Dowager head-on, plays mind games with the Yan people, and still thought about her being hungry.
“Not easily moved, huh, great villain?” Xiahou Dan chuckled as he looked at her.
Yu Wanyin took a breath, “Walk with me for a bit. I’m afraid the Empress Dowager will corner me.”
“Sure.” Xiahou Dan urged her, “Eat quickly, or I’ll have brought these in vain.”
Yu Wanyin absentmindedly nibbled on a pastry, “By the way, what did you originally look like? I’ve gotten so used to seeing the face of a tyrant; it’s hard to imagine your original appearance.”
A step behind her, Xiahou Dan squinted his eyes, trying hard to remember.
“Just… ordinary, not ugly.”
“Ordinary?” Yu Wanyin laughed, “Aren’t you an actor?”
“I wasn’t successful.” He replied smoothly, “What about you?”
“Me? Just an ordinary office worker. With makeup, I can barely be called cute; without it, who knows.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself. You must be good-looking too.”
Xiahou Dan accompanied Yu Wanyin all the way back to her residence before returning to his own palace. They were still acting out the drama chase cremation for others to see. Once they were within sight of the palace attendants, Yu Wanyin’s expression cooled, “Your Majesty, please retire.”
Xiahou Dan wasn’t sure if he was still acting, spoke gently, “Then rest early.”
Yu Wanyin bowed her head and entered the gate.
“Uncle Bei?” She exclaimed in surprise.
“Dan’er sent me over just now. I’ll be in charge of protecting you for a while.” Uncle Bei whispered, “What happened to you tonight?”
“It’s a long story, full of twists and turns…”
“I can see that.” Uncle Bei nodded, “Your face is all flushed.”
At this moment, the Empress Dowager’s faction was holding a small meeting.
Everyone wore solemn, serious expressions. The Empress Dowager was preoccupied, absently stirring her tea leaves.
She remained silent, so a courtier had to step forward to take the blame, “It was my incompetence, Your Majesty. I did not anticipate that His Majesty would publicly challenge us during the Qianqiu banquet, and I didn’t know how to defuse the situation, thus causing Lord Wang to suffer…”
“Lord Wang was flustered and unable to handle the situation, making his imprisonment well-deserved,” said someone who had always been at odds with Lord Wang, taking the opportunity to put him down.
“It seems His Majesty is getting older and developing his own ideas. We are incompetent and must ask the Empress Dowager to guide him more for the sake of the country and the people,” said another, trying to stir up trouble.
The Empress Dowager finally raised her head, “Guide him?”
She smiled, “He’s made it clear he won’t listen to guidance anymore.”
“In my opinion, though he is the son, the Crown Prince is wise and magnanimous, showing qualities of a bright ruler.” This was a subtle suggestion for the Empress Dowager to replace the puppet.
The young Crown Prince sat quietly beside them.
Tonight, however, the Empress Dowager did not get angry. She spoke with a touch of desolation, “The timing has passed.”
They had missed the best opportunity. Prince Duan’s momentum was too strong, now firmly overshadowing them. Killing the Emperor at this point would only pave the way for Prince Duan.
The courtiers continued to debate whether to deal with the Emperor or Prince Duan first, but the Empress Dowager interrupted them with a sharp “snap” of her teacup, “Judging by the Emperor’s actions, he is determined to negotiate peace. If we make peace with Yan, ensuring no threats on the border, Prince Duan will completely rise.”
She had made up her mind and spoke lightly, “Those Yan people can barely speak our language. Walking through the capital, they are bound to clash with the Xia people. A bunch of barbarians, prone to violence at the slightest disagreement, right? Swords and knives might come out, and blood might be shed.”
The courtiers fell silent.
Those who were scheming, fanning the flames, or plotting small plans all stopped talking and stared blankly at the woman on the throne.
The Empress Dowager wanted more than just the failure of peace talks; that was not enough for her.
She wanted the grandest scene, to annihilate the Yan envoys right there. Killing the envoys from a rival nation was the greatest insult, provoking the Yan army to seek revenge and starting a new war.
An evil person, truly evil.
Internal strife was one thing, but dragging Yan into it elevated the situation.
A courtier wiped his cold sweat, “This… the safety of the nation…”
Another quickly took a stand, “What, are you afraid of a real fight? Are you worried our central army will be defeated? Even if the central army loses, we can send the right army. The Yan people and Prince Duan will be at each other’s throats, and we can sit back and benefit.”
A casual remark turned the lives of countless soldiers into mere chips on the table.
The courtier wiping his sweat glanced at the young Crown Prince, seemingly hoping he would say something. The Empress Dowager noticed and directly asked, “What does the Crown Prince think?”
The young Crown Prince thought for a moment, “If Grandmother says fight, then we fight.”
The Empress Dowager laughed heartily, “What a good grandson, much better than the one on the throne now.”
Even the most ambitious courtiers felt a chill at this moment.
Thinking that the future of the Great Xia kingdom would one day fall into the hands of such a child, they couldn’t help but feel a cold dread in their hearts.
Translation by Spider
Next: Chapter 13
Previous: Chapter 11