Chapter 139: Former Husband Zhang Tian Shun
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
Red Luan once shared a tale of a faraway land, a place where technology was highly advanced and a profession called “acting” thrived. There, a form of entertainment known as “television drama” captivated audiences, bringing stories directly to their eyes.
Television dramas bore some resemblance to traditional plays, yet they reached a much broader audience and were simpler to understand. Among them, one genre, the “palace intrigue drama,” gained immense popularity.
Yu Zhi Yi used to find television dramas, especially palace intrigue ones, rather dull. But now, she had discovered their charm.
Unlike Yu Zhi Yi, who found herself thoroughly entertained, Consort Yu was on the verge of exploding with anger. She had long relied on her trusted Imperial Physician Liu, who had served her for nearly two decades. Their mutual understanding was so profound that a mere glance from her was enough for him to grasp her intentions.
Take now, for instance. She wasn’t truly unwell but had feigned discomfort to stop the Emperor and Aunt Chang from probing further into certain matters. If it were Imperial Physician Liu conducting the examination, he would never expose her, even if he didn’t understand her reasons.
But now, two additional imperial physicians had been summoned.
Consort Yu’s heart raced with unease, yet she was utterly powerless. No matter how she insisted that only Imperial Physician Liu should examine her, the other two had already begun their assessment.
Their verdict was mercilessly blunt. “Your Majesty, Consort Yu is in no serious condition. She merely needs to rest and maintain a calm mind.”
Consort Yu tried to protest. “But I truly felt breathless and faint earlier, and my abdomen genuinely hurt.”
“These are normal reactions during pregnancy,” explained Imperial Physician Du. “Even though your previous pregnancies were smooth, every pregnancy can differ. Such symptoms are entirely within the range of normal.”
Consort Yu cast an imploring look at Imperial Physician Liu, who immediately chimed in, “To be cautious, I recommend medicinal treatments to ensure stability.”
Imperial Physician Du shook his head. “Medicine is inherently harmful to some extent. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to avoid taking any. Medications are usually prescribed for unstable pregnancies, but Consort Yu’s current condition is exceptionally stable. Given her history of smooth pregnancies, unless unforeseen complications arise, everything should proceed without issue. Administering unnecessary medicine or supplements could bring unintended harm.”
Imperial Physician Jiang nodded in agreement with Imperial Physician Du’s perspective.
Two against one—Imperial Physician Liu was utterly defeated.
Aunt Chang’s tone was mockingly sweet as she addressed Consort Yu. “Since Consort Yu is concerned, she should take good care of herself. After all, the Grand Empress Dowager surely wishes for the safe delivery of the little prince.”
She turned to the Emperor with a hint of reproach. “Your Majesty, knowing Consort Yu is pregnant, how could you let her oversee the affairs of the Six Palaces? Managing such significant matters would strain anyone, let alone a pregnant woman.”
The Emperor nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. Consort Yu, focus on your health and rest. You needn’t involve yourself in the affairs of the Six Palaces for now. We’ll revisit this after the child is born.”
Consort Yu froze, her mind reeling. Despite all her careful maneuvers to avoid direct involvement, she had still ended up entangled. The authority over the Six Palaces, once stripped, would not be easily regained. The palace was filled with ambitious schemers, none more threatening than the Empress herself. After years of being overshadowed, the Empress would surely revel in Consort Yu’s fall from grace.
“Your Majesty, I’m willing to continue assisting you,” Consort Yu hastily interjected.
Aunt Chang sighed theatrically. “Your Majesty, Consort Yu’s dedication to you is commendable, but you must consider her wellbeing.”
The Emperor nodded again. “Beloved Consort, rest well. Don’t worry about the Empress or palace matters for now. Everything can wait until after the child is born.”
Consort Yu was left speechless, a surge of frustration bubbling within her as if ready to burst. Her careful plans had unraveled in an instant.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhi Yi was in high spirits, a smirk tugging at her lips. Did they truly think offending a mystic practitioner was so inconsequential? She had endured their slights for too long. Now, her patience had run out, and she would ensure they tasted the full brunt of retribution.
Yu Zhi Yi couldn’t help but admire Aunt Chang, a seasoned palace intrigue champion. Aunt Chang’s every word seemed kind, yet her soft knives struck where it hurt most. Her “help” ensured her target suffered deeply while still owing her gratitude.
When Aunt Chang invited Yu Zhi Yi to visit her residence, Yu Zhi Yi politely declined, citing her responsibilities at the Ministry of Justice. She had to finalize the report on the Prajna Glass Lamp and archive the case. Aunt Chang, unperturbed, smiled and said, “Come visit whenever you have time.”
Back at the Ministry, Yu Zhi Yi updated the case status to “solved,” documenting the entire investigative process in detail. She had a copy transcribed and sent to the Court of Judicial Review, along with a list of unresolved injustices from Linzhang County.
With the discovery of the Glass Lamp, Yu Zhi Yi had gained leverage. Her first-day achievement—recovering a treasure lost for thirty years—left the Ministry and Court no choice but to accept her proposal for retrial.
Having chosen her next case, Yu Zhi Yi headed to Graceful Phoenix Charity. The Emperor’s directive was clear: one case per day. Doing more would be overstepping.
As she approached a nearby alley, a horse-drawn carriage passed her way. Recognizing its design, Yu Zhi Yi stepped aside to let it pass. But the carriage stopped in front of her.
The curtain lifted, revealing a familiar yet distant face.
Zhang Tian Shun held the curtain aside, looking down at her. “Official Yu, a pleasure.”
Yu Zhi Yi gave a curt nod. “A pleasure.” Then she resumed walking.
Zhang Tian Shun raised an eyebrow and called after her, “Official Yu, might I have the honor of inviting you for a drink?”
Yu Zhi Yi rolled her eyes. The man hadn’t changed. To think he would dare flirt with her?
She ignored him, treating his words as mere passing wind.
Zhang Tian Shun watched her leave, his interest piqued. As a notorious playboy of the capital, armed with both power and influence, few dared reject him. Especially since Du Zi Heng had recently caused him no end of trouble. Naturally, Zhang sought retaliation.
And what better way than to court Du Zi Heng’s wife?
He had envisioned all manner of reactions from Du Zi Heng upon hearing of this. But what he hadn’t anticipated was Yu Zhi Yi’s complete indifference.