Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Although she was acutely aware of her impending demise, she clung to a glimmer of hope that Imperial Concubine Jiang might yet spare her life.
She was still so young; the thought of her own premature death was unbearable!
However, she had not anticipated the brutal force with which Imperial Concubine Jiang would expel her. âWretched creature! Speak! Why have you done this? Who gave you these orders?â
Beauty Jiang writhed in agony on the ground.
Empress Dowager sneered. âImperial Concubine Jiang, do you dare to silence me within my own presence?â
Before Imperial Concubine Jiang could utter a retort, Empress Dowager commanded, âSummon Imperial Concubine Jiang and Beauty Jiang immediately!â
Beauty Jiang trembled with fear.
It was rumored that within the Empress Dowagerâs private chambers, there existed a clandestine chamber of torment. None who entered there emerged unscathed; all confessed their secrets and yearned for a swift death, regardless of their identity.
Imperial Concubine Jiang was also apprehensive of facing this grim fate, but her resolve was sturdier than that of Beauty Jiang. âYour Majesty, in the absence of concrete evidence, you lack the authority to take such drastic measures!ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Empress Dowager disregarded Imperial Concubine Jiangâs protest. With a dismissive gesture, a contingent of formidable guards seized Imperial Concubine Jiang and Beauty Jiang, leading them away.
Empress Dowager cast a stern gaze upon those in attendance. âLet it be known:
should anyone dare to divulge the events that transpired here, they shall face the direst consequences!â
Qin Zhenzhen and her grandma returned to their modest room.
Grandma Qin remained visibly shaken. âThat was a close call!â They had narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation.
âI wonder how Su Bin and the others are faring?â
Qin Zhenzhen was notably calmer than her grandma. âConsidering Su Binâs resourcefulness, he wonât sit idly by awaiting capture. Heâll undoubtedly find a pretext to hide with the rest.â
âThe worst-case scenario is that they might be apprehended by the Emperor before they can conceal themselves. However, Su Binâs gift of gab should keep him out of immediate danger.â
Grandma Qin sighed, âI pray that youâre right.â
There was something else she couldnât quite grasp. âZhenzhen, can you truly discern that somethingâs amiss with the Emperor just by looking at him?â She had surreptitiously observed the Emperorâs demeanor earlier and hadnât detected any irregularities whatsoever.
Beauty Jiang had used the concept of antidote through food to deceive everyone, including the imperial physician. And yet, Zhenzhen seemed to have seen through it at a glance?
Zhenzhenâs ability to read people was nothing short of extraordinary!
Unbeknownst to Grandma Qin, Qin Zhenzhen had deduced Beauty Jiangâs actions due to her familiarity with the storyâs plot. Naturally, she had no intention of revealing this to her grandma.
Meanwhile, Su Bin and the others, after spreading the secret, relocated to a remote farm on the outskirts of the capital. The expansive property featured fields, tenants, and even a sprawling racetrack, providing an ideal setting for Qin Silong to instruct them in horseback riding and marksmanship.
This marked Su Binâs inaugural acquisition of a manor, a gesture that also served as a boon for everyone within the intelligence network.
Su Bin, making a solemn commitment to all those within the intelligence network, assured them of future acquisitions of similar estates. These properties were earmarked for their familiesâ residence and as retirement havens.
Anticipating the inevitable outrage from palace insiders upon the revelation of the secretâs dissemination, Su Bin understood that they would likely be accused as the culprits behind the leak.
In preparation, he decided to take refuge on the farm well in advance, shielding himself from potential capture and mitigating numerous uncertainties.
While at the farm, Su Bin anxiously awaited positive updates from Qin Zhenzhen, confident that she wouldnât disappoint him.
Simultaneously, Mr. Chen diligently relayed the latest developments to Su Bin..