Xiao Jingheng's patience with Consort Yao had worn thin, and he was not inclined to show any mercy.
Following Song Zhao's suggestion of the "bìn xíng" punishment, Xiao Jingheng promptly ordered that Consort Yao be taken to the Shèn Xíng Sī (Careful Execution Court) to await her impending punishment.
The next day,
The individuals taken out of the palace by Xiao Yinzi were discovered in a dilapidated temple on the outskirts of the city.
The thieves who had detained Xiao Yaozi's family resisted fiercely when the guards stormed in,
But in the end, they were no match and were all eliminated by the guards.
Xiao Yinzi questioned the rescued family members,
They were clueless about why they were abducted, only mentioning that they overheard private discussions among their captors, speculating that it was related to carrying out tasks for Consort Yao within the palace.
With this final piece of solid evidence, no matter how Consort Yao pleaded her innocence, it seemed futile.
Three days later, on a night with a dense rain that carried away the lingering heat of late summer,
Autumn arrived, bringing cooler weather.
At that moment, Song Zhao sat by Ruo Xin's bedside, holding a scroll of stories and narrating bedtime tales to soothe her.
Her gentle voice enveloped Ruo Xin, providing immense comfort to the child,
"Once upon a time in the State of Zheng, there was a wise minister named Zichan. He was not only intelligent but had also contributed greatly to the nation, earning the affection of the people.
One day, a commoner brought a live large fish to Zichan as a gesture of respect. Although Zichan's household was already affluent and these items were not something they lacked, he instructed his servants to place the fish in the pond for the time being."
Song Zhao's voice gradually softened, occasionally patting Ruo Xin's back gently to lull her into sleep.
But tonight, with the coolness of autumn, Ruo Xin seemed to particularly enjoy the weather. Wrapped tightly in a small quilt, only her little hands peeked out from under the covers. She looked at Song Zhao with a smile, eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story.
Not wanting to spoil the child's excitement, Song Zhao continued the narrative with vivid details,
"The estate's pond housed numerous fish, mainly reserved for the masters' consumption, off-limits to the servants. However, this time, the fish ended up in the hands of a servant who, tempted by hunger, secretly cooked and ate it."
"Afterward, the servant confessed to Zichan, saying, 'I already placed the fish back in the pond. Can you guess what happened?' As soon as the fish entered the water, it floated on the surface motionless, even turning belly-up for a while. Just as I thought it couldn't survive, it suddenly recovered, wagging its tail vigorously, and swiftly dived into the deep water, disappearing without a trace."
"Expecting Zichan to be displeased, the servant was surprised when Zichan chuckled and said, 'This is what people often say - like a fish finding water. It found its suitable place, which is a good omen.'"
"The steward, having succeeded with his lie, boasted privately to others: 'They all say Zichan is exceptionally wise, but in my opinion, he exaggerates. That big fish was cooked and eaten by me, yet he thinks the fish is frolicking in the deep pool. He keeps insisting it found a suitable place. Could it be that this suitable place is actually inside my belly?'"
With that, Song Zhao closed the storybook, signaling the end of the tale.
Ruo Xin puckered her lips, her large eyes blinking rapidly as she pondered aloud, "But fish naturally swim deeper into the water. Mother said the wise minister's household kept a pond of fish, so if one went missing, it would be reasonable."
Song Zhao smiled, "Indeed, it is quite reasonable. That's why Zichan didn't see through the steward's lie. Ruo Xin, after hearing this story, do you understand the lesson?"
Ruo Xin pursed her lips, deep in thought for a moment, then shook her head with some confusion.
Song Zhao continued, "Smart people are difficult to deceive with unreasonable lies. However, if the lie is told convincingly, with logic and evidence, even the cleverest can be deceived, which is within the realm of reason."
Ruo Xin nodded as if understanding, and quickly asked, "Is Mother also clever? Could she be deceived?"
Song Zhao paused for a moment, the smile on her face deepening, she shook her head, "Where does your Mother compare to your Father, the Emperor? Remember, your Father is the smartest person under the heavens."
"What about Father?" Ruo Xin pressed, "Can he be deceived?"
Song Zhao smiled but remained silent, gently stroking the child's forehead.
Before long, as they were about to leave, they heard Xiao Fuzi's voice from outside the door.
"Your Majesty, there's something I must attend to," Xiao Fuzi said respectfully.
Acknowledging with a "I understand," Song Zhao tucked Ruo Xin's hand into the covers, gently saying, "It's late, Ruo Xin should sleep now."
Ruo Xin obediently nodded, then asked, "Even at this hour, does Mother still have matters to attend to?"
Song Zhao chuckled, "Mother needs to check if any fish are missing from the courtyard pond."
Shortly after Ruo Xin fell asleep, Song Zhao left the room and found Xiao Fuzi waiting respectfully outside.
With his assistance, they made their way to the inner chambers.
Along the way, Xiao Fuzi whispered, "Your Majesty, Consort Yao has been severely injured, her knee bone has been dislocated. She has been sent back to Yao Hua Palace, the injuries are grave."
"The Emperor has left the decision regarding her to you. The physicians have consulted several times but are unsure how to proceed. They seek your guidance..."
"Treat her," Song Zhao said casually, "Since the Emperor hasn't deposed her, she remains a legitimate consort. Let the physicians treat her as they see fit, with the best medicines, expenses covered by Chang Le Palace. In any case, Consort Yao's life must be preserved."
Xiao Fuzi respectfully acknowledged, "Yes. Your kindness knows no bounds, Your Majesty."
Song Zhao sneered, "Of course, I intend to let her live. Isn't she the one who loves to gossip and spread rumors? I want to see how she'll manage to do that if she spends the rest of her life bedridden. Who will she gossip to then?"
Xiao Fuzi nodded, "Your Highness is right. Consort Yao brought this upon herself. If she hadn't schemed to harm Your Highness with peach blossom pollen, she wouldn't have met this fate today. However, it's unfortunate that she didn't manage to harm Consort Hui and her son."
"What's the rush?"
Back in her chambers, Song Zhao calmly removed her nail guards and placed them in a delicately embroidered box made of yellow pear wood with a soft clink.
"The palace days are still long. If she couldn't die today, then we'll wait until tomorrow. If the poison can't take her son's life, there are other ways to deal with them, whether it's flaying, drawing, or cooking in oil. There's always a suitable method for them."
[End of Chapter]
