TICIEC Chapter 33.2

“Didn’t His Majesty say that if you have the ability, you would also be allowed to take care of Shun Pin? Do you dare to accept?” Shu Fei retorted.

Fang Zhaoyi was speechless for a moment.

Shu Fei was actually very angry. What she cared about most was her son and the ‘power to act as empress’.

But it was precisely at times like these that she needed to remain calm.

“Actually, this isn’t a bad thing either. If she doesn’t take good care of Shun Pin, then His Majesty will naturally remove her from her position as assistant in managing the six palaces…” Shu Fei looked at Fang Zhaoyi, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

Fang Zhaoyi’s heart skipped a beat, but she said aloud, “Tang Meiren, who plotted against Shun Pin, has been imprisoned, and now, His Majesty has specially ordered Ning Wanyin to take care of Shun Pin. I’m afraid no one will dare to plot against the imperial heir again.”

“Who knows? There are so many people in the palace, and it’s impossible to guard against them all.” Shu Fei said casually, a hint of something unfathomable flashing in her eyes.

After Fang Zhaoyi left, Zhen Zhu, while serving Shu Fei in her washing and dressing, asked curiously, “Does Your Majesty think that Shun Pin’s incident was caused by Tang Meiren? She looks so foolish; she doesn’t seem capable of anything great.”

“Appearances can be deceiving. By the way, I remember that Fang Zhaoyi and Shun Pin entered the palace in the same batch, right?” Shu Fei asked.

Zhen Zhu replied, “Your Majesty has a good memory. In the second year after you entered the palace, both you and the Princess Consort became pregnant. The Princess Consort then selected a group of new concubines for the Prince. Fang Zhaoyi was the most favored among them and became pregnant early, but she was not careful and lost the pregnancy…”

“Shun Pin has never received much favor, unlike Fang Zhaoyi. Now, thanks to her child, she has been promoted to the rank of Pin, which puts her ahead of Fang Zhaoyi.” Shu Fei’s smile did not reach her eyes.

Ning Wanyin wanted to take away her power?

That’s oversimplifying things. Even without her intervention, Shun Pin wouldn’t have been able to keep this pregnancy.

…

Xianfu Palace, right side hall—

“Master, are you alright?” Cui Ping asked, her voice trembling as she looked at the distraught Tang Miaoling.

Tang Miaoling was almost scared to death just now.

Wang Degui kindly told her, “Ning Meiren pleaded for you, and His Majesty showed leniency by not sending you to the Ministry of Justice, but only placing you under house arrest in Xianfu Palace.”

Only then did she realize that her life was spared.

She just wanted to close the door and live her own quiet life, but she never expected that the people in the palace wouldn’t give her any chance to retire comfortably.

In this imperial harem, it was not possible to remain uninvolved and live a life free from conflict simply by wishing to remain aloof.

The closed gate was opened.

Then there was the sound of light footsteps approaching.

Cui Ping quickly reminded her, “Master, look! Ning Meiren is here!”

In her dazed state, Tang Miaoling saw a woman in a light pink dress walking toward her.

Her fragrant hair adorned with butterflies and golden hairpins, each step exudes a delicate fragrance.

Scenes from her past life overlapped.

This was how Ning Wanyin came to her in her previous life, and this was how she saw her off on her final journey.

Tang Miaoling, having endured a series of mental shocks, completely broke down the moment she saw Ning Wanyin, bursting into tears.

Ning Wanyin’s expression was somewhat subtle.

Anyone would find it unsettling to see the other person sit down and wail after just one glance.

“Master…please don’t cry, let Miss Cousin help you…” Cui Ping comforted her.

Tang Miaoling was utterly devastated. She had already hidden herself away, refusing to compete with anyone, so why was she being harmed?

Despairing, she cried, “I don’t want to live anymore…”

“Suicide as an imperial concubine is a serious crime. To prevent your family from being implicated, I suggest you fake an accidental fall to your death. It’s quick, painless, and won’t involve anyone else. There is a chance you might only suffer minor injuries, but you can practice a few more times to ensure a clean and fatal fall.” Ning Wanyin said coldly.

Tang Miaoling stopped crying and stared blankly at Ning Wanyin, “You…you…how could you recommend a way to die?”

But then she realized that her ruthless cousin wouldn’t advise her to live well like an ordinary person.

Recommending ways to die—that perfectly matches her ruthless nature.

 

*****

Translator’s Comment:

Hahahaha…

It’s really perfectly matched, indeed!

 

 

 

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