Chapter 763 - 540: The Imperial Consort’s Murderous Intent

Chapter 763: Chapter 540: The Imperial Consort’s Murderous Intent

"It’s not that we can’t be on the lake," Yun Zhao said immediately, determined not to let them get their way. "But we’ve just arrived and haven’t made any proper arrangements. If someone were to fall in, who would be held responsible?"

Consort Shu was taken aback. "How could a grown adult fall off a boat?"

Yun Zhao gave a meaningful smile. "It’s not entirely impossible."

Consort Shu understood at once. "But that’s not necessary, is it? The Emperor won’t be there."

"But the noble women who came with us to the traveling palace will be," Yun Zhao said slowly, her expression relaxing. "If an accident were to happen in front of so many people, I, as the Imperial Concubine, would be the first to face gossip and blame. I’d rather that not happen."

Consort Shu’s expression turned grave as something occurred to her. "You have a point."

She knew who the Imperial Concubine was worried about causing trouble. After a moment’s thought, she added, "If not on the lake, how about holding the banquet in Nanxun Hall?"

Yun Zhao nodded. "That would work. From Nanxun Hall, you can pass through a gate and see the lake. People could also go for a walk. It’s a fine spot."

Consort Shu nodded. "Then let’s settle on that."

"How will you explain this to the Empress Dowager?" Yun Zhao asked. "Since she wants it on the lake, she probably won’t want to change the venue."

She didn’t want to deal with the Empress Dowager. Consort Shu had always shouldered that responsibility, and this time would be no different.

To her surprise, Consort Shu just smiled and said, "Princess Consort Zhuang has a way with her. Let her go."

Song Yunzhao looked at her. "Are you leaving all dealings with that side to Princess Consort Zhuang now?"

"Well, she’s such a sweet-talker and knows just what to say. She can persuade the Empress Dowager without offending her. A heavy responsibility like that is naturally best left to her," Consort Shu said, amused. ’Princess Consort Zhuang was demoted before, so it was never her turn to visit the Empress Dowager.’

"Now that she’s back in the game, she has to put her skills to use."

Consort Shu genuinely felt that half of her burden had been lifted, with Princess Consort Zhuang shouldering the other half.

"I’m not sure if Princess Consort Zhuang can pull it off this time. I think you should go along, Consort Shu. The two of you, one firm and one gentle, would be a perfect combination," Yun Zhao said, winking at Consort Shu.

Consort Shu froze. "Both of us have to go?"

"Consort Shu, think about it. Has the Empress Dowager suggested doing anything or going anywhere in a long time? Why is she so insistent this time? She even had Nanny Yao come find you personally. That’s unusual."

Consort Shu’s expression tightened, and she became visibly annoyed. "They won’t even let us have a single day of peace," she said huffily. "Fine. I’ll go with Princess Consort Zhuang to see who’s trying to stir up trouble. I’ll kick them right in the face when I find out who it is."

’This traveling palace has mountains, water, flowers, and pleasant weather. It’s such a wonderful place, and instead of enjoying themselves, they’re just stirring up useless trouble.’

Flaring up, Consort Shu immediately stood. "I’ll go get Princess Consort Zhuang, and we’ll head over to Yixin Palace. We’ll see who’s behind this."

As soon as Consort Shu left, Yun Zhao summoned Zhang Maoquan. She ordered him to take some men to Nanxun Hall, look it over, and tidy it up inside and out. The banquet could not be a source of embarrassment for the Emperor, and as the Imperial Concubine, it was her duty to uphold his honor.

’Whatever the Empress Dowager was planning, she’s bound to be displeased now that I’ve shot it down. If she decides to deliberately cause trouble for me, I need to be thoroughly prepared.’

She also took out the blueprints of Nanxun Hall and studied them carefully. Familiarizing herself with the layout was part of her due diligence.

This was Yun Zhao’s habit whenever she went to a new place: to be fully aware of her surroundings so she would never be caught off guard.

Zhang Maoquan acted quickly. The layout of Nanxun Hall was not complex, much like the palaces back in the capital. The only real difference was its proximity to the Dragon Pool, which meant it had more covered walkways and was surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

’If this were a palace drama, this is exactly the kind of place where some scheme would unfold.’

’Thinking back to how Zhao Ling’e managed to corner Feng Yi, it was because I had grown complacent. That’s what gave her the opening.’

’She won’t get a chance this time. Not a single one.’

Yun Zhao drew a simplified roster for the eunuchs’ patrols. She assigned guards to every intersection, doorway, and corner, as well as all major and minor paths and forks in the road.

They were to be stationed in pairs, and both were forbidden from leaving their post at the same time. If one had to step away, the other had to remain, no matter the circumstances.

These arrangements weren’t limited to Nanxun Hall; the surrounding roads were secured in the same manner. The routes the noble women would take to the hall were also properly guarded. The lakeshore, in particular, was lined with guards at every few steps, a sentry every few feet. There was to be absolutely no chance of someone falling into the water unnoticed.

Furthermore, a small hut by the lake was stocked with plenty of fresh clothes and cloaks, so that if anyone did fall in, their reputation could be preserved as soon as they came ashore.

Yun Zhao mentally reviewed every possible palace-intrigue scenario she could think of. Only when she felt she had overlooked nothing did she finally relax.

As for the food and drink, every task had to be assigned to a specific person who would have to sign for it. There could not be a single position without someone accountable.

’If someone tries to spike the food or drinks, the moment I ask, I want the person responsible to be identified immediately.’

’With all this in place, let’s see who dares to try and frame me.’

However, Yun Zhao wasn’t going to implement these measures right away. She planned to issue the orders on the morning of the banquet. That way, if someone had been bribed to make a move, things would get very interesting.

’They’ve already spent the money and made their arrangements, but with my defenses so tight, all their efforts will go down the drain.’

’The thought alone is delightful.’

Yun Zhao sent Nanny Yu to take over Zhang Maoquan’s duties, freeing him up. When he returned, she handed him the simplified patrol roster she had drawn.

Zhang Maoquan took one look at it and was completely floored.

’My heavens, what is the Imperial Consort planning?’

"Calculate how many men we’ll need," Yun Zhao said, looking at Zhang Maoquan.

Zhang Maoquan immediately began to calculate in his head. After a long moment, he said, "Your Highness, I’m afraid this will require more than half the staff in the entire traveling palace."

’What a massive operation.’

"Go to the steward of the traveling palace and request the men. Don’t tell him what they’re for, just when you’ll need them and for how long."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"As for these banquet regulations, wait until the morning of the event. Then you will gather the men and explain everything clearly. Each person is to receive a waist tablet and sign for it. Those who cannot write will use a thumbprint. They will be in pairs at each post, and under no circumstances are both to leave their post. If anything goes wrong, they will be held fully responsible. If they lose their heads over it, they shouldn’t blame me, the Imperial Concubine, for being ruthless."

A chill ran down Zhang Maoquan’s spine. In that moment, he felt a murderous intent radiating from the Imperial Consort.

"Yes, Your Highness. Rest assured, I will see to it that everything is done properly."

"Also, keep a close watch on the kitchen. With so many people coming and going, mistakes can easily happen. Anyone who enters or leaves must have a waist tablet and must sign in and out. We’ll need someone reliable to keep an eye on things there. Since you’ll be watching Nanxun Hall, see if you can borrow Xu Sixi from His Majesty to preside over the kitchen."

Zhang Maoquan’s eyes lit up. "Rest assured, Your Highness. I can definitely make that happen."

’Even if I can’t, I’ll have to make it happen. I’ll definitely get Xu Sixi over to the kitchen to watch the stoves all day. Let the old codger sweat to death.’