Chapter 56: Thunder and Fury

Chapter 56

Consort Xian thought about it and realized it made sense. She was so angry she couldn't swallow it down.

Xi Mama went to Zhongshen Palace and delivered the southern pearls from Yuan Qingling to the Empress, saying, "The Princess of Chu said that since the Empress has never received tribute pearls from Ryukyu, she as a daughter-in-law did not dare monopolize them. So she is respectfully offering the Empress a string as a gift."

Upon hearing this, the Empress was furious. She coldly said, "This palace does not dare accept such a grand gift. Send them back."

Xi Mama smiled and said, "Why reject the Princess' filial gesture? After all, they were bestowed by the Emperor. If the Empress doesn't accept them, I'm afraid they'll go to Consort Xian or Consort Xian. The southern pearls are precious, and neither of them has any yet. Wouldn't that hurt the Empress's standing? It's better to accept them first, and decide what to do with them later."

The matron-in-charge at Zhongshen Palace also said, "Xi Mama makes sense. Your Majesty, just accept them for now. Whether the Princess of Chu is showing off or currying favor, that's for the Emperor to decide."

In any case, the Emperor would be angry.

The Empress had spoken rashly in anger before. Now reminded by the matron, she coldly said, "You're right. I'll accept them and send them to the Emperor. Even if the Dowager Empress doesn't have these southern pearls yet, this palace does not dare keep them."

She knew the Emperor still had not given the Dowager Empress the string of pearls he obtained. So her words were reasonable.

Xi Mama smiled and said, "This old servant must return to serve the Retired Emperor. I take my leave."

"See Mama out!" said the matron-in-charge.

Xi Mama slowly walked out of Zhongshen Palace. Once outside, her steps grew heavy. She heaved a deep sigh and softly said, "What I owed you, it's all repaid. No more debts in this life."

Chu Mingcui walked towards her with a smile.

Xi Mama bowed and said, "Princess."

"Mama," Chu Mingcui looked at her. "Thanks for your hard work."

Xi Mama said nothing and took her leave.

Chu Mingcui watched Xi Mama's departing figure and smiled. She had to do this. Since the Emperor gifted two strings of pearls to Yuan Qingling and dined privately with her, it posed endless trouble. She must destroy this trust and make the Emperor suspect King Chu of ulterior motives, so King Chu would withdraw.

She sighed softly. Brother Hao, I'm thinking of you. This is a deadly deal that you must not get involved in. Just be a good King of Chu. I will surely protect your life and let you live freely.

Seeing the matron come out with the pearls, Chu Mingcui went up to her. "Auntie, are you going to the Emperor?"

The matron was surprised. "The Princess knows?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Mu Ru obeyed.

After calming herself by the lake for a while, Yuan Qingling returned to the stone steps outside the side palace and sat for a bit. Mu Ru soon arrived.

"Princess!" Mu Ru came up and saluted. Looking at the princess before him who had attained the highest glory yet was too scheming to endure, what a pity.

"Eunuch!" Yuan Qingling returned the salute.

Mu Ru collected himself and said, "His Majesty sent me to take back the southern pearls and IOU he gifted to you, Princess."

Yuan Qingling was not surprised at all. "Only one string of pearls remains."

"Oh?" Mu Ru pretended not to know. "Why is there only one string left?"

"The other string disappeared." Said Yuan Qingling.

Mu Ru smiled lightly. Trying to fool the Emperor with such pettiness? How naive.

For King Chu's sake, he reminded, "Did the Princess give it to someone? Think carefully. There can be no trickery with His Majesty."

"It's truly gone." Said Yuan Qingling.

Mu Ru's expression instantly turned ugly. She's not very bright.

Having heard the conversation, Tang Yang immediately reported to Yuwen Hao. Yuwen Hao's expression was icy cold. "Please invite the Eunuch in."

Tang Yang hurried out and bowed to Mu Ru, "Eunuch, you must be tired. My lord invites you in for some water."

Mu Ru waved his hand. "No need, I'm on an errand."

"It's an errand, but the pearls can't be returned immediately. Why not come in and discuss it?" Tang Yang entreated Mu Ru.

Recalling King Chu, whom he had watched grow up, Mu Ru was moved. If the boy really harbored such intentions, it would be going too far.

He should give the boy some advice.

So he said, "Very well, I have been parched on the road. A drink shouldn't delay things."

"Yes, yes!" Tang Yang relaxed and led the Eunuch in.