Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 401 Malicious Intent

So she first comforted the Second Madam, and only then did she speak to Qin An.

"This matter is suspicious, I’m afraid someone is behind the scenes. I’m worried that someone might harm the Second Aunt on the road, so I’ll trouble Mr. Qin to escort her out of the palace. It is imperative that she sees her family before reporting back to me!"

"Your Ladyship, rest assured, this servant can handle such a task."

After receiving Qin An’s affirmative answer, Lin Wanyi then spoke to Xia An.

"Go and bring the box from my bed."

"Yes, Your Ladyship."

The Second Madam, Mrs. Yun, was anxious. Such a grave and panicked expression had never appeared on her usually calm and cold face.

Her hands rubbed back and forth, and even her steps were somewhat unsteady.

When Xia An brought the box, Lin Wanyi handed it to Mrs. Yun without even looking at it.

Then, she spoke solemnly.

"Second Aunt, the silver notes inside were prepared for me by my grandmother and my eldest aunt. Use them in this emergency. If they’re not enough, send word to Mr. Qin, and I will prepare more."

"Your Ladyship! I mustn’t!"

Mrs. Yun, even if she did not know how Lin Wanyi managed the palace affairs on a daily basis,

knew well that managing such a grand palace was no easy task.

Having silver notes at hand obviously provided more assurance.

So she tried to decline.

But Lin Wanyi said very seriously and with a somewhat stern tone,

"Second Aunt, trust me. If I say I can do it, then I surely can."

It was probably Lin Wanyi’s earnest expression that made Mrs. Yun finally accept the box.

The situation outside was unclear, and having money at hand could make many things easier to handle.

"Very well, I’ll listen to Your Ladyship."

Seeing this, Lin Wanyi was reassured and allowed Qin An to escort the Second Aunt, Mrs. Yun, away from Ruiyang Pavilion.

When they came, everyone was cheerful and joyful.

When they left, everyone’s face was as gloomy as dark clouds pressing down on a city.

When Mrs. Yun’s figure could no longer be seen, Lin Wanyi then said to Xia An,

"Go and call Mr. Qiu over."

"Yes."

Qiu Ming, who was serving outside, naturally saw Qin An’s hurried demeanor.

As well as the gravity on Mrs. Yun’s face when she left.

So he asked as soon as he came in.

"Your Ladyship, has something happened?"

"Yes, Mr. Qiu, go to the study and see if His Majesty is still dealing with state affairs. If he is busy, try to find Mr. Dong and ask if he knows about the Dong Family’s situation."

"Yes."

Qiu Ming had seldom seen his master with such a serious expression.

So his steps were much more hurried than usual.

The Emperor’s study was adjacent to Ruiyang Pavilion, not too far.

But if one really walked, it would still take a quarter of an hour.

Along the way, besides the guards, there were no palace attendants moving around.

But when Qiu Ming arrived, he happened to see Dong Yuzhong gathering up broken porcelain pieces inside.

Qiu Ming frowned; it seemed the Emperor was in a bad mood.

He had served the imperial court for years and knew very well that approaching the tiger in such times seldom ended well.

But he had to follow his master’s orders, so he quickly stepped forward.

Dong Yuzhong raised his eyes and immediately understood Qiu Ming’s intentions.

He gestured for silence, then gave a deep look, and whispered,

"Come with me."

"Yes."

Qiu Ming followed quietly behind Dong Yuzhong, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Only when they had reached a secluded corner did Dong Yuzhong whisper,

"Tell Her Ladyship not to meddle with the Dong Family’s affairs. His Majesty received word today and is extremely angry. Several people in the Charitable Hall are already at death’s door. If any really die, the Dong Family might not escape disaster."

That Dong Yuzhong could speak to Qiu Ming in advance was already due to Lin Wanyi’s past courteous treatment of him.

Otherwise, relaying messages behind the Emperor’s back could only spell trouble for oneself.

But Qiu Ming was not willing to let it be and still pressed with another question.

"Master, it’s unlikely the Dong Family would do such a thing. They’ve visited many times, and although I haven’t served them closely, they don’t seem like people who would resort to scheming. Besides, with Her Ladyship’s high standing, why would they act so rashly unless someone framed them?"

Hearing this, Dong Yuzhong sighed.

"You’ve served in the palace long enough to know what can and cannot be said. If it’s set in His Majesty’s mind, even your cries for justice would be of no use."

Hearing this, Qiu Ming’s heart sank halfway.

Indeed, in this vast world, the Imperial City is the most unreasonable.

When those above you want you dead, what reason is needed?

How many would care about the truth?

Qiu Ming just couldn’t understand—only a while ago, the Emperor celebrated the Fifth Prince and the Third Princess’s first birthdays with the Dong Family in Ruiyang Pavilion.

How quickly did the situation reverse!

The thought of reporting back to his master daunted him.

"Alright, I’ve been out long enough; I must return to serve at the imperial court. Be careful on your return to avoid giving anyone any excuse to use against you."

At this point, Dong Yuzhong had advised Qiu Ming extensively.

Before leaving, he patted Qiu Ming’s shoulder and his gaze deepened.

Qiu Ming slightly furrowed his brow and quickly understood.

He immediately bowed to Dong Yuzhong in gratitude for his advice.

Soon after he turned and left, Qiu Ming returned once again to Ruiyang Pavilion.

In the main hall, Lin Wanyi was waiting.

But seeing Qiu Ming’s expression, she understood somewhat.

Yet she still asked with hope.

"What did he say? Does His Majesty know?"

"Your Ladyship, I met Mr. Dong. He says that the matter is beyond your involvement and urges you to protect yourself. The situation at the Charitable Hall is dire, and if any life is lost, the Dong Family might not escape doom."

On hearing this, Lin Wanyi staggered backwards.

If Xia An hadn’t supported her, she might have fallen.

"Your Ladyship, care for your health."

Qiu Ming hurried over to support Lin Wanyi, accidentally touching Xia An’s hand in his haste.

Upon feeling something in her hand, Xia An’s heart jumped into her throat.

But she quickly acted as if nothing happened.

Earlier, it was discovered Lin Wanyi was pregnant, and now she faced family calamity.

A pregnant woman should avoid emotional upheavals, and thus Xia An was very concerned.

Helping her to a couch nearby, Xia An then said,

"Your Ladyship, ease your mind. With His Majesty’s wisdom, surely he will uncover the schemes behind this. Your health is now paramount, so please don’t let small things cost you dearly."

Xia An, although worried about the Dong Family,

knew that currently, Lin Wanyi’s unborn child was a talisman for protection.

With this child, even if something happened to the Dong Family, at least her master could be safeguarded.