Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Inside the Zi Chen Hall,
the jade table was piled high with delicacies from land and sea, the vibrant spring atmosphere emanating from the colorful dishes, surrounded by clusters of flowers that filled the air with fragrance.
The palace maids, dressed in flowing garments, moved gracefully in a line, serving tea and pouring wine with elegance.
Musicians were arranged on both sides, playing stringed instruments and woodwinds, their melodies alternating between soft and spirited.
Members of the royal family, powerful officials, consorts, and noblewomen took their seats in turn. The women wore long skirts adorned with blooming flowers or fluttering butterfly patterns, while the men donned jade crowns, their wide sleeves revealing glimmers of gold thread.
The atmosphere was solemn and formal, yet whispers filled the air as hidden currents began to stir.
As one piece concluded, a voice suddenly rang out from outside the hall: “Miss Qin Family has arrived—” All eyes turned toward the sound.
Qin Fenghua appeared, dressed in a cloud-patterned robe of azure hues that accentuated her creamy complexion and gentle demeanor.
She entered the hall with poise, her hair styled high with flowing tassels, a single green feather gold hairpin adorning her temple, her movements causing her garments to flutter elegantly.
With a graceful bow, she spoke clearly: “I am Qin Fenghua, here to wish Her Majesty a long life like the Southern Mountains and blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea.”
The Empress sat upon her phoenix chair, exuding regal grace as her gaze fell upon Qin Fenghua, a hint of a smile in her eyes: “Qin Fenghua, please rise. Your attire today truly brings a refreshing sight to this palace.”
Qin Fenghua smiled slightly as she stood up and stepped into the gathering. The guests in the hall began to murmur among themselves, some expressing envy while others felt jealousy.
One voice whispered: “The Qin Family Daughter indeed possesses extraordinary grace; I’ve heard she is well-versed in poetry and literature, and today she shows it even more.”
Another noblewoman scoffed quietly: “No matter how talented or beautiful she is, she is still just a woman; can she truly stir up any waves in this Zi Chen Hall?”
The music resumed, strings and bamboo instruments harmonizing as dance and song filled the air.
The palace maids, dressed in feathered garments, danced gracefully, their sleeves fluttering like spring swallows whispering sweet nothings.
At the banquet, the powerful minister Qian Xiang maintained a calm demeanor, occasionally whispering with the royal family member beside him.
Qin Fenghua sat quietly, her gaze sweeping over the attendees, her mind calculating.
She knew that today’s event hinged on this one moment. Her fingers curled slightly within her sleeves, concealing a brewing storm.
When it was time to present her birthday wishes, Qin Fenghua rose and stepped forward gracefully. Holding a scroll in her delicate hand, her voice rang clear like pearls falling onto a jade plate: “This humble daughter wishes to present a modest poem in honor of the Empress Dowager.” She recited:
“The crimson gates open to a myriad of spring birthdays,
Golden branches and jade leaves entwine around the dragon wheel.
Heavenly winds caress willows, flowers like snow,
Purple aura from the east brings blessings to every door.
Jade and rosy clouds bear the weight of grace and favor,
A heart of loyalty reflects both dawn and dusk.
May every passing year be filled with blessings,
As Mount Shou rises high alongside heaven and earth.”
As her poem concluded, silence enveloped the hall.
After a long pause, the Empress Dowager broke into a wide smile, clapping her hands and exclaiming, “Excellent! Qin Fenghua truly possesses remarkable talent; the poem’s profound meaning brings joy to this palace.”
The Emperor also nodded slightly, his tone filled with approval: “The daughter of the Qin family is indeed extraordinary.”
Everyone praised her in unison, but amidst the adulation, Qin Fenghua sensed an unusual gaze among the crowd.
Unfazed, she let her eyes drift over several performers, noticing one whose eyes were cold and whose fingers trembled slightly; something unusual was concealed beneath his sleeve.
A tightness gripped Qin Fenghua's heart as she clenched the prepared sachet tightly within her sleeve.
As the music reached its peak, she suddenly saw that performer spinning toward her, his sleeve sweeping through the air in an instant—cold light flashed.
Before the startled cries in the hall could fade, Qin Fenghua had already leaped into action, hurling a concealed sachet of powder towards the assassin's face.
The fragrant powder scattered, momentarily blinding the attacker.
Seizing the opportunity, Qin Fenghua supported the Empress Dowager and whispered, "Your Highness, do not be alarmed!" Guards rushed in and pinned the assassin to the ground.
"Bold fool!" the Emperor shouted angrily. "Someone! Capture the assassin!"
Qian Xiang's expression changed dramatically as he hurried forward. "Your Majesty, there may be something amiss here. It is possible that someone is using this opportunity to assassinate and frame loyal subjects. I implore you to investigate thoroughly."
Qin Fenghua steadied the Empress Dowager, her face calm while her mind raced with clues.
She spoke softly, "Your Highness, I noticed a strange mark embroidered on the assassin's sleeve, which may indicate a connection with certain individuals in court. We could start our investigation from there."
The Empress Dowager's gaze sharpened as she grasped Qin Fenghua's hand. "Qin Fenghua, do you have any evidence?"
Qin Fenghua performed a graceful bow and turned to face the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I request an examination of this person's belongings and ask that a copy of the secret letter and account book be presented before you."
The palace maid had already followed Qin Fenghua's hint and brought forth the two pieces of evidence.
The Emperor took them, flipping through the secret letter and account book, his brow furrowing deeper with each page.
"The contents of this letter and the transactions in the account book all point to the Minister of Revenue colluding with foreign enemies to frame loyal subjects, implicating many," Qin Fenghua stated softly but clearly.
The Minister of Revenue suddenly stood up, his face pale with anger as he forced himself to remain calm. "Your Majesty, I am innocent! Someone must have forged these accounts to wrongfully accuse me!"
Qian Xiang remained composed, his eyes dark and contemplative as if weighing the situation.
However, Qin Fenghua smiled slightly, her gaze piercing. "You speak with such certainty; perhaps we should use seasonal records as evidence. Years ago during the winter solstice, my father was summoned to the palace for official business right after a light snowfall. Yet in the account book, the silver recorded was noted as tribute from summer. I ask the Minister of Revenue to explain how that can be reconciled."
The Minister of Revenue was momentarily speechless, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. Qian Xiang quickly intervened, "A single account book is not sufficient proof; there may have been errors in recording. Miss Qin Fenghua, you are still young; why insist on this?"
Qin Fenghua's smile deepened, but her tone was icy: "What Qian Xiang said is true, yet I have another witness."
She turned and gestured, and a eunuch stepped into the hall. It was the Junior Official who had once managed the treasury under Qin Fenghua's father.
"I am Li Qing, willing to testify for Lord Qin!" The eunuch knelt, his voice trembling yet resolute. "Years ago, the Minister of Revenue was ordered to secretly adjust the funds, and afterward commanded me to alter the accounts while threatening me. I had no choice; today I am willing to stake my life as proof!"
The Empress Dowager's expression turned serious, while the Emperor's face darkened: "Qian Xiang, Minister of Revenue, do you have anything to say?"
Qian Xiang was momentarily speechless, his face alternating between pale and green. The Minister of Revenue argued back: "This man is being manipulated by the Qin Family; he is clearly framing us!"
Qin Fenghua met the gazes of those present with calmness, stepping closer: "The law states, 'In the court, it is difficult to discern loyalty from treachery; only evidence and justice can be clearly shown to the world.' If today’s events lack evidence, how dare we disturb the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet? If there is no justice, how dare we expose your crimes before all?"
She paused and spoke clearly: "I guarantee with my life that every word I say is true. The Qin Family has been wronged for many years; today I implore His Majesty to see clearly and restore justice for my father!"
The Empress Dowager slammed her hand on the table, her voice sharp: "Bring forth the evidence and investigate this case thoroughly!"
The Emperor slowly spoke, his tone steady yet firm: "I believe what Qin Fenghua has said. Qian Xiang, Minister of Revenue, if this involves deceiving the throne, I will not show mercy!"
Seeing their situation deteriorate, Qian Xiang's expression shifted unpredictably.
The Minister of Revenue grew increasingly flustered, stumbling over his words as he tried to shift blame onto Qin Fenghua.
But Qin Fenghua remained composed, her gaze piercing: "Do you intend to use your power to intimidate? Everyone present can testify; if there is even a hint of falsehood in my words, I will willingly accept punishment!"
The courtiers in the hall whispered among themselves, casting sidelong glances. The Empress Dowager walked down from her throne and grasped Qin Fenghua's wrist gently, her gaze warm: "Good child, you are both brave and clever; this palace is proud of you."
The Emperor also nodded, his eyes filled with newfound respect: "The grievances of the Qin Family will be avenged today. This case will be thoroughly investigated by me."
With no strength left to argue, Qian Xiang and the Minister of Revenue finally confessed before the throne.
In the presence of the emperor, a solemn atmosphere enveloped the court as the once-powerful minister fell from grace, leaving the officials in deep contemplation.
Qin Fenghua's father's grievances were finally vindicated. Tears shimmered in her eyes, yet she fought to suppress her sorrow and slightly bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, and Your Highness, for your clear judgment."
The Empress Dowager personally poured wine for Qin Fenghua, her voice filled with warmth. "Qin Fenghua, your actions today not only saved this palace from peril but also avenged your family's wrongs. You are truly a model for the daughters of Great Chu."
The officials rose one after another to toast and praise Qin Fenghua.
As the banquet progressed, laughter began to fill the air, and the undercurrents of tension gradually subsided.
She raised her cup with a smile, her gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd, yet her heart remained troubled.
Suddenly, she sensed a slight movement within her sleeve.
As she turned her head, a man dressed in ordinary eunuch attire slipped past quietly, deftly placing a thin letter into her palm.
A chill ran through Qin Fenghua as her fingertips trembled. She lowered her head to conceal it and tucked the letter into her sleeve.
Maintaining her composure with great effort, she raised her cup again to salute the Empress Dowager and the emperor.
Comment 0 Comment Count