Chapter 113: Eternal Life Temple’s Archenemy

Junior Master Fenglin heard the footsteps outside depart before looking up at Consort Zhao. In a small voice, he said, “Esteemed consort, have you thought about what to do?”

Consort Zhao was clearly lost. She had no idea what Junior Master Fenglin was trying to tell her. Even if she lost favor and was banished by Xianzong into the Cold Palace from then on until she grew old, it had nothing to do with Eternal Life Temple.

Junior Master Fenglin rose to his feet and looked at the bloodstains by Consort Zhao’s bed. After some hesitation, he approached her and said, “The imperial physicians shouldn’t have told esteemed consort that you’ll have trouble conceiving in the future, right?”

If there was anything that could send Consort Zhao straight into Hell, it was those words. She immediately shrieked, but instead of falling apart like everyone expected, she gave Junior Master Fenglin an expressionless look. “Junior master must have found me because I’m still useful to you in some way. However, I don’t understand. How could a woman in my circumstances help junior master with anything?”

Consort Zhao’s voice sounded rather feeble, but her voice made Junior Master Fenglin raise his esteem of her by a few points. There weren’t many people in the world who could accurately discern their own standing and status. Consort Zhao waited for Junior Master Fenglin for a while before she finally said, “Do you need me to dismiss all the servants?”

Junior Master Fenglin swept his eyes over the various momo by Consort Zhao’s bedside, his smile never leaving his face. “No need. If they aren’t loyal servants of esteemed consort, you wouldn’t allow them to stay here.”

“Just what do you want?” Consort Zhao asked Junior Master Fenglin. She felt listless and numb all over, with no patience to play games with him.

“Princess Linglong,” Junior Master Fenglin replied.

Consort Zhao laughed. “Junior master’s seen yourself how the princess has ruined me. If junior master wants to deal with Her Royal Highness, I’m afraid a woman like me with no chances of bearing a son again in this lifetime cannot help you with anything.”

Junior Master Fenglin leaned over and pressed his hand against Consort Zhao’s bedcovers, almost as if comforting her or adjusting her covers. “Princess Linglong may be an archenemy of our Eternal Life Temple. Naturally, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Could anyone in this world make Eternal Life Temple their archenemy? Consort Zhao looked astounded at Junior Master Fenglin. In other words, it’s only to be expected that I fell to Yu Linglong’s hands?

“Rest well,” Junior Master Fenglin straightened up, his eyes showing a trace of pity. “Your Zhao Clan’s roots are deep and far from toppling over. Discuss things with Prime Minister Zhao and I’ll come to see you another day.”

Hearing that Junior Master Fenglin was about to leave, Consort Zhao didn’t call him back, but watched him go with her own eyes. I need to speak with my father about it? Consort Zhao couldn’t help but wonder. Has father does business with Eternal Life Temple before?

“Esteemed consort,” a few of the momo shot Consort Zhao worried looks. With their master fallen from favor, their lives as servants were in danger too.

Only then did Consort Zhao sweep her eyes across the servants in the room. She asked, “Where’s Jadeite?”

None of the momo dared to tell her that Jadeite had been dragged away to be beaten. Right now, they didn’t even know whether she was still alive.

“Speak,” Consort Zhao commanded.

One of the momo she was staring at was forced to open her mouth. “Esteemed consort, Jadeite incited His Majesty’s ire and was taken to the punishment department for a lesson.”

For a long while, Consort Zhao didn’t speak. Didn’t being “taught a lesson” at the punishment hall actually mean a beating?

“Her Royal Highness was present when Jadeite was speaking to His Majesty too,” another momo spoke up. They had to let their mistress know that they were incapable of offending the eldest princess, not avoiding pleading for mercy on Jadeite’s behalf on purpose.

“If you all can still leave the palace,” Consort Zhao said with eyes shut, “Go to the Zhao Clan and ask my father what’s happened. If possible, have my father pay me a visit here.”

“Yes,” the momo assented.

“Do it now,” Consort Zhao added. Since everything had just happened, Xianzong shouldn’t have issued orders to confine her yet. Two momo exchanged looks before withdrawing from the room.

—

Currently, Yu Xiaoxiao was currently riding the carriage back to the Gu Estate with Gu Xinglang. Gu Xingnuo had been waiting for them at the gates for ages. As soon as the carriage stopped, Eldest Young Master Gu walked ot the window and asked, “Xinglang, princess, has His Majesty really reversed the verdict on our Gu Clan?”

Yu Xiaoxiao jumped out of the carriage as always before looking at Gu Xingnuo. “That’s right, ah, big brother. Grandpa will be that defender whatever tomorrow again.”

Xiao Wei reminded helpfully, “It’s ‘Defender General.’”

“Oh right, it’s Defender General. Big brother, are ya happy?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked.

Of course Gu Xingnuo was happy that his family’s grievances could be righted. However, he couldn’t figure out how these two could resolve the case after eating out for a single meal. It didn’t make sense, ah.

Gu Xinglang was carried out of the carriage by two servants. Compared to Yu Xiaoxiao’s glowing complexion, he looked obviously exhausted and said, “Eldest brother, His Majesty will issue the decree tomorrow. Grandfather and you, as well as second brother, will be dispatched to Wangxiang Pass to lead soldiers again.”

Gu Xingnuo was currently wondering whether they should set off some firecrackers to celebrate. Yu Xiaoxiao said, “Big brother, when Little Gu’s injuries recover, he and I will find you guys at Wangxiang Pass too.”

Gu Xingnuo looked at his youngest brother. Did he have another chance to go back to the battlefield and gain merits again? Still, the clouds in his heart quickly dissipated in a flash. To be able to marry Princess Linglong was a fortunate thing for his third brother as well. “Let’s go home,” Eldest Young Master Gu smiled at Yu Xiaoxiao. “Grandfather is still waiting for you two in the study.”

Yu Xiaoxiao followed him inside and asked, “Then what about grandma?”

“Urk,” Gu Xingnuo tripped mid-step and turned towards Yu Xiaoxiao. “Princess, grandmother is already asleep. You want to see him?”

“Then forget it,” Yu Xiaoxiao waved a hand. “I’m just asking. Grandma’s an elder member of the family, after all.”

Gu Xingnuo silently exhaled in relief. It was better to keep everyone happy after such a joyous event this late at night. He had no qualms about the princess, but was worried whether his grandmother would come to find him for trouble, then get incensed by the princess. Gu Xinglang looked at his brother and wife walking on ahead before beckoning Xiao Wei to his side. “Princess is walking too fast so I didn’t have a chance to speak with her. Go tell her not to talk about Consort Zhao and Junior Master Fenglin’s matters at home.”

Xiao Wei hastily nodded before running to Yu Xiaoxiao’s side. “Princess.”

“I’m here,” Yu Xiaoxiao looked back.

Xiao Wei was left looking 囧 for a while. Yu Xiaoxiao looked at Xiao Wei, then at Gu Xinglang behind them, before asking emotionlessly, “Has something else happened?”