Chapter 68: A Joint Move, Ying Meiren

Leaving the Qianxin Palace, Ning Wanyin returned to the Lingxue Pavilion.

This round, she won because of her usual caution, which allowed her to break Li Rao’s slander in the first place.

She also won because she acted as the emperor’s sword, doing some things beautifully for him, leaving a good impression on him. So, without evidence, the emperor would analyze whether she would do something based on his impression of her.

This was crucial, as it determined the emperor’s judgment bias.

This round, Ning Wanyin was caught off guard.

Because she didn’t know Song Chengyi at all.

The fact that the other party could find out about this person and then use it to set up this scheme…

He was a formidable enemy.

“Master, this servant was almost scared to death today! Thankfully, it was just a false alarm.” Lianrui was still shaken.

When the emperor took out a talisman from the pouch…

She almost fainted.

Fortunately, it was all right in the end.

A cold glint flashed in Ning Wanyin’s eyes:

“Lianrui, go and find out about Li Rao’s identity and background, and who he is close to.”

Li Rao must have come from a certain faction, otherwise he wouldn’t have dared to slander the imperial concubine.

The Great Yan Dynasty was full of powerful families, each vying for power and profit. Just by checking Li Rao’s family background, one could know his network…

Lianrui nodded angrily, “This servant understands! This person is really too bad, he actually framed the master!”

A little later, Lianrui brought back the information she had gathered:

“Master, Li Rao is related to the Wei family, the Marquis of Weiyong. His eldest son married the concubine daughter of the newly appointed Marquis of Weiyong, and he has always followed the Wei family’s lead.”

Ning Wanyin’s eyes narrowed slightly, “The Wei family.”

The Wei family was backed by the Cen family.

She didn’t know if the Cen family had a hand in this.

But it didn’t matter.

Whoever did it, she would collect some interest first.

“Lianrui, go and invite Ying Meiren to the Lingxue Pavilion for tea.”

“Yes.”

…

Yixiu Palace, Haitang Residence.

“Ning Wanyin is lucky!” Concubine Wei said angrily.

She had just learned that this scheme was actually arranged by her own family.

Concubine Cen, to prevent too many people from leaking the secret, didn’t inform anyone in the palace. She only sent a message outside the palace, asking the Cen family to arrange someone to do it.

Duke Cen arranged it for the Marquis of Weiyong, and the Marquis of Weiyong arranged it for Li Rao.

These dukes and marquises naturally wouldn’t do it themselves. It wasn’t a good thing.

“Qiushan, send a message to my father, asking him to think of more ways, he must kill Ning Wanyin! Ning Wanyin has bewitched the emperor. If she doesn’t die, how can I get ahead?” Concubine Wei said sourly, full of jealousy towards Ning Wanyin.

“Yes.” Qiushan agreed.

Concubine Wei had heard before entering the palace that Ning Wanyin was the most favored in the palace.

She had long wanted to take her place.

Thinking about how she had deliberately made things difficult for Ning Wanyin this time, but ended up enhancing her reputation, Concubine Wei felt even more irritable.

And Wei Yingya next door was very happy!

She didn’t know if it was because of her righteous words that moved Concubine Ning, but she actually invited her for tea!

Wei Yingya happily rushed to the Lingxue Pavilion without stopping.

…

Lingxue Pavilion, Flower Hall.

The host and guest took their seats, and Lianrui served hot tea.

Ning Wanyin’s gaze swept over Dongwu, who was serving her, and said, “I have some private matters to discuss with Ying Meiren.”

Wei Yingya instantly understood, “Dongwu, you can leave first.”

She was very excited.

Concubine Ning actually wanted to talk to her about confidential matters…

This is the first step to successfully accepting her into the small group!

“Last time, Concubine Wei presented a snack to His Majesty called “Egg Crisp”. It looks like your craft…” Ning Wanyin looked at her, getting straight to the point.

Wei Yingya gritted her teeth in anger when she mentioned Concubine Wei, “That’s egg tart! She forced me to tell her the recipe!”

“This is a crime of deceiving the emperor.” Ning Wanyin continued.

Wei Yingya gave a wry smile, “But His Majesty didn’t pursue it…”

These desserts, different from the dishes of the Great Yan Dynasty, were unique.

His Majesty must have noticed, but he didn’t pursue it.

“Because it would be troublesome to pursue it, His Majesty doesn’t like to meddle in other people’s business. If she insists that the dessert was made by herself, do you have any evidence to prove your innocence?” Ning Wanyin asked.

Wei Yingya was stunned and shook her head.

“So, if you want to punish her, you need ironclad evidence.” Ning Wanyin looked at Wei Yingya and said:

“Would Ying Meiren be willing to join me in a scheme?”

“Of course! Concubine Ning, what good idea do you have? Tell me quickly, I will definitely do it!” Wei Yingya was overjoyed.

She didn’t know that Li Rao was from the Wei family. She only guessed that Concubine Wei had offended Concubine Ning by forcing her to write a poem today, so Concubine Ning wanted to take Concubine Wei’s life.

“Ying Meiren is good at poetry. Could you write half a verse for me?” Ning Wanyin asked.

Although Wei Yingya was very confused as to why she only wanted half a verse, she immediately thought of a famous piece of poetry.

“When will the bright moon appear… How is it like being in the human world.”

Wei Yingya picked up her pen and wrote half of Su Shi’s “Water Melody – Bright Moon When Will You Appear”, handing it to Ning Wanyin.

“Ying Meiren’s talent is amazing. Just a casual writing, it’s a stunning verse.” Ning Wanyin picked up the paper and looked at the half verse in front of her, amazed.

Wei Yingya smiled awkwardly. Mr. Su is indeed amazing! I’m just a transporter.

…

The next day, at dusk.

Helian Qi entered the Lingxue Pavilion, but saw the young woman sitting at the desk in her nightgown, her long hair loose, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, and a hint of worry on her pretty face.

The candlelight reflected on her, the beauty’s frown, was also charming and endearing.

“What is the beauty troubled by?” Helian Qi asked.

Ning Wanyin came to her senses and quickly bowed, “This concubine was lost in thought for a while, and failed to greet Your Majesty…”

“It was I who ordered them not to disturb you…” Helian Qi reached out and helped her up, leading her to sit on the couch, and then he saw the half verse on the desk.

“This is the verse that Ying Meiren wrote yesterday. She wrote the first half, and asked this concubine to write the second half. However, this concubine is not very talented, and I have been thinking about it for a day, but I still haven’t been able to write it.” Ning Wanyin sighed, looking at Helian Qi, her eyes full of anticipation:

“I wonder if Your Majesty could write the second half for this concubine?”

It was common for literati to exchange poems and verses.

Seeing that the verse was so stunning, Helian Qi also felt a bit of appreciation for talent and was willing to write a response.

He immediately picked up the brush on the side of the desk, dipped it in ink, and wrote the second half.

After finishing, Helian Qi shook his head, not quite satisfied, “I didn’t write it well. It’s better to let Ying Meiren write the second half herself, so as not to waste such a good verse.”

“Your Majesty’s writing is much better than this concubine’s! Ying Meiren will definitely be happy to see it!” Ning Wanyin immediately flattered him, her face full of smiles.