Fu Rou tilted her head. “Rites Official Wu, is there a way to examine promiscuity in the palace?”
Rites Official Wu replied carefully, “Depending on different situations, the way to check is different. The princess has yet to be married so to check whether she has conducted wanton behaviour, we can just check her chastity.”
Concubine Yan pretended to be nice. “She is a golden branch after all, there is no need…”
Xinnan suddenly lifted her head. “We have to check!” She immediately got up and pulled open her top.
The people in the place did not dare to look at her straight. Concubine Yan felt that something was wrong and was about to say something. However, Fu Rou cut in front of her. “Your Highness, could it be that because you are the witness, you are not going to allow Her Highness prove her own innocence?”
Concubine Yan sat up straight and took on an imposing manner. “I am trying to protect the Princess’ reputation. Since she doesn’t care, why do I need to try to protect her?”
Rites Official Wu instructed the female officials and they immediately got to work. They moved a screen over and hung up a curtain.
Xinnan entered. Rites Official Wu and a nanny that Concubine Yan arranged were to examine her together. They quickly reached a conclusion, Xinnan was undeniably a virgin.
Concubine Yan’s expression did not change. “Even if it is not true that they were promiscuous, meeting with a guard without regard for the rules is still the Princess’ fault.”
Xinnan was furious. “You are twisting words! Despicable and shameless! You killed an innocent person! Return Zhenzhu to me!”
Fu Rou held Xinnan back and politely spoke to Concubine Yan. “When did I say that Her Highness was not at fault? However, from this scene, is it obvious that there are untruths in this accusation. There was also intention to exaggerate the suspicions. Your Highness is kind, if you had found out the truth earlier and it was not as serious as you thought, I believe that you would not need to be so cruel as to beat Zhenzhu to death, right?”
Concubine Yan pretended to be kind. “Of course. I am not willing to beat palace maids to death as well. However, this issue was huge and I had to be strict. Since it is not as serious as I thought, I am reasonable. I will make amends and give Zhenzhu a proper burial.”
Fu Rou continued, “Your Highness, other than Zhenzhu, this issue also affects Imperial Guard Sheng Chuling. I heard that Sheng Chuling has been captured. In order to prevent another unfortunate killing of an innocent, please allow me and Rites Official Wu to be present.”
Xinnan immediately understood what Fu Rou meant as she gritted her teeth. “You beat Zhenzhu to death and now you want to do the same to Sheng Chuling? I will not agree! Don’t forget that Imperial Father is still around!”
Concubine Yan looked at everyone in the room and felt an unknown pressure. “You can observe Sheng Chuling’s trial. However, only Court Lady Fu is allowed. The Rites Office is in charge of etiquette and should take responsibility for the fact that the princess has acted out. Rites Official Wu is not suitable to manage the Rites Office.”
Fu Rou bit her lip, not willing to give in. Rites Official Wu helped solve the issue. “I am at fault and I am willing to be punished.”
Fu Rou hesitated but understood when she met with Rites Official Wu’s calm gaze. “Superior Xu, Rites Official Wu’s handover shall be managed by your Managerial Department. The punishment should only come after understanding the full story.”
Superior Xu acknowledged and ordered people to capture Rites Official Xu. Concubine Yan knew that Fu Rou was unhappy. “The Rites Office needs to be cleaned up. How is it enough to just punish Rites Official Xu? I have someone in mind, I wonder if Court Lady Fu would agree with me.”
“Who does Your Highness want to recommend?” Fu Rou understood that if she rejected, Concubine Yan would not let this matter go.
Concubine Yan called out, “Official Zhuang.”
A female official stepped forward and kneeled, “Yes, Your Highness.”
Concubine Yan spoke, “From today onwards, you will be in charge of the Rites Office.”
Official Zhuang was delighted as her eyes spun. “Thank you for the promotion, Your Highness. I will clean up the Rites Office properly and not let you down. Since Princess Xinnan has admitted to her faults, the Rites Office will guide her properly so that she will behave appropriately from now on.”
Behind Fu Rou, all the female officials’ expressions were not looking good. Fu Rou fell silent. The more anxious she was, the more her opponent would be delighted. She was not going to let them get what they wanted.
Chapter 94.1: Powerplay
Fu Rou has never been to the Imperial Guards Office. Although she did not know how it was like in the past, the place now felt dark. There were groups of imperial guards donned in armor and their weapons, looking ready to kill. Yan Zifang walked out. He was also wearing soft armour as well as boots. His aura felt different from the past. In the past, he seemed to be striving for justice, now his entire person appeared gloomy.
“Court Lady Fu, what do you want?” The warm and kind elder brother, justified pirate, and her only drinking buddy was gone.
“I am here on Concubine Yan’s personal order to observe Sheng Chuling’s trial.” Everyone had their own ambitions, she would not force him.
“Sheng Chuling injured his guard and escaped.” Yan Zifang’s expression was cold.
“I don’t believe it.” Fu Rou’s reaction was fast. This place is guarded so heavily, how could he escape?
“He escaped. The Imperial Guard Office does not need to explain to the Six Offices.” Yan Zifang walked by Fu Rou, “Excuse me for not keeping you company. I have to go and catch the escapee. I am not as free as you.”
“Yan Zifang!” Fu Rou could not help but shout. Yan Zifang turned back, “If you have something to say, hurry and say it.”
“Even until today, when people in Guangzhi County speak about your father, Yan Xianwei, they would compliment him and admire him for being justified and selfless. He never bent over for power and riches. You will only disappoint Uncle Yan’s spirit in heaven.” Fu Rou did not force him but will still say this.
“Disappoint?” Yan Zifang wanted to laugh. “Father threw his own life away. Do you know the real reason why my family was torn apart?”
“Power.” Yan Zifang’s mouth twitched. “Being upright without power is just stupid. I don’t want to walk the same road as my father. I advise you to be open minded. Concubine Yan needs capable people.”
Fu Rou stared at him for a moment before chuckling. “No wonder Yingying left. Yan Zifang, you are not worthy of her.”
Yan Zifang froze before a sinister look appeared on his face. “Do you know where she is?”
Fu Rou raised her brows. “I don’t know.”
Yan Zifang’s gaze was frightening. “You must have met her.”
Fu Rou did not comment. “I will take my leave, you don’t have to send me off, General Yan.” It was her turn to walk past Yan Zifang.
Yan Zifang grabbed Fu Rou’s elbow. He asked urgently, “Tell me where she is!”
“Let Sheng Chuling go or you can forget about it!” Fu Rou pulled with all her might and managed to get rid of his hold.
Yan Zifang’s anxious expression slowly turned cold. “I don’t know what you are saying. How can I release a criminal that has already escaped?” He knocked into Fu Rou’s shoulder and walked off.
In Fu Rou’s eyes, Yan Zifang had made a choice between love and power. She had only one choice left. She was going to find Sheng Chumu and not fight alone anymore.