Chapter Nine: Where Blessings and Misfortunes Intertwine, Troubles Arise Anew

The ground trembled more violently, and my heart pounded wildly in response. What was inevitable had finally arrived!

Amidst the swirling dust, the grim face of Eunuch Li appeared in my sight, followed by a squad of fierce guards.

I drew in a sharp breath; that old fox just wouldn’t leave me be!

He forced a smile, bowing slightly toward me. “Lady Lu, I trust you’ve been well.”

I rolled my eyes inwardly—this sly old man was definitely up to no good.

Feigning composure, I returned the greeting politely. “Eunuch Li, your presence honors us. May I ask the purpose of your visit?”

Clearing his throat, Li raised the imperial edict in his hand. “By decree of Noble Consort Zhou, we have received reports accusing Lady Lu and her companions of pilfering treasures from the palace. We are here to conduct a search.”

My heart skipped a beat. Noble Consort Zhou? That woman was truly restless!

As I pondered my next move, Li had already ordered his guards to begin searching the treasure trove we had just uncovered.

If they ransacked this mountain of gold and silver, I would surely weep to death.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to remain calm.

No, I had to devise a plan to buy time.

My eyes darted around until an idea struck.

Straightening my back, I spoke with righteous indignation, “Eunuch Li, these treasures were stumbled upon by chance and we were about to report them to the Emperor. How could this be theft? Is there not some misunderstanding here?”

One of Noble Consort Zhou’s palace maids, a sharp-featured, sneering woman, responded sarcastically, “Misunderstanding or not, a search will reveal the truth. Lady Lu, you’d best cooperate to avoid physical punishment.”

I sneered coldly. “When one wishes to frame, words are never scarce. If a search is to be done, then let it be thorough.”

I deliberately emphasized the word “thorough.”

I refused to believe they could overturn the entire palace.

At that moment, Aunt Lin stepped forward to vouch for me. “Eunuch Li, Lady Lu has always been loyal and would never commit such acts. I implore you to investigate wisely.”

Gratefully, I shot Aunt Lin a thankful glance—she was truly dependable in this critical moment.

Seizing the opportunity, I discreetly scattered a few prepared silver coins into inconspicuous corners nearby.

Maintaining a calm facade, I surveyed the surroundings and then pointed out, “If we had truly stolen anything, would there be no other traces of treasure around? Eunuch Li, would you not agree?”

Li gave me a suspicious glance, as if weighing my words.

He waved his hand, signaling his men to search everywhere.

My heart leapt to my throat; sweat began to bead on my palms.

“Wait!” I suddenly called out.

All eyes turned to me.

I approached Li, lowering my voice. “Eunuch Li, I just remembered something...”

Leaning close to his ear, I whispered mysteriously, “I heard that near this treasure lies a map marking even more hidden riches...”

I paused deliberately, watching his expression closely.

Sure enough, a gleam of greed flickered in his eyes.

Li dismissed the guards around him and asked quietly, “Where is this map?”

I smiled enigmatically. “Right...”

Drawing out the word, I then pointed to a large tree not far off. “Under that tree.”

Li immediately dispatched men to dig there, and I secretly exhaled in relief.

Of course, there was no treasure map beneath that tree—I had only sought to stall and lead this old fox into a trap.

As expected, after much digging, nothing was found.

Noble Consort Zhou’s maid wore a triumphant sneer. “I told you, that little wench is lying!”

I shrugged with an innocent expression. “I only heard the rumor; perhaps it was mistaken.”

Inwardly, I thought: I do enjoy watching you fret helplessly.

Noble Consort Zhou snorted coldly. “Even without a map, the fact remains that you secretly possess treasure! Guards, seize them all!”

As the guards advanced toward us, my heart plummeted.

At the most desperate moment, a clear voice rang out: “Hold!”

He Yunsheng appeared with Imperial Physician Zhang—truly my saviors.

Zhang stepped forward and said, “I just examined Noble Consort Zhou’s pulse and found she is suffering from blood and qi deficiency. She requires a rare snow lotus for medicine, which…”

He cast a significant glance at the treasure we had found, “happens to be among these.”

Noble Consort Zhou’s face changed instantly; she knew well the value of the snow lotus.

If we were imprisoned now, her precious snow lotus would be lost.

He Yunsheng came to my side, gripping my hand firmly and giving me a reassuring look.

His icy gaze swept over Noble Consort Zhou and Eunuch Li. “If Noble Consort Zhou and Eunuch Li insist on causing trouble without reason, I shall report this matter personally to His Majesty.”

Noble Consort Zhou and Li exchanged a glance and reluctantly relented.

Looking at He Yunsheng, I gently squeezed his hand and whispered, “Tonight, the palace banquet…”