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墨書 Inktalez
In the Qian Ning Palace, the golden silk curtains hung low, swaying gently in the breeze, causing the jade bells to chime softly.
Qin Fenghua stood by the window, draped in a moon-white gauze robe that flowed elegantly to the ground. Adorned with delicate jade pendants at her waist, she resembled a lone lotus blooming in a cold pond, breathtakingly beautiful.
She lowered her head, playing with a purple sandalwood ink brush resting on the table.
"Miss, it’s time," said her maid, Qing Lu, bowing slightly and speaking softly.
Qin Fenghua nodded and turned to enter the inner chamber.
Inside, three of her most trusted confidants had gathered: strategist Chen Ce, maid Qing Lu, and Du Heng, a spy from the merchant class.
The candlelight illuminated each face, casting shadows that varied in depth and intensity.
A glint of determination flashed in her eyes as she spoke in a low voice, "Everyone, tonight we must only achieve victory; defeat is not an option."
Chen Ce stood holding a fan, his gaze sharp as he replied, "Miss is correct.
Last night’s investigation revealed unusual fluctuations in grain and salt circulation outside the palace. Prices have soared, and only Consort An’s maternal family and the Left Chancellor's Qi family under Shanghao are quietly hoarding and trafficking these goods."
Du Heng remained composed as he discreetly handed over a ledger with a flourish of his sleeve. "As you predicted, there have been many rumors in Nan City lately. It is said that the court intends to increase taxes, causing widespread panic among the people. Some are inciting rebellion to manipulate the court’s affairs."
Qin Fenghua smiled lightly, a mix of nonchalance and sharpness in her demeanor. "Collusion between officials and merchants to control public sentiment through grain and salt is ultimately just a fleeting cloud. I have my plans for tonight; you all need only to act according to our strategy."
Qing Lu asked softly, "Miss, what if the enemy detects our intentions and strikes back...?"
Qin Fenghua paused slightly, her gaze shifting to the night outside the window. "I want them to act hastily, so we can draw the snake out of its hole."
A gust of night wind blew in from outside, stirring the beaded curtain.
Qin Fenghua composed herself and meticulously instructed everyone to disperse.
The next morning, as dawn broke, the Golden Luan Hall was filled with officials gathering for court.
Dressed in a scarlet brocade robe woven with gold threads, with a white jade hairpin at her temple, Qin Fenghua stood gracefully before the assembled ministers.
The atmosphere in the hall was tense; the Empress Dowager sat high above, her gaze inscrutable.
Consort An smiled charmingly, while Left Chancellor Qi Heng appeared calm, though his fingers trembled slightly, revealing his anxiety.
Holding a jade tablet, Qin Fenghua stepped forward slowly and bowed gracefully. Her voice was clear and gentle yet carried an edge. "Last night, I received a poem from an old friend to ease my thoughts. I would like to share it with you all." Her tone was bright and subtle.
"Rising winds and swirling clouds in court affairs, where do the hidden currents arise?
In the Golden Luan Hall, shadows are heavy;
Only purity remains, do not let dust disturb it.
Outside the palace, the common folk suffer;
Greed and desire intertwine skillfully.
Who says a single memorial is light?
In the shadows, the chessboard shifts; let us see how the pieces fall."
As her voice faded, silence enveloped the hall.
The Empress nodded slightly, a smile lingering on her lips without a word.
Consort An's eyes flickered, the corners of her mouth curling into a hint of coldness. The Left Chancellor, Qi Heng, lowered his head to stroke his beard, his gaze betraying a hidden wariness.
Qin Fenghua observed it all with clarity, a cold smile creeping into her heart. This verse had already revealed some truths beneath the surface.
After the court meeting dispersed, Qin Fenghua did not linger and returned directly to the royal residence.
She ordered Du Heng to head to Nan City to secretly investigate the flow of grain and salt, instructing Chen Ce to contact their business associate Xu Heniang to gather intelligence.
In the bustling streets, Du Heng exchanged information with spies; under the night sky, coins and messages circulated quietly between taverns and teahouses.
Xu Heniang, posing as a merchant, discreetly connected various grain shops to stabilize public sentiment.
As dusk fell, the royal residence was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, hosting a banquet for several powerful officials.
Qin Fenghua wore a long dress of azure phoenix brocade, adorned with emerald tassels at her waist, each step exuding fragrance.
At the banquet, golden cups and jade plates were filled with delicacies, the music flowing melodiously like a carefree scene from a prosperous era. Yet Qin Fenghua's heart was as clear as a mirror; she knew of the turbulent undercurrents.
Seated across from Consort An and Qi Heng, she raised her glass with a gentle smile, her words soft yet each sentence concealed a probing intent.
Consort An remarked with a smile, "The princess has been quite impressive lately, able to compose such exquisite verses. It is truly admirable." Her words concealed sharpness beneath their surface.
Qin Fenghua smiled gently, raising her cup for a light clink. "Your Highness, you flatter me. I merely act according to my nature. I only wish for stability in the court and peace for the people."
Changing the subject, she inquired about the grain prices in Nan City. Qi Heng's expression faltered momentarily as he feigned ignorance, but Qin Fenghua noticed his fingers turning slightly pale.
During the banquet, Qin Fenghua deliberately spread false information, claiming that the court would conduct a thorough investigation of grain merchants. Consort An's eyes flickered as she exchanged glances with Qi Heng, their expressions shifting subtly.
Qin Fenghua took note of this, aware that both were feeling guilty. She then recited a poem, "Ta Sha Xing," to resonate with the officials present:
"Night rain brings a new chill, palace lanterns unextinguished,
Faint fragrances and shadows enter dreams.
Though there are countless schemes of power and intrigue,
The bright moon still shines upon the jade steps."
After her recitation, various powerful officials either feigned praise or subtly speculated. In the midst of laughter and conversation, Qin Fenghua gathered intelligence.
As the banquet concluded and guests departed, she noticed a suspicious maid and ordered Qing Lu to follow her discreetly. Sure enough, they intercepted an enemy spy carrying a secret letter.
Later that night, Qin Fenghua returned to her study. The candlelight flickered weakly as Chen Ce, Du Heng, and Qing Lu gathered around her.
Qin Fenghua took out the secret letter and devised countermeasures. She delicately unfolded the letter which stated: "All merchants and grain shops follow Consort An's maternal family's orders; if things go awry, they will surely blame the princess first." Qin Fenghua sneered, "They truly intend to bite back."
Chen Ce clasped his hands together respectfully. "Miss, what is your plan?"
After pondering for a moment, Qin Fenghua replied softly, "In that case, we shall return their own tactics against them."
She instructed Du Heng to send out a forged ledger overnight, intentionally leaving it for the enemy spy to find, leading them to believe they had been deceived and enticing them into action.
Meanwhile, Qin Fenghua sent a secret letter to Xu Heniang, submitting the real account books and the list of grain merchants to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager's reply was brief, yet each word carried profound meaning: "Right and wrong will be judged by heaven; do not worry, Qin Fenghua." Qin Fenghua understood that the Empress Dowager was already aware of the situation, which eased her mind considerably.
The next day, the opposing forces indeed used the grain and salt case to frame Qin Fenghua in court, claiming that the royal residence was secretly manipulating grain prices.
However, the Empress Dowager was well-prepared. She ordered an inspection of the account books and uncovered that Consort An's maternal family was the true mastermind behind it all.
Consort An was furious and tried to retaliate but found no grounds. Though she appeared calm on the surface, she was actually restless inside.
Qin Fenghua quietly gathered strength, recruiting trusted allies and secretly training them, positioning them in key areas both inside and outside the palace.
Late at night, she invited Chen Ce and Xu Heniang to her study for a confidential discussion. The three spoke in hushed tones, their shadows flickering in the candlelight.
Qin Fenghua's voice was soft yet resilient: "Today's situation is merely the beginning. The enemy has not been eliminated, and our plans are not yet complete. Are you willing to join me in pursuing this great endeavor?"
Chen Ce stood up solemnly: "I vow to follow you to the death."
Xu Heniang clasped his fists: "Qin Fenghua, I will not let you down."
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