Killer Queen: Tyrant, prepare to die!

Chapter 15: The Dark Fragrance Organization! The Shocking Secret Hidden by Young Master Liu

Shen Anbang's reply was like a shot in the arm.

Shen Qingci looked at the thin note again and again, and finally carefully folded it and hid it in the deepest part of the hidden compartment in the bed board.

There are three things there now: the "Cultivating Qi" manual and iron plaque given by Eunuch Li, her father's letter, and the notes she has been organizing these past few days.

Yes, notes.

Since her health began to improve and her senses began to awaken, Shen Qingci realized that she needed to plan more systematically.

Revenge is not a momentary impulse.

It is meticulous calculation, patient planning, and... knowing yourself and your enemy.

She currently knows too little about the enemy.

That afternoon, the opportunity came.

When Jinshu went to collect her meal, Wang Fu wasn't there—she'd heard he was still recovering from diarrhea and was lying in his room. Only the two eunuchs who had been keeping watch were in the courtyard, sunbathing and eating melon seeds in a corner.

The meal was delivered by another eunuch, probably a newcomer, because he looked unfamiliar and timid. He put down the bowl and left.

Jinshu returned with the food, her expression a little strange.

"Your Highness," she whispered, "I overheard two palace maids talking at the door just now..."

Shen Qingci was meditating when she heard this and opened her eyes: "What did you say?"

"Tell me... about Young Master Liu." Jinshu put down the bowl. "Tell me that Young Master Liu went to Jiangnan to inspect the salt administration a few days ago. When he returned, his luggage alone filled ten carriages. It was full of Jiangnan specialties: silk, tea, porcelain, and... whole chests and chests of gold and silver."

Shen Qingci's eyes narrowed.

Young Master Liu.

Liu Chengming.

Liu Ruyan's older brother, Liu Chengzong's eldest son.

In the original owner's memory, this person's image was very vague—he was only remembered as a handsome young master from a prestigious family who loved composing poems and frequenting brothels; he was a well-known romantic and talented man in the capital. He was over twenty years old and still hadn't married, supposedly because his standards were too high, and ordinary women couldn't meet his expectations.

But now it seems...

"Ten cartloads of luggage?" Shen Qingci sneered. "Does inspecting the salt administration require bringing back so much stuff?"

"Those two palace maids also said," Jinshu lowered her voice, "that this time, Young Master Liu went down and 'reorganized' several salt fields in Jiangnan. Several old managers were dismissed and replaced with people from the Liu family. Now, the salt tax in Jiangnan... I heard it's 'collected' 30% more than before."

%.

Shen Qingci quickly calculated in her mind.

The salt tax in Jiangnan was one of the most important sources of revenue for the Liang Dynasty, amounting to at least two million taels of silver annually. An increase of 30% would amount to six hundred thousand taels.

Who pocketed those 600,000 taels?

Don't even think about it.

"Is there anything else?" Shen Qingci asked.

Jinshu thought for a moment: "Oh, there's one more thing. One palace maid said, 'Young Master Liu is really something. On the surface, he went to investigate the salt administration, but secretly he brought those unruly officials in Jiangnan under his thumb.' Another palace maid laughed: 'Of course, don't you see what he's holding in his hands...'"

The following words were spoken too softly for Jinshu to hear.

But Shen Qingci was already on alert.

What are you holding in your hand?

Power? Money?

Or... something else?

She remembered what Physician Chen had said before: the Liu family controlled the Imperial Hospital. And Jinshu's mother died from "Crimson Death," a secret poison from the Western Ridge Witch Kingdom.

The Liu family was able to conduct secret trade with the Xiling Wu Kingdom.

They were able to obtain poisons that were rare even in the palace.

They were able to manipulate the salt administration in Jiangnan.

They were able to place so many people in the imperial court.

This is no longer an ordinary family of powerful officials.

It's like a web... meticulously woven over many years.

Liu Chengming is likely one of the hidden operators behind this network.

"Jinshu," Shen Qingci stood up, "go and invite Eunuch Li."

"Now?" Jinshu was taken aback. "But outside..."

"Just say I'm not feeling well and want to ask if there are any herbal remedies for pain relief," Shen Qingci said. "He'll have a way."

Jinshu nodded and went out.

Shen Qingci sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers unconsciously tapping her knees.

She is waiting.

Waiting for confirmation.

About fifteen minutes later, the door was gently pushed open.

Eunuch Li walked in with a hunched back, carrying a bundle of dry grass in his hand—he really did come to deliver medicinal herbs.

"Where is Your Highness feeling unwell?" he asked in a hoarse voice.

"I'm feeling unwell." Shen Qingci looked at him. "Eunuch Li, I want to ask someone a question."

"Who?"

"Liu Chengming".

A faint glimmer of light flashed in Eunuch Li's cloudy eyes.

He paused for a moment before slowly speaking: "The eldest son of Prime Minister Liu, twenty-five years old, appears to be a playboy, but in reality... he is the head of the Liu family's secret network."

Shen Qingci's heart skipped a beat: "A hidden network?"

"An organization called 'Dark Fragrance'," Eunuch Li lowered his voice even further. "On the surface, it's the largest silk shop in Jiangnan, but secretly... it does intelligence work, assassinations, smuggling, and even secret trade with the Xiling Witch Kingdom."

really.

Shen Qingci's fingers tightened: "The 'Death of Crimson Beauty' was brought in through 'Hidden Fragrance'?"

"Yes." Eunuch Li nodded. "Not only 'Crimson Beauty'. Secret medicines from the Western Ridge, poisonous herbs from the Western Regions, Gu worms from the Southern Frontier... as long as you can afford the price, 'Dark Fragrance' can be obtained."

"Is the imperial court indifferent?"

"There's nothing we can do about it." Eunuch Li smiled bitterly. "'Dark Fragrance' is headquartered in Jiangnan, backed by the Liu family, and behind the Liu family... is Consort Rou. They have layers of protection, leaving no room for error. Moreover, they operate with extreme secrecy. Even if we find any clues, we'll be silenced."

Shen Qingci took a deep breath.

She originally thought that the enemy was only Liu Ruyan, and at most Liu Chengzong.

Now it seems...

It refers to the entire Liu family group.

It is deeply intertwined and unfathomably deep.

"Eunuch Li," she looked up, "are you telling me all this to discourage me from taking action?"

Eunuch Li shook his head: "It's to help Her Majesty... see the situation clearly."

"and then?"

"Then," for the first time, Eunuch Li's cloudy eyes clearly reflected Shen Qingci's face, "he decided how to take the next step."

Shen Qingci remained silent.

The room was quiet, with only the sound of the wind blowing through the dry branches outside the window.

After a long while, she slowly spoke: "Jinshu, bring me paper and pen."

Jinshu immediately took out a charcoal pencil and a relatively intact piece of white cloth from the hidden compartment—it was the lining that had been taken from an old piece of clothing.

Shen Qingci spread the cloth on the table.

Then, I started drawing.

First, write the two characters "Liu Family" in the very center.

Three lines extend from the Liu family:

One line goes upwards and reads "Liu Chengzong - Prime Minister - in charge of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue".

One line leads to the right and reads "Liu Ruyan - Imperial Concubine - Power in the Imperial Harem".

One line points to the left and reads "Liu Chengming - 'Dark Fragrance' - Underground Network".

Then it continues to extend.

Liu Chengzong's faction: his protégés and former associates were spread throughout the Six Ministries, controlling official promotions and the collection of taxes and grain. Many upright officials in the court were marginalized; his father, Shen Anbang, was an example.

The Liu Ruyan storyline: The Imperial Hospital is under control, making poisoning easy. Nangong Ye's "favor" serves as her shield. With the Empress's position vacant, she is the strongest contender.

Liu Chengming's network: the "Dark Fragrance" organization, involved in intelligence gathering, assassination, smuggling, and international trade. They've infiltrated the Jiangnan Salt Administration, generating a continuous flow of wealth. They also have secret dealings with the Xiling Witch Kingdom, enabling them to obtain rare poisons.

The three lines complement each other.

The imperial court, the harem, and the martial arts world are all under the control of the Liu family.

No wonder the father was so easily brought down.

No wonder no one noticed she was poisoned.

No wonder... Nangong Ye favored Liu Ruyan exclusively for three years.

If you don't pamper them, you can't control them.

Shen Qingci looked at this network of relationships, her eyes growing colder and colder.

Then she started drawing the other side.

On the left side of the cloth, write "Shen Family".

Two lines extend from it:

One entry reads "Shen Anbang - Former Grand Tutor - Leader of the Qingliu faction - Former subordinate of the Northern Frontier".

One entry reads, "Shen Qingci - Deposed Empress - Cold Palace - Pregnancy".

From Shen Qingci, several sub-lines extend:

Eunuch Li (former Empress Dowager's secret guard), Jinshu (loyal servant), Physician Chen (internal agent of the Imperial Hospital), and... the unborn fetus.

It's too flimsy.

Compared to the vast network of the Liu family, the Shen family's side was like a candle flame in a storm, ready to be extinguished at any moment.

But Shen Qingci didn't stop.

She continued drawing.

Write "Nangong Ye" in the upper right corner of the cloth.

Draw three dotted lines from this name:

One comment points to Liu Ruyan and is labeled "Pampering? Checks and balances?".

A sign pointing to the rear is left unattended, with the caption "Why not establish an empress?".

One banner pointed towards the imperial court, with the caption, "Did you really not know the Liu family was so powerful?"

Then, write "King of Zhenbei" in the lower right corner of the cloth.

Note: "Military power in the northern border is not affiliated with the Liu family. Is there a past connection with my father?"

Next to it, it says "Other forces":

Other concubines in the harem (such as Consort Xian), other factions in the court, and martial arts forces...

A simple yet clear relationship diagram gradually took shape.

Shen Qingci put down her charcoal pencil and looked at the drawing.

a long time.

"Your Majesty," Jinshu asked softly, "Do we... have a chance of winning?"

Shen Qingci did not answer.

She simply touched the words "Liu Chengming" and "Anxiang" lightly with her finger.

"Even the strongest net," she whispered, "has its weakest link."

The Liu family's network appears to be flawless on the surface.

However, careful analysis reveals the flaws:

Liu Chengzong wielded immense power, but as the saying goes, "the taller the tree, the more the wind will blow," and he was bound to have political enemies.

Liu Ruyan was the most favored concubine in the harem, but the position of empress was vacant, indicating that Nangong Ye did not fully trust her.

And Liu Chengming...

This "Dark Fragrance" organization, hidden in the shadows, may seem mysterious and powerful, but it could very well be... its greatest weakness.

Because "darkness" means being unable to see the light.

Things that can't be exposed are most afraid of being revealed.

"Jinshu," Shen Qingci suddenly said, "Father has received news that he's investigating the Liu family's crimes, right?"

"Yes."

"Tell him to focus on two things." Shen Qingci's eyes were sharp. "First, Liu Chengming and 'Dark Fragrance'. Second, the trade between the Liu family and the Xiling Witch Kingdom, especially... the origin of 'Crimson Death'."

As long as conclusive evidence is found.

As long as it can be proven that the Liu family colluded with the enemy, trafficked drugs, and sought personal gain...

Then this seemingly sturdy net will begin to crack from the inside.

"But Your Highness," Jinshu said worriedly, "even if we find out, how do we submit it? How do we convince His Majesty?"

Shen Qingci looked out the window.

The sky had darkened, and the afterglow of the setting sun stained the broken tiles of the Cold Palace with a blood-red hue.

"There will be a way," she said softly.

As long as you're alive.

As long as... etc.

Waiting for the baby to be born.

Wait until you recover.

Wait until my father is ready.

And so on... until that man, Nangong Ye, runs out of patience with the Liu family.

"Eunuch Li," she turned to the silent old man, "could you help me send a letter out of the palace?"

Eunuch Li looked at her and slowly nodded: "Alright. But you can only deliver it once, and it must be done in absolute secrecy."

"Once is enough," Shen Qingci said.

She picked up the charcoal pencil again and wrote a few lines on the back of the white cloth.

It's not a code, it's plain language.

But the content is very short:

"Father: Focus your investigation on Liu Chengming and 'Dark Fragrance,' as well as the Xiling trade route. The evidence must be solid. Don't rush things, and take care of yourself. Daughter, stay safe, the pregnancy is stable, wait for the right opportunity."

After she finished writing, she folded the cloth and handed it to Eunuch Li.

"Send it to the Shen family manor on the outskirts of Beijing and hand it over to Shen Fu."

Eunuch Li took it, tucked it into his sleeve, nodded, and turned to leave.

"Eunuch Li," Shen Qingci called out to him again.

Eunuch Li turned around.

"Thank you," Shen Qingci said sincerely.

Eunuch Li's face remained expressionless, but his cloudy eyes seemed to soften for a moment.

Then, with his back hunched, he disappeared out the door.

Night falls.

Shen Qing declined and asked Jinshu to light the oil lamp—the lamp oil had been secretly given to him by Eunuch Li beforehand; it wasn't much, but it was enough.

She continued looking at the relationship diagram under the dim light.

My mind raced, quickly considering all the possibilities.

Time passed second by second.

Until midnight.

Shen Qingci finally put down the charcoal pencil and blew out the oil lamp.

She walked to the window and pushed open the dilapidated windowpane.

The moonlight is beautiful tonight.

The cool moonlight streamed into the courtyard, illuminating the withered old locust tree, the mottled wall, and her pale yet resolute face.

She lowered her head and gently placed her hand on her lower abdomen.

There, a noticeable bulge can already be felt.

It's been more than three months.

The baby grew day by day inside her belly.

And she is getting stronger every day.

"Six more months..." she whispered, her voice exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

Six months later, the child was born.

Six months is enough for her to do a lot of things.

That's enough for the father to gather evidence.

That's enough for her to recover and master martial arts.

That's enough... waiting for a chance to turn things around.

She raised her head and looked towards the depths of the palace, towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The place was brightly lit.

That man might be reviewing memorials at this moment, or perhaps he's having a meal with Liu Ruyan, or perhaps... he's long forgotten that there's a deposed empress waiting to die in the cold palace.

"Nangong Ye," Shen Qingci said, emphasizing each word in the moonlight, "are you ready?"