Chapter 136: Skills May Be Lacking, but Beauty is Abundant
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
Aunt Chang, though merely a palace maid, held great esteem within the palace. Having served alongside the Tranquil-Peace Grand Empress Dowager through three generations of monarchs, her influence was unquestionable. The Emperor himself had granted her the privilege of unrestricted entry to the palace.
Yet Aunt Chang was a woman of propriety. Fully aware of her status as a servant, she refrained from entering the palace unless the matter was of utmost importance. This occasion marked her first such visit in many years.
The Emperor hurried to greet her. “Grand-Aunt, what brings you here?”
Aunt Chang, being of the same generation as the Grand Empress Dowager, was addressed with such deference by the Emperor.
She was a kindly woman, her silver hair and numerous wrinkles failing to obscure her radiant and blessed appearance. However, her eyes now glimmered with an uncharacteristic fury.
“I heard,” she said, her tone sharp, “that His Majesty has discovered the whereabouts of the Prajna Glass Lamp?”
The Emperor was startled. “Grand-Aunt, how did you hear of this?”
“This old servant visited Her Majesty the Empress Dowager today and overheard someone requesting access to the Palace’s Record of Rare Treasures. Upon inquiring further, I learned it might relate to the Prajna Glass Lamp, hence my speculation.”
The Emperor cast a glance at Eunuch Hu, who felt a pang of despair. He hadn’t told a soul! Still, he couldn’t say as much out loud, particularly since he could guess who had meddled. Only one individual, a known adversary of Official Yu, could have orchestrated this.
Aunt Chang turned her gaze toward Yu Zhi Yi, her expression inscrutable. “So, this is the Official Yu personally appointed by His Majesty? Beautiful indeed.” Her tone carried a subtle sting.
The Emperor hastened to explain. “Grand-Aunt, though Official Yu is a woman, her abilities are remarkable. Her face-reading skills are unmatched, and it was through her divination that we located the Prajna Glass Lamp.”
“Divination?” Aunt Chang sneered. “Let me warn His Majesty—over the years, many have used the Prajna Glass Lamp as a pretext to swindle. Because of Your Majesty’s leniency, these fraudsters have grown bold. If Official Yu proves no different, do not hesitate to punish her, lest more deceivers emerge.”
Her words fell just short of outright accusing Yu Zhi Yi of fraud.
But Aunt Chang’s reaction was understandable. The Grand Empress Dowager had been enamored with the Prajna Glass Lamp, a stunning artifact with calming properties. On her deathbed, she lamented its absence, saying it could have eased her suffering.
Thus, both the late Emperor and the current ruler had never ceased their search, inadvertently creating opportunities for charlatans. Most endeavors ended in frustration and fury.
Yu Zhi Yi, however, remained composed. “Grand-Aunt, rest assured. Though my skills are modest, I am no fraud. When I claim I can find it, it means I will show you the artifact itself.”
Aunt Chang’s brow furrowed at her confidence. Despite lingering doubts, hope stirred within her. What if this young woman succeeded? The Grand Empress Dowager’s spirit might finally find peace.
…
At the Glass Palace, Consort Yu examined her crimson-painted nails with satisfaction.
“Aunt Chang, though kind, has no tolerance for deceit, especially under the Grand Empress Dowager’s name.”
Her maid, Xiu Zhu, voiced concern. “But, My Lady, hasn’t that impostor shown considerable skill? What if she truly discovers the lamp?”
Consort Yu dismissed the notion with a laugh. “Even if she does, we will destroy it beforehand. Without the lamp, her efforts will be in vain.”
Xiu Zhu’s eyes lit up. “Brilliant, My Lady!”
The plan had been executed flawlessly. A certain beauty had summoned Aunt Chang under the guise of happenstance. Whether the beauty had learned of the lamp’s significance by “accident” or design hardly mattered.
Once Aunt Chang and the Emperor’s fury were ignited, that impostor would undoubtedly meet her end.
Just as the pair relished their scheme, a palace servant burst in. “My Lady, His Majesty, Aunt Chang, and Official Yu are heading toward the Glass Palace!”
Consort Yu frowned. “Here? Why?”
What had their informant been doing all this time? Why was there no update?
The Emperor’s party arrived swiftly, leaving no time for Consort Yu to act. She had no choice but to greet them.
“Your Majesty, Aunt Chang,” she said, bowing respectfully. Ignoring Yu Zhi Yi, she continued, “What brings you here at this hour?”
The Emperor’s expression was peculiar. “You should ask Official Yu.”
A quarter of an hour earlier, Yu Zhi Yi had confidently assured Aunt Chang of her ability to locate the lamp. When Aunt Chang skeptically demanded its whereabouts, Yu Zhi Yi had replied cryptically, “If I reveal it, the artifact’s power may dissipate. Only the noble auras of His Majesty and Grand-Aunt can suppress its mystique.”
Her words, shrouded in mysticism, had convinced the Emperor, if not Aunt Chang, to let her lead the way—and they had arrived here.
Facing the Emperor’s inquisitive gaze, Yu Zhi Yi stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Consort Yu, we are here to recover a treasure lost for thirty years—the Prajna Glass Lamp.”
Consort Yu feigned surprise. “And what makes you think it’s here?”
Yu Zhi Yi’s expression turned enigmatic. “Why else would this palace be named the Glass Palace?”
Decades ago, this residence had been called Sunset Glow Palace, until a favored consort of the late Emperor deemed the name ill-omened and persuaded him to rename it. Thus, it became the Glass Palace.
“Nonsense!” Consort Yu snapped. “Are you implying the late Emperor hid it here?”
The Emperor and Aunt Chang also frowned at the suggestion.
Yu Zhi Yi shook her head. “Of course not.”