The Anarchic Consort

Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio

“These elders are not making any sense. After so many men were killed, will reading the scripture be of any use?” Yuan Ming’s voice of mockery rang out.

Helian Wei Wei, however, curved her lips upward. “It may not be helpful to apprehend the murderer. But, it works for a possessed person like me.”

All of a sudden, Yuan Ming narrowed his eyes. “It looks like we share the same idea. The elders most probably hired these eminent monks to manage you.”

Helian Wei Wei acknowledged him before she lifted the teacup and lay back on the chair. Then, she asked Eunuch Sun in an indifferent tone, “Has The Retired Emperor agreed to it?”

“He has agreed.” Eunuch Sun chuckled, ” The elders sounded confident, leaving the Retired Emperor with no reason to ban their ideas. Princess Consort, you know how things are. As long as the old officials are content with their lot, the Retired Emperor cannot be bothered to discuss with them further.”

Helian Wei Wei nodded, “Yes, he should agree to them.” If he rejects their idea, he will put the people in doubt and we’ll end up in a bad situation.

“The Retired Emperor has requested me to notify Princess Consort to not get confused when you hear the Buddhaghosa. I heard that they have the intention to recite the scripture for the entire day. But, I don’t know if it’s effective.” Eunuch Sun heaved a sigh before he continued, “We met the deceased maids before. It’s such a shame that they were all of a young age when they died.”

Helian Wei Wei tapped the edge of the cup rhythmically with her forefinger. This was her habit when she cogitated. “According to you, the bodies were discovered in the river. I have been living in the palace for a long time. Why haven’t I noticed any river within the imperial palace’s compound?”

“The place is secluded. Only those who have resided in the palace for some years have knowledge about the river,” said Eunuch Sun. He looked around before he proceeded, “It is right behind the Cold Palace. Speaking of that, it’s strange because the river started off as a puddle derived from the moat. Nobody can explain why the water level continues to rise and eventually it forms a river. However, if the water level had not risen, we would’ve discovered the bodies much later. This is such a fortunate coincidence. I guess this is all destined!”

Upon hearing this, Helian Wei Wei put on a meaningful smile, “Yes. It’s really a fortunate coincidence.”

“Hmm?” Eunuch Sun was not an astute person. Although he failed to analyze the case, he detected the change in Helian Wei Wei’s intonation. Realizing something was going on, he raised his eyebrows and asked, “Princess Consort, are you hinting that the issue is not that simple?”

Helian Wei Wei put down the teacup in her hand and answered, “Eunuch Sun, do you remember the task that the Retired Emperor assigned to His Highness and I when we visited Fuping?”

“Yes, I remember,” Eunuch Sun immediately replied. “There is a large area in Fuping, which is suitable for plantation. However, there had been a severe drought at Fuping that significantly affected the production of the crops. For some time, the Retire Emperor was agonizing over the climate crisis at Fuping. Fortunately, Princess Consort and His Highness visited Fuping personally and solved the problem.”

Helian Wei Wei gave a half-hearted laugh, “Fuping was not the only area that is affected by the drought. It has been a while since the last rain fell on the Capital too. This is all due to the change of season. Don’t you find it strange, Eunuch Sun? It was raining last month and the water level of the puddle did not rise at all. However, this month, after more than 10 days of dryness, the water level rose notably. Do you not find this unusual?”

Eunuch Sun was surprised by the statement. Then, he stood up abruptly while his face appeared flustered, “Princess Consort…”

“Eunuch Sun,” Helian Wei Wei interrupted him before he could finish his words, “Eunuch Sun, please forget about what I’ve just said. If the rising water level is not a result of the rain, there is probably a flaw in the management of the moat. Without an order from the superior, no one will have the audacity to disturb the moat.”

Eunuch Sun’s fingers trembled gently. “This is not a minor issue.”

“Yes, it’s not a minor issue,” Helian Wei Wei took a sip of tea and continued, “And that’s why you should keep it to yourself.”

Eunuch Sun glanced at Helian Wei Wei before he dropped his gaze and said, ” I understand.”

The moat was an area managed by the Emperor’s most trusted aide.

That was an area where even the Retired Emperor could not interfere in spite of his status.

Sometimes, it would be better for the servant to know their place and not comment excessively.

But, why did the problem only occur to the moat?

“When will the eminent monks arrive?” Helian Wei Wei chuckled before she swiftly changed the topic, apparently trying to lighten the atmosphere.

Eventually, Eunuch Sun halted his racing thoughts and replied, “I reckon that they will be here tomorrow at noon. It’s not easy to invite these many reputable eminent monks and the people of the palace need more time to prepare for their arrival.”

“You’re right.” Helian Wei Wei lowered her gaze and took another sip of tea before she painted a frigid grin on her lips.

Knowing that he was invisible to Eunuch Sun, Yuan Ming approached Helian Wei Wei and whispered to her ears with a wicked smile on his face, “They have prepared thoroughly. It looks like they are determined to end you.”

“Elder Yun’s death has perturbed them.” Helian Wei Wei gazed into the distance and proceeded, “Their heightened anxiety is a clear sign of their fear. My grandfather was a military man, but his death has remained a mystery until today. But now, the identity of the culprit is rather obvious.”

Yuan Ming raised his eyebrows and continued to laugh, “I was only able to reach you because of the intense grudge within you that awakened me. After Madam Su’s death, your conscienceless father was butchered by Prime Minister Su and his body was left lying on the roadside. Subsequently, you managed to retrieve the ownership of the Helian family. But, due to our ongoing contract, I will not be able to leave before you successfully achieve your goal.”

“This matter has always been complicated.” Helian Wei Wei played with the teacup in her hands as she continued, “Otherwise, I would not have kept the Su family for long.”

Yuan Ming shrugged. “Well, you’re not wrong. With your current capability, you may be able to fight against them separately. However, once they join forces, it’ll be very tough for you. Before this, your presence has always been considerably inconspicuous. They have not been keeping an eye on you. However, now they are initiating the attack. Do you really think that you can withstand it?”

“How long do you think I can last tomorrow?” Helian Wei Wei asked Yuan Ming in return.

Yuan Ming stretched his back. “You are now a different woman compared to the girl you were on your wedding day. If it isn’t for the potent resentment that is lurking around the Palace, the scriptures will not be able to affect you. But, I’m concerned because of your frequent dreams lately and your soul is no longer stable like before. If it is not too powerful, you might be able to hold it together for an hour.”

“An hour…” Helian Wei Wei narrowed her eyes. “These eminent monks will be chanting the scriptures at dawn and at night. It isn’t necessary for me to attend the ceremony during these times. However, if they are trying their utmost to enter the palace, I reckon that they have already made up an excuse to make my presence compulsory.”

Yuan Ming giggled, “Regardlessly, you are fighting a losing battle. Why don’t you just hand me your soul? I will kill them on your behalf.”

“Yuan Xiaoming, I’ve said many times that I’m not interested in your suggestion.” Helian Wei Wei stood up and replied with an emotionless voice, “As long as I am still standing, the situation is not hopeless yet.”