Ruling over the Court Arc
Abandoned Empress 07
She rubbed her nose and felt a bit relieved.
Thinking about the note she sent, she wondered if Miss Xin had received it, and if she knew it was from her.
She should probably know that she was the one who delivered the message, right?
She was so clever, she should find a way to send it back to her.
Qu Zhi’an paced around the room, unsure if that would actually happen. What if the other person didn’t think it was necessary?
It’s hard to say, that person gave her such mixed feelings.
She wanted to get closer, but there wasn’t a convincing reason in her heart to persuade herself to do so.
It felt like a prickly flower, and if she approached forcefully, she might get pricked. She needed to find the right balance between advancing and retreating.
Qu Zhi’an poured herself a glass of cold tea to cool down and decided to leave the courtyard.
Even though she was now an official in government service, she still had her old habits. Whenever she arrived at a place, she liked to get a grasp of the situation.
For example, the local customs, the climate, the environment, what sells well, and if one wants to engage in business, which aspect would be a good starting point?
After strolling around for the entire afternoon and returning home, Qu Zhi’an found herself laughing at her own recurring problem.
So, when night fell and she saw the person knocking on her door, she was still pondering if she had walked too much in the afternoon, exhausting herself to the point of hallucination.
“Miss Xin!”
Qu Zhi’an’s voice carried surprise, but in the next moment, she realized that this person should absolutely not be appearing here at this time.
“What’s wrong? Not happy to see me?”
The visitor was none other than Xin Lan, who had come out with Ah Rou. In order to discuss matters early and not disturb others’ sweet dreams, Xin Lan had decided not to come in the middle of the night this time.
Ah Rou followed behind her, looking dazed. She only knew that a moment ago she was still in the Jade Moon Palace, and for some reason, she fainted and just woke up when her mistress called her.
In an instant, they went from inside the palace to outside. Ah Rou had no idea how her mistress managed it, but her conviction grew stronger that following her mistress would never be wrong.
Could it be that her mistress possessed some kind of Immortal technique? Otherwise, how could she appear like this?
In Ah Rou’s heart, that towering red wall was an insurmountable chasm, completely separating the outside world from this place.
To go outside, one must have a waist tag, and since Ah Rou followed her mistress into the palace, she had never set foot outside.
“How could I not be happy to see you? Please come in and have a seat.”
As Qu Zhi’an closed the door, she took a quick look around, fearing that someone might be following Xin Lan. Xin Lan’s visit this time was definitely a secret affair, and no matter how you looked at it, it couldn’t be done openly.
“This small courtyard of yours is quite nice, DÃ ren1.”
“It’s just a humble abode. You flatter me, Miss. Please have a seat, I’ll pour some tea for you.”
“No need to be polite, Ah Rou. You can go elsewhere for now. This Master and I have some matters to discuss.”
Ah Rou didn’t glance around and nodded before stepping out.
Qu Zhi’an only now noticed that this maid seemed familiar. Wasn’t she the palace maid who knelt before the Emperor in the morning, discussing matters? Why would she be with Xin Lan?
“Do you know her?”
Xin Lan noticed that Qu Zhi’an’s expression was different and inquired about it.
“We just had a brief encounter. When I finished attending the morning court today, she was still blocking the Emperor’s path.”
“I only have a vague understanding.”
“Didn’t you send me a message, DÃ ren? Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Since you asked how I’ve been lately, I’ll tell you that I’ve been doing well.”
Qu Zhi’an smiled and nodded, just as Xin Lan didn’t mention her identity as a woman. She pretended not to be curious about how Xin Lan managed to come out.
In reality, her heart was itching with curiosity about how Xin Lan managed to come out.
It’s probably through the channels of the Xin family. Judging from the fact that she brought someone along, her visit couldn’t possibly be just to answer the questions on her note.
“Good to hear that you’re doing well.”
“Something did happen in the palace, but it’s not a big deal.”
Xin Lan fearlessly shared the details of the incident with Qu Zhi’an, of course omitting any embellishments or exaggerations.
“Even though Miss resides in a secluded place, the flow of information is equally well-informed.”
Qu Zhi’an sighed. In truth, she wasn’t interested in the struggles within the palace. What interested her was the significance behind the situation with Concubine Man.
At the same time, she couldn’t help but lament that when people turn cruel, they truly become like demons.
Who could have imagined that such a delicate and charming woman could commit such brutal acts?
What astonished her even more was the conspiracy that Concubine Man had orchestrated behind the scenes.
What puzzled Qu Zhi’an was that Concubine Man had actually managed to ensnare an official. It was truly bewildering how clueless some people in the court could be.
However, Qu Zhi’an’s remark about being well-informed carried a double entendre. It was surprising that Xin Lan could accurately and flawlessly know her address even within the depths of the palace. The web of influence truly was immensely powerful.
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“The main trouble is when it becomes related to oneself; it cannot be resolved without taking action.”
“Did Miss have any other purpose for this visit?”
“Has the Emperor granted you a mansion?”
“Yes, but it’s currently undergoing renovations.”
“Then, is this courtyard convenient for accommodating someone?”
“Logically speaking, that palace maid should have merited it. How could it be?”
“The scandals of the Imperial family, can others really come to know about them? Perhaps that’s how the Emperor thinks. After all, when it comes to matters concerning his heirs, only the dead can forever keep a secret.”
Qu Zhi’an furrowed her brows slightly. She still wasn’t accustomed to the methods of these influential families.
“Daren, you don’t need to worry. We’re not staying here for free either. Once we find another place to rent, we’ll move out.”
“Miss, there’s no need to be so polite. Given our relationship, there’s no need for such formalities.”
“What relationship do we have?”
Xin Lan smiled and asked in return.
She was somewhat surprised that this person was becoming so familiar.
Of course, it couldn’t be considered familiarity. After all, she could be regarded as someone who saved her once. She had expected this person to keep her at a distance or remain cautious. However, the act of passing her the note indicated that she was actually someone with a strong sense of justice, kindness, and a sense of loyalty.
Setting aside everything else, she found this person quite interesting.
However, upon reflecting on the brief descriptions of this person in the story, it wasn’t surprising that she reacted this way.
A girl who dared to escape from her family in this environment and resist the system demonstrated great courage. Her outstanding business skills indicated vision and intelligence. The fact that she could easily let go of her business and go out with money to enjoy herself and make friends showed that she was a straightforward and refreshing person. She had her own opinions and insights on national affairs and later achieved success. She was extraordinary, truly extraordinary.
The more Xin Lan thought about Qu Zhi’an’s qualities, the more she wanted to have this person on her side and use her.
However, how to win her over was still a question that required careful consideration.
“I suppose we can consider ourselves friends now, right?”
After all, they shared a common secret and had experienced life-and-death situations together. Qu Zhi’an admired Xin Lan greatly, and if this person could be free-spirited, she could certainly accomplish great things.
“I never expected Daren to consider me a friend. I’m truly touched.”
“Miss, you’re teasing me with those words. I originally intended to leave freely, but then I thought there was no need, especially since I have the intention to leave but fear that person wouldn’t agree.”
The last sentence made Qu Zhi’an feel both embarrassed and uncomfortable, as if she was praising herself, but in reality, she sincerely expressed her dilemma.
“So, if you become powerful enough that he can’t threaten your presence, wouldn’t that be better?”
Xin Lan smiled lightly, a faint smile appearing on her delicate face, making her look even more exquisite.
Qu Zhi’an was startled, she looked at Xin Lan intently, only to find that the trace of a smile had vanished, as if it had never appeared on her face.
What was this implying?
Just like the Xin family, becoming so powerful that the Emperor couldn’t control her comings and goings?
“Are you planning to keep her like this forever?”
Qu Zhi’an thought it was unlikely, she had a feeling that Xin Lan must have some other purpose.
It wasn’t that Qu Zhi’an believed Xin Lan wouldn’t perform random acts of kindness, but she felt it wouldn’t be that simple, to be so kind-hearted as to keep a servant girl by her side.
“Just a servant girl, keeping her won’t cause any major problems. But you also know that a discarded Empress has no say in the harem. If she ever gets headaches or fevers, the Imperial Physician would never come. So, I’m considering whether to let this servant girl open a herbal medicine shop, hire a doctor, and learn about medicinal principles.”
When intelligent people converse, there’s no need to exert too much effort or delve too deeply.
“If you want to open a shop, why not come to me? I may not be of much help with other matters, but this shouldn’t be a problem.”
Qu Zhi’an became energized. She had been observing these matters all afternoon, and if she could be of assistance to someone, it would be excellent.
“In that case, thank you very much for your help, Daren. I feel relieved knowing that this servant girl will have a safe place to stay. However, she has no experience in business, so I hope you will bear with her in this matter. If you think she lacks talent, please let me know, and I’ll come up with a solution.”
Whether Ah Rou had talent or not was not important. What mattered was that Xin Lan needed a medicine shop to conduct her affairs.
“Very well, there’s no need for you to address me as ‘Daren.’ It feels strange and unfamiliar.”
In reality, they had only met for the second time, but considering the significant event they had experienced together, their identities were still quite unique.
They hadn’t yet reached the stage of “meeting you for the first time feels like reuniting with an old friend,” but Qu Zhi’an felt an instant connection with Xin Lan.
Seeing this person brought her joy, allowing her to overlook all of her background and peculiarities.
Even if she was a discarded Empress or a member of the Xin family, during their conversation, she was simply Miss Xin.
“What’s the point of that? Zhi’an? If someone overhears it, they’ll immediately guess it’s you.”
“Then call me by my nickname, Yan Yan. That’s how my family addresses me.”
“Yan?”
“Smoke, like the dispersing mist in the breeze.”
Qu Zhi’an pursed her lips. These were the words Xin Lan had used to introduce herself.
Clearly, Xin Lan remembered too. They locked eyes and smiled at each other.
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That smile spread in her eyes, illuminating her obsidian-like irises, and when her raven-colored eyelashes fluttered lightly, it seemed as though a vast starry sky unfolded.
Suddenly, Qu Zhi’an recalled a line of poetry, feeling as if the countless stars were pressing before her, and her joy made her realize her own insignificance.
Unaware of the sky after getting drunk on the water, a ship full of clear dreams weighing down the starry river.
“Alright, then I’ll call you Yan Yan.”
Xin Lan nodded, realizing that the nickname was insignificant as long as it was this person. They reached a consensus regarding the matter of the medicinal herb shop.
“I may not have brought enough silver coins with me today. I only brought a portion. I’ll add the rest tomorrow,” Xin Lan said.
“No worries, I’ll choose the items for you first, and you can settle the payment later,” replied Qu Zhi’an.
Qu Zhi’an didn’t place much importance on money matters since she was already wealthy.
After scanning the money, Zero Nine confirmed that Qu Zhi’an wouldn’t be concerned about the amount. As long as the debt was repaid, it would suffice.
Xin Lan took out the money she had brought and placed it in Qu Zhi’an’s hand.
When their fingers touched, Xin Lan inexplicably felt her heart skip a beat.
Unaware of Qu Zhi’an’s reaction, Xin Lan withdrew her hand.
Qu Zhi’an’s background was actually quite remarkable. Although not from an aristocratic family, her household was wealthy enough to rival a country.
These four words were not to be taken lightly, as the business of the Qu family spanned across the entire Wu Kingdom, reaching even into Daqing.
So, Qu Zhi’an is wealthy, truly exceptionally wealthy.
Moreover, she’s not just some idle young miss who lives off her family’s wealth; she has a remarkable ability to make money grow.
Based on what Qu Zhi’an said about helping with the medicinal herb shop, Xin Lan knew that this matter was secure.
“It seems that Miss Xin came prepared,” Qu Zhi’an remarked as she received the money. Xin Lan smiled in response without denying it.
Qu Zhi’an waited for Xin Lan to say, “Calling me ‘Miss’ feels too distant, why not call me Lan’er?” But after waiting for a while, Xin Lan didn’t utter those words.
There was a slight trace of disappointment in Qu Zhi’an’s heart, but she didn’t show it.
“What do you think? If the Emperor knew how well we get along, would he be furious?”
The Emperor had shown interest in Qu Zhi’an, considering her as one of his own. Additionally, the Emperor had a particular disdain for the Xin family and disliked Xin Lan. If he were to see Xin Lan and Qu Zhi’an getting along, it would surely infuriate him.
“Who cares about him.”
Qu Zhi’an pursed her lips, the Emperor had no right to dictate her personal relationships. It was her freedom to choose the kind of people she wanted to be friends with, and the Emperor had no say in that matter.
Qu Zhi’an couldn’t deny that the actions of the Xin family were related to Xin Lan. The facts were right there, mutually beneficial. One was rising steadily while the other felt overshadowed by the towering tree, so cutting down the obstructing tree wasn’t unjustifiable.
It was Xin Lan’s actions towards Qu Zhi’an that went too far.
The mere thought of it made Qu Zhi’an angry, but getting angry wouldn’t accomplish anything.
“Calling you ‘Yan Yan’ does give off a more delicate impression. How do you usually speak?”
There is a certain distinction between a female voice and a male voice. Although some people’s voices are androgynous, generally only Eunuchs speak with a touch of softness.
Qu Zhi’an lightly cleared her throat, signaling a change in her tone.
“This is how I usually speak in daily life. Pay close attention, and no one will detect anything. It’s inconvenient for a woman to be too conspicuous in her appearance.”
Qu Zhi’an’s voice became deeper, devoid of any femininity. Based on her voice alone, one would perceive her as a gentle gentleman.
“You’re quite skilled.”
Xin Lan clapped her hands, and Qu Zhi’an took a breath, changing her tone of voice.
Qu Zhi’an had trained herself in this skill. At first, it was easy to be recognized, but now she had perfected it. From her mannerisms to her voice, she could easily pass as an elegant gentleman, a refined young man, or even a scholarly type.
Xin Lan didn’t engage in much conversation with Qu Zhi’an and went outside to talk to Ah Rou, who was standing there.
The conversation mainly revolved around Ah Rou learning from Qu Zhi’an and emphasizing the importance of following her instructions.
Ah Rou nodded in response, but deep down, she felt a bit anxious.
“Mistress, shall I stay here? How can I contact you? When will I see you again?”
Ah Rou hadn’t been outside the palace for two or three years. Even before Concubine Liu entered the palace, she rarely had the chance to go out. Occasionally going out for a stroll brought her immense joy. Now, being left alone outside with a stranger, she couldn’t help but feel a bit timid.
“Ah Rou, have you forgotten what I told you before?”
Courage was essential, and she shouldn’t be afraid of any situation.
“I remember, I will learn well and perform my duties diligently, waiting for your return, Mistress.”
Ah Rou took a deep breath and looked into Xin Lan’s eyes.
“Very well, from now on, you don’t have to refer to yourself as a servant here. It’s better to avoid raising suspicion.”
“Yes, I under…stand.”
Ah Rou hesitated, her face showing signs of wanting to say something but holding back.
“If there’s something, feel free to speak.”
“Can I go back to visit my mistress? I don’t know when she was buried or where she was laid to rest…”
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“You can’t go back anymore. If there’s any news, I will inform you.”
“Thank you, Mistress.”
Ah Rou expressed her gratitude.
As a low-ranking concubine, it was impossible for her to enter the imperial tomb, and considering the circumstances of her Mistress’ death… the more Ah Rou thought about it, the more resentment grew in her heart.
“I’m leaving now, I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“Take care, Mistress.”
Xin Lan’s figure dissipated into the darkness of the night, and Ah Rou closed the door and bolted it.
“Daren, where will I be staying?”
“You can sleep in the east wing. It has been cleaned earlier, and you can take the bedding from the cabinet to sleep.”
“Thank you, Daren. Shall I attend to you when you wake up tomorrow?”
“No need.”
Ah Rou nodded silently and returned to her room.
Before drifting off to sleep, her thoughts revolved around whether her Mistress would blame her for revealing the forced circumstances. That was probably the last thing her Mistress would want the Emperor to know.
If she were blamed, being scolded in a dream would be welcomed.
She woke up in a daze, rubbing her forehead. In her dream last night, it involved unrelated people, but strangely, she didn’t dream of her Mistress.
Outside, daylight had already arrived. As she pushed open the door, she heard the Master reading.
“I am currently ill, my soul in turmoil, only to dream of idle individuals and not of you.”
She hadn’t been sick, so why did she dream of idle individuals as well?