Nong Nu Jiao

Cen Lingyi walked through the garden and slowly made her way towards Sun Peihuan's Yunxiang Courtyard.

The winter wind was biting, so she pulled her collar tighter and quickened her pace.

An unfamiliar maidservant approached.

There were plenty of maids in the Eastern Palace, so Cen Lingyi didn't pay them any mind. She simply moved aside and continued walking.

Unexpectedly, as the two passed each other, the maid slipped a note into her hand.

Cen Lingyi turned around to look.

The maidservant hurriedly ran away.

Cen Lingyi unfolded the note and recognized the handwriting as that of Lu Huaiyou.

"Jiaojiao, meet me at the back door at midnight tonight, it's important."

She glanced at the words, crumpled the paper, and casually tossed it into the lotus pond beside her.

Lu Huaiyou, from his second sister to the whereabouts of his parents, and even his child... he was lying to her about everything. She didn't know what his purpose was in targeting her like this.

What important business could he possibly have? She wouldn't see a liar like him, nor would she trust him again.

As she entered Yunxiang Courtyard, she glanced around casually. A red plum tree was in full bloom, its fragrance filling the entire courtyard.

At the foot of the stone steps at the entrance, there are several pots of blooming daffodils and a small citrus tree, laden with bright yellow fruit.

Such a grand display in winter shows that Sun Peihuan truly deserves to be Yan Chenghui's most favored concubine.

Lan Hua, who was guarding the door, saw the hatred flash in her eyes and called out, "Aunt Cen, my lady is taking a nap and instructed you to wait at the door after you arrive."

She had just met with Cen Lingyi and was threatened by her, so she betrayed Consort Sun once again, telling Cen Lingyi how Consort Sun had sent people to harm the Crown Princess.

She really hated her, but she couldn't do anything about Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi stopped in her tracks, looked at her from afar, and smiled slightly.

Whether Sun Peihuan was really asleep or not, she didn't know, but it was true that she was left outside in the cold wind.

She waved to the orchid.

Orchid didn't want to pay attention to her, but she didn't dare. She looked around nervously and walked quickly toward her.

The more she looked at Cen Lingyi, the angrier she became.

Did Cen Lingyi treat her like a dog, summoning her at will and dismissing her at will?

"You don't need to hate me." Cen Lingyi straightened her collar, her tone calm: "You need to know that betraying your master will only lead you deeper into trouble."

Orchid looked at her in confusion, not understanding the meaning behind her words for a moment.

"You should be hoping I'm doing well." Cen Lingyi withdrew her hand and smiled at her. "After all, only if I'm doing well will your betrayal of her not be exposed, don't you think?"

After saying that, she didn't linger and went straight up the steps.

Lan Hua turned to look at her, her gaze somewhat complicated. Cen Lingyi was indeed much better than Sun Liangyuan.

If she had a choice, she would prefer to be a mistress like Cen Lingyi, but Cen Lingyi herself is just a maid, and she's afraid she'll never be able to turn her life around.

Cen Lingyi raised her hand and lifted the curtain.

The floor heating in the room was working well, and a wave of heat wafted over.

Sun Peihuan leaned lazily against the soft couch, flipping through the guest list for this event.

Lotus helped record the details.

Cen Lingyi went straight in.

Sun Peihuan looked up and saw her, then sat up abruptly, her face darkening instantly, her eyes filled with anger: "Who let you in?"

It was freezing cold outside, so she specifically instructed Cen Lingyi to stand outside until dark before coming in.

Let's give her a good beating, consider it a warning.

Cen Lingyi curtsied to her, neither humble nor arrogant: "The Lady Consort has already woken up, so this servant has come in."

"go out!"

Sun Liangyuan slammed her hand on the small table in front of her, furious.

How dare a servant enter her room without her permission?

Has Cen Lingyi rebelled?

"Liangyuan's brother left behind thirty men, who were kept in the Sun residence for your use. On the fifteenth, you sent out all thirty men to ambush the Crown Princess on the mountain path she would take to Fahua Temple. They pulled the Crown Princess off the carriage, put a sack over her head, and beat her up."

Cen Lingyi spoke slowly and deliberately.

"How did you know!"

Sun Peihuan was both surprised and angry, and blurted out a question.

"Liang Yuan!"

Lotus quickly offered a reminder.

Sun Peihuan only realized what was happening at this moment and instinctively covered her mouth, but it was too late.

By asking this question, she was essentially admitting that what Cen Lingyi said was true.

"The Crown Prince's guards are no pushovers either. Of the thirty men you sent, half were injured, two of whom are seriously wounded and currently unconscious, and one was killed on the spot..."

Cen Lingyi ignored her and continued speaking.

"Shut up! Nonsense! Guards, drag her away..."

Sun Peihuan's face turned pale.

Cen Lingyi actually knows everything!

She must be silenced.

Several rough maids rushed in and grabbed Cen Lingyi's arms.

"I made arrangements before I came. If I cannot return safely, these messages will be delivered to His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Crown Princess respectively. If Consort Liang wants to keep this secret, she must also silence the thirty people your brother left for you."

Cen Lingyi looked at Sun Peihuan calmly and without the slightest panic.

Sun Peihuan is brave but lacks strategy; she is confident she can deal with her.

"All of you, get out!"

Sun Peihuan's expression changed, and she waved her hand angrily.

The maids, who were used for menial tasks, all bowed their heads and retreated.

"What do you want?"

Sun Peihuan stared at Cen Lingyi, her eyes practically spitting fire.

She originally thought that killing this bitch would be as easy as crushing an ant.

I never expected Cen Lingyi to be so cunning!

"This servant is here on His Highness the Crown Prince's orders to assist Consort Liang in organizing the young prince's first birthday banquet. I only wish to complete the task successfully and without causing any unforeseen complications. I hope Consort Liang will grant my request."

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyes and spoke slowly.

Of course, Xia Qinghe should know what needs to be known.

However, Xia Qinghe wasn't stupid. After investigating for so long, he should have already made some guesses.

Sun Liangyuan snorted coldly: "Do you still need my permission?"

Cen Lingyi has already threatened her, so why is she still saying anything about granting her wish?

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyes and remained silent, avoiding any pointless arguments.

"Lotus, bring me the silver notes."

Sun Peihuan stared at her, and suddenly an idea came to her mind.

Lotus quickly took out a stack of silver notes and placed them on the table.

"Take these banknotes. You are in charge of purchasing and procuring everything needed for the banquet."

Sun Peihuan patted the pile of silver notes and gave instructions to Cen Lingyi.

"This servant will not handle money, nor will I purchase anything," Cen Lingyi said, seeing through her thoughts at a glance. "This servant can make a list, and the Lady Consort can send someone to buy it."

She knew exactly what Sun Peihuan was thinking.

No matter how much money passes through her hands, she's always wrong.

Even if she didn't take a single penny, Sun Peihuan could still fabricate charges against her and accuse her of embezzling.

If she makes even the slightest mistake, it will give others ammunition against her, leaving her with no way to defend herself.

So she won't take this job.

Sun Peihuan's face darkened, and she raised her voice, saying, "Entrusting you with the purchasing and procuring is because I trust your abilities. Why are you refusing?"

"This servant will not take on the responsibility of purchasing, Your Excellency need not say more."

Cen Lingyi's voice was soft, but her tone was firm.

"Alright then." Sun Peihuan had no choice but to say, "Make a list and come with me to buy the goods. I'll handle the money, and you'll be responsible for checking and verifying the goods. That should leave no room for complaint, right?"

"It's all up to Liangyuan's arrangements."

Cen Lingyi nodded in agreement.

Sun Peihuan got even angrier when she heard her say that, and strode out with her sleeves flying.

What do you mean by "it's all up to Liangyuan to decide"? Does that mean it's up to her to decide? Cen Lingyi clearly only agreed because she chose what Liangyuan wanted.

The two of them rode in separate carriages to the marketplace.

At this hour, the streets are bustling with activity, filled with people and vehicles.

Cen Lingyi's list was very comprehensive; she was naturally very thoughtful about her son's first birthday party.

Sun Peihuan simply followed the list and purchased items from one shop at a time.

"Let's check out this liquor store."

Sun Peihuan alighted from the carriage.

"This servant will go and see some herbs to help with the hangover."

Cen Lingyi looked around and entered a nearby pharmacy.

"Young lady, what kind of medicine do you want?"

The shopkeeper greeted us with a smile.

"Get me a dose of abortion pills."

Cen Lingyi took out a gold ingot and placed it on the counter with a calm expression.

She had already thought it over carefully.

It's too late to give her contraceptive soup now.

Yan Chenghui was always bothering her.

Even if she doesn't get pregnant this time, she'll get pregnant with his child sooner or later.

She needs to prepare early in case of unforeseen circumstances.

"Okay."

The shopkeeper was shrewd enough not to suspect her, so he didn't even glance at her and immediately turned around to start dispensing the medicine.

The shopkeeper placed several packets of medicine in front of her: "Miss, these three packets are to be taken over two days. This packet is for the first day, and these two packets are for the second day."

"Thank you." Cen Lingyi put away the medicine and then said, "Let's take a look at the hangover remedy, Hangover Elixir."

"How many sets would you like, young lady?"

"I asked the shopkeeper."

"I need thirty sets first. You can pack them up now, and someone will come to settle the bill later."

Cen Lingyi gave the instructions.

"Yes."

The shopkeeper agreed and got to work.

Cen Lingyi turned and went out, got into the carriage, and placed the medicine she had just grabbed on the carriage.

"Liangyuan, the person watching her said they saw her grab several packets of medicine and put them on the carriage."

Lotus quietly informed Sun Peihuan from the entrance of the liquor store.

"She's acting suspiciously; it doesn't seem like good medicine. Go ask the shopkeeper what kind of medicine she's getting."

Sun Peihuan stared at Cen Lingyi's carriage and gave instructions.

"Yes."

Lotus hurried away.

Cen Lingyi stepped down from the carriage and saw Sun Peihuan standing not far away, watching her.

She stepped forward and said, "This servant has ordered thirty portions of the 'Hangxie Jiang' (a type of medicinal paste), and the shopkeeper is already getting them."

"it is good."

Sun Peihuan looked a little dejected.

Judging from Cen Lingyi's calm and composed demeanor, she didn't seem to have done anything wrong.

Finding something wrong with Cen Lingyi won't be that easy.

Lotus hurriedly returned, glanced at Cen Lingyi, walked to Sun Peihuan's side, and winked at her.

Sun Peihuan's heart skipped a beat. She led her to the side and asked impatiently, "What medicine did she get?"

"Liangyuan," Lotus whispered, glancing again in Cen Lingyi's direction, "What Aunt Cen grabbed was an abortion pill."

"really?"

Sun Peihuan's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Did Cen Lingyi run off and get pregnant with someone's child?

Great.

Just when I was wondering how to kill Cen Lingyi, this was like a pillow delivered to my sleepy head.

"This servant dared not lie to Liangyuan. The shopkeeper initially refused to tell, but I gave him some silver to bribe him."

Lotus whispered.

"Take it." Sun Peihuan took out a silver ingot, stuffed it into her hand, and instructed, "Return to the East Palace."

"Is Liangyuan not buying anything?"

The lotus flower needs no further explanation.

"I'm not buying it." Sun Peihuan almost laughed out loud. "Just drive the carriage straight to the entrance of Mingde Hall."

Why would I need to buy anything else?

Caught red-handed, she had to hurry back to the East Palace and complain to His Highness so that he would quickly execute the promiscuous Cen Lingyi.