Chapter 121: The Princess and the Titled Princess
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The commotion drew a crowd quickly. With Yu Zhi Yi and her entourage heading over in such a grand manner, it was no surprise that onlookers gathered, curious to see what was happening.
As screams echoed from within the courtyard and the sight of the Deputy Magistrate being beaten emerged, a well-meaning bystander hurried off to report to the authorities.
Soon enough, County Magistrate of Gaoliang, accompanied by over a dozen yamen officers, arrived on the scene.
Yu Zhi Yi tossed her token directly at the magistrate.
The irate magistrate caught the token and examined it. After a moment, he dropped to his knees. “Yu… Official Yu?”
As the magistrate of a prominent county near the Sheng Capital, his sources were naturally more reliable than the Deputy Magistrate’s. He had already heard tales of a much-discussed female official in the capital. Now, seeing her in person and noting that she had publicly ordered the Deputy Magistrate’s beating, it was clear to him that the deputy must have done something reprehensible.
Though a county magistrate, he couldn’t be privy to everything. For example, the beggars who gathered daily in one place had never caught his attention. He had assumed they were ordinary vagrants. In fact, their presence had tarnished Gaoliang’s image to the point where he had considered expelling them. It was the Deputy Magistrate who had persuaded him otherwise, claiming such an act would be inhumane, as begging was their only means of survival and eviction would mean certain death for them.
What the magistrate had not known was that his own Deputy Magistrate was brazenly collaborating with child-snatchers, acting as their shield and accepting bribes of dozens of taels of silver every month.
Learning the truth nearly brought the magistrate to tears. For years, he had worked tirelessly to elevate Gaoliang County to a higher status. Now, the scandal with the beggars would undoubtedly tarnish his achievements, casting a giant “X” over his record.
What pained him even more was the disparity in their fortunes. His monthly salary barely amounted to a few taels, while the Deputy Magistrate’s illicit gains far outstripped his income, allowing the man a life of indulgence.
Once the scandal broke, the Ministry of Justice took over, dispatching officials to oversee the case and ensure the kidnapped children were returned to their families.
Yu Zhi Yi washed her hands of the matter, leaving the details to the ministry as she climbed into her carriage with Old Man Zhang and his son. Just as she was about to bring Li Rou aboard to return to the city, a soft, pleasant voice called out.
“Official Yu.”
Turning her head, Yu Zhi Yi saw a young woman in a blue dress smiling warmly at her.
Yu Zhi Yi inclined her head slightly. “Titled Princess Lai Yang.”
Indeed, this gentle young woman was none other than the Titled Princess, the emperor’s cousin.
The emperor’s uncle, Prince Su, had been blessed with a daughter late in life and doted on her immensely. Both empress dowagers adored this niece, who had been raised in the palace. By the time she turned one, she was already granted the title of Titled Princess and given a seal.
This level of affection was something even Princess Feng Xiang, the emperor’s own youngest daughter, could not surpass.
Although there was a generational gap between Princess Feng Xiang and Titled Princess Lai Yang, their ages were close enough for them to be peers. One might assume that their similar circumstances would foster a close relationship, but fate had other plans. Princess Feng Xiang had disliked Titled Princess Lai Yang from an early age.
Their birthdays were only a few days apart, and it was said that during Princess Feng Xiang’s first birthday banquet, her mood soured the moment she laid eyes on Titled Princess Lai Yang, prompting a crying fit that no one could console. The situation only improved when the palace servants took Titled Princess Lai Yang away.
At Titled Princess Lai Yang’s birthday banquet later, adults, wary of a repeat incident, ensured that Princess Feng Xiang did not attend.
The tales of these two young noblewomen were endless, their relationship fraught with small dramas and misunderstandings.
Now, because of their exalted statuses, even the young masters earlier had hesitated before retreating upon Princess Feng Xiang’s departure.
“Official Yu, today’s events were both enlightening and meaningful. I have gained much from the experience,” Titled Princess Lai Yang said with a smile.
That Yu Zhi Yi recognized her so quickly did not surprise the Titled Princess.
Unused to compliments, Yu Zhi Yi coughed lightly. “It’s mealtime now, Your Highness. You should head home and eat.”
The Titled Princess chuckled at her awkward demeanor. “Would you do me the honor of sharing a meal with me?”
“Ah,” Yu Zhi Yi hesitated. “Actually, I was planning to visit the palace.”
Surprised, the Titled Princess asked, “The palace?”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded. “I’ve yet to officially assume my duties, and not only have I left the capital without notice, but I’ve also interfered with the Ministry of Justice’s case. I need to report these events to His Majesty.”
Those in power often had a complicated attitude toward talented individuals, simultaneously valuing and fearing them. History bore witness to the fate of Yuan Chun Gang, a senior mystic sect practitioner whose unmatched abilities drew both admiration and suspicion. Despite his talents in determining fate and stabilizing kingdoms, he eventually met a tragic end, becoming a cautionary tale within the mystic sects.
Yu Zhi Yi suspected that her own unique abilities were the reason her master had refrained from bringing her to the mountains for formal training. Without ambition, her only goal was to cultivate immortality. Yet the harsh realities of being a woman in this world had forced her to reveal her mystical talents as a means of survival.
Having exposed her skills, she resolved to face the consequences rather than hide. She believed she could establish a peaceful relationship with the emperor. If not… well, she had contingency plans.
After returning to the capital by noon, Yu Zhi Yi first escorted Old Man Zhang and his son to Graceful Phoenix Charity before preparing to enter the palace. But as she approached the charity’s entrance, a familiar carriage caught her eye.
Its ornate design marked it unmistakably as a palace carriage.
At first, she thought the emperor had sent for her, suspecting her recent actions. However, upon closer inspection, she realized this was a different carriage; the previous one had been destroyed.
This time, a young eunuch approached her respectfully. “Official Yu, His Majesty summons you.”
After entrusting Steward Wu Shan to take care of Old Man Zhang’s family, Yu Zhi Yi boarded the carriage.
The journey was uneventful, and the carriage arrived safely at the palace gates. Soon, she found herself before the Hall of Valor.
Inside, Princess Feng Xiang was tugging at the emperor’s sleeve, pouting. “Father, you must believe me. She’s insufferably arrogant and doesn’t respect you at all!”
The empress gently reproved her, “Feng Xiang, stop being unreasonable. Official Yu is not that kind of person.”
Princess Feng Xiang pouted further. “Mother, why are you defending her too?”
As Yu Zhi Yi arrived outside the hall, she overheard Princess Feng Xiang’s complaints.