Chapter 65

Now, the outcome of the matter seemed nearly certain. No matter how much Shen Ruojin cried, it could not change the facts.

Most of the people present were daughters from noble families, and they began to empathize with Tao Sheng’s situation.

Thinking about the grievances Tao Sheng had endured over the years, they felt a deep connection.

Princess He’en wiped her tears and said, “I never realized how much you’ve suffered. It’s just like the saying in the opera: it’s better to have no home than to have one.”

This statement held truth. Tao Sheng had created her own path. The Shen family lost her the moment she was born. They not only failed to raise or support her but also constantly hindered her and damaged her reputation.

This family preferred to give Shen Ruojin, who had taken over the position, fine clothes and lavish meals rather than offer a kind word to Tao Sheng. It was truly unfair.

“My adoptive parents are kind and upright people. They have treated me well over the years. My cousin and aunt have treated me like family, taking care of my needs,” Tao Sheng said. “I have actually lived a good life.”

Tao Sheng was speaking honestly, but no one believed her.

It must be heartbreaking to be betrayed by your own family, right? Lord Luo must be smiling through the pain.

When Princess Qing asked why she didn’t go back, Tao Sheng didn’t answer directly. She simply mentioned wanting peace and quiet, but she was also trying to spare everyone from discomfort.

As the arguments continued, the unfounded comments and accusations only highlighted the noble qualities of Tao Sheng, which shone brighter than the purest ice and snow on the mountains.

No wonder the emperor favored her so much.

Everyone expressed their understanding.

For officials, maintaining a flawless reputation is vital, so they could not point out any flaws. They believed Tao Sheng would have a bright future.

Princess He’en noticed the timing was right and turned to Old Madam Shen, asking, “Do you have anything else to say?”

“Now she is the emperor’s favorite, and she has bribed my maids. You believe everything she says. There is no one here for justice. What else can I say?” Old Madam Shen, overwhelmed with anger, spoke without thinking. “We will not let this matter go. We will seek justice, even at the cost of our lives.”

Princess He’en raised her eyebrows slightly: “So, the old lady is accusing me of being unfair as the master?”

As a princess, she had been silently observing and had not said anything out of line until now. But at this moment, her demeanor turned cold, asserting her authority.

No matter how assertive Madam Shen was at home, she dared not challenge the princess.

She quickly changed her tone, saying, “I am just discussing the matter, not making accusations. I hope the Princess understands.”

“Mrs. Shen is quite unreasonable and good at confusing right and wrong. It seems your maid’s words weren’t wrong,” Princess He’en concluded.

If Princess He’en had been a little doubtful about the maid’s claims, she was now convinced that Old Madam Shen was the type to distort facts.

This situation began with the Fang family. Even with Madam Shen and Madam Guan investigating, they could not find anything substantial to use against Tao Sheng.

However, no one expected things to escalate this far.

The tale of the true and false daughters of the Shen family was more complicated and exciting than any drama.

Lord Luo is truly remarkable.

Shen Ruojin pretended to be sick, distanced her father, manipulated him into asking for money, and even hired someone to commit murder. She must have targeted Lord Luo extensively.

In such an environment, many would be crushed and unable to raise their heads, but Lord Luo was not.

She gave up the grandeur of the Marquis’ Mansion and, relying on her own abilities, entered the Imperial Music Bureau, then the Imperial College, eventually becoming the emperor’s personal zither player. She distanced herself from the gossip of the Marquis’ Mansion and established her own reputation.

Princess He’en’s gaze lingered on Amber’s face for a long time before she finally said, “I like this maid that Old Madam Shen brought very much. She suits my personality. Let her stay with me for the next few days. Is her indenture still in the Marquis’ Mansion?”

The flower-viewing event caused such a commotion that my father will surely ask about it. With this maid who speaks clearly, it will be easier to explain things. Also, seeing how cruel and ruthless Old Madam Shen is, if they are allowed to return, the maid might end up dead, making it even harder to explain later. It’s better to keep her under my protection.

Luo Xin said, “Amber was sent by a relative from home, and her indenture is still with me. Princess, please keep her here for now, and I will send her indenture later.”

Princess He’en heard that even the indenture was not with Old Madam Shen, and this made her feel even more reassured. She smiled at Luo Xin and said, “Then I’ll have to trouble you, Madam.”

With this, everything was settled.

_

The King of Chu and his princess went out for an outing in the suburbs of Beijing two days ago and returned to the palace last night. The next morning, his servants reported that Princess He’en had arrived.

Among all his sisters, He’en was the first to show kindness and closeness to him, so the King of Chu had good feelings toward her.

Princess He’en came today specifically to seek advice.

The King of Chu has always had a good relationship with the Emperor. He was imprisoned for three years in the past, but now he has risen again. Something happened at the flower-viewing party this time, involving Lord Luo, so He’en came to the King of Chu for guidance.

“Brother, I’m troubled by something. It just so happens that you have a good relationship with Lord Luo, so I would like you to listen to my story.”

The King of Chu was very interested in the gossip delivered to him early in the morning and motioned for Princess He’en to tell him everything.

Princess He’en told the King of Chu exactly what happened at the flower-viewing party that day.

The more the King of Chu listened, the angrier he became.

The Princess of Chu also received an invitation from Princess He’en, but at that time, the King of Chu had already planned to take the Princess out for an outing, so she did not attend the flower-viewing party.

If the princess had been there that day, Tao Sheng wouldn’t have felt so isolated and helpless.

If only I hadn’t taken the princess out yesterday.

When the King of Chu thought of this, he regretted it so much that he wished he could slap himself.

Princess He’en was still worried about the Emperor: “How should I explain this to Father?”

“Father is very wise,” the King of Chu said. “Just tell the truth. Of course, it would be best if you have testimony.”

“I have already obtained the witness Amber and the physical evidence,” Princess He’en said. “But my father went to Shanglin Garden to relax today and is not in the palace. I will find an opportunity to report it as soon as possible.”

After Princess He’en left, the King of Chu went to find Tao Sheng to offer support. Upon arriving at Ji’s residence, he learned that Tao Sheng had gone to the Imperial College early in the morning. Since she took leave yesterday to attend a banquet, she would be busier today and would most likely have to work overtime.

These matters shouldn’t be taken to the government office. After returning home, the King of Chu was filled with emotion. He never thought there could be a father like Wenyuan Marquis, Shen Yu. In the past, he thought his own father and the Crown Prince were unkind, but compared to Shen Yu, his father seemed to treat him well.

I’ll let my younger sister talk about Tao Sheng’s matter first, and after Father hears it, I can add fuel to the fire.

His current emotions were very precious and couldn’t be wasted. The King of Chu drank a few sips of wine, and while still emotional, wrote a long letter to the Emperor, ordering it to be delivered to Shanglin Garden.

The Emperor was deeply moved after receiving the letter. Not only did he personally write a long letter back to the King of Chu, but he also mentioned that the King was getting older and shouldn’t waste his time. So, the Emperor immediately gave the King of Chu an assignment!

Though it was a minor task of supervising repairs to Shanglin Garden, it was the first assignment given to the King of Chu in four years.

This was a signal that the Emperor intended to make use of the King of Chu. With this assignment, the King of Chu finally emerged from his previous gloom.

The King of Chu sighed to the Princess, saying that Tao Sheng was indeed lucky. Good things happen to those close to her, including gaining family affection and power.

The King of Chu decided to give Tao Sheng a gift to express his gratitude but didn’t know what to give.

He went to Honglu Temple to find Ji Yanming and explained his purpose. He wanted to give Tao Sheng a meaningful gift and asked Ji Yanming for advice.

Ji Yanming closed his book and said, “Your Highness, you’ve been too attentive to my cousin recently.”

“This isn’t about being diligent or not, but about gratitude—the most basic feeling in life.”

The King of Chu then told Ji Yanming that he was inspired by Tao Sheng to write a letter to the Emperor, and as a result, he was re-employed by the Emperor.

“No matter what, I got this job because of Ah Sheng. I should at least give her something to show my appreciation.” Seeing Ji Yanming’s unchanged expression like an iceberg, the King of Chu suddenly wanted to tease him, “How about I act as a matchmaker and find her a good marriage?”

Ji Yanming shot him a look that said, “I advise you not to meddle in other people’s business.”

Seeing this strong warning, the King of Chu became even more certain that Ji Yanming had unusual thoughts about Tao Sheng.

I’ve been so busy gossiping lately that I forgot to pair these two together.

The King of Chu thought for a moment and said, “You’re going on a diplomatic mission to Ling State next month. You should relax before you leave. I have a hot spring on my farm outside Beijing. Why don’t you take some time these few days? I’ll take the Princess, and you can bring Ah Sheng. We can relax together as a family without inviting anyone else. What do you think?”

Ji Yanming turned his head, trying to gauge something from the King of Chu’s face. But this time, the King looked unusually serious and extended the invitation sincerely.

Ji Yanming finally responded, “Okay, Your Highness will arrange it.”

***

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