Chapter 27: Different

The Empress’s Reaction

Upon hearing this, the Empress’s expression shifted subtly.

Though she didn’t openly frown, a trace of displeasure and wariness flickered in her eyes.

Xie Jiu noted the Empress’s mood, inwardly cursing Zhao Xingjin once again.

‘Great, the harmless image I just built up is ruined.’

She had no desire to offend the Empress, the highest authority she’d face in the palace.

Unlike other consorts, who might gain favor and act boldly, the Empress was different—bound by rules and propriety.

Zhao Xingjin could easily reprimand or punish other consorts, but the Empress’s status as his lawful wife set her apart.

Wife was wife, concubine was concubine—Xie Jiu understood this clearly.

Despite Zhao Xingjin’s reputation for being fond of women, there were no rumors of him neglecting the Empress, suggesting he still respected his lawful wife.

But what could Xie Jiu do? She couldn’t afford to offend the Empress, yet offending Zhao Xingjin was even less an option.

For now, she couldn’t leave. All she could do was act more submissive and respectful to lessen the Empress’s hostility.

Otherwise, how would she survive in the palace?

Consort Zhuang wanted to tear her apart, and Lady Wei had pointed at her, cursing her as a seductress. One had borne the palace’s only prince, and the other’s father was Zhao Xingjin’s trusted confidant—both were already headaches enough.

If she also offended the Empress, the most powerful figure, she’d be completely surrounded by enemies.

With these thoughts in mind, Xie Jiu gave the Empress a proper, respectful bow before leaving, showing no hint of carelessness.

Though she couldn’t know the Empress’s true feelings, the Empress at least smiled on the surface.

The Empress’s Good News

In the main hall, after paying her respects, the Empress shared good news with Zhao Xingjin.

“This concubine congratulates Your Majesty. This morning, the Imperial Hospital reported that Lady Sun is two months pregnant.”

As she spoke, she took a booklet from her attendant. “I’ve checked the records, and the timing aligns perfectly. I’ve come to offer my congratulations.”

Hearing that a consort was pregnant, Zhao Xingjin was pleased, but seeing the Empress present the record from the Office of Consorts’ Affairs made him feel a bit uneasy.

“No need for me to look. Since you’ve verified it, that’s enough. How is Lady Sun now? Is the pregnancy stable?”

The Empress nodded with a smile.

“Your Majesty need not worry. The physicians say Lady Sun is in good health, and the imperial heir is safe. However, she’s been suffering from severe morning sickness, which is why she hasn’t been eating or drinking much these past two weeks. That’s how the pregnancy was discovered.”

At this, the Empress paused, a trace of guilt crossing her face.

“It’s my fault for not paying closer attention. Lady Sun only entered the palace this year, and she’s young, with no experienced servants by her side, which delayed the discovery. Fortunately, she’s always been obedient and hasn’t eaten anything harmful. I’ve already assigned an experienced nanny to care for her, and the Imperial Kitchen has been instructed to prepare her meals separately, with extra care.”

Though her words began with self-blame, she quickly covered her bases, and Zhao Xingjin could only praise her.

“You’re always busy, so it’s hard to oversee everything. Now that it’s been discovered, with you looking after Lady Sun, I’m completely at ease.”

The Empress smiled gently. “With Your Majesty’s trust, this concubine will not disappoint.”

Zhao Xingjin patted her hand lightly, saying softly, “You’ve worked hard.”

The Empress’s Hesitation

After discussing this matter, the Empress showed no intention of leaving, her expression tinged with hesitation.

Noticing her reluctance to speak, Zhao Xingjin prompted her.

“Is there something else?”

“It’s not urgent,” the Empress said, her delicate brows furrowing slightly as she pursed her lips, choosing her words carefully. After a moment, she continued, “Today, I received a letter from the Empress Dowager. She asked about Lady Xie, the wife of Marquis Weiyuan.”

The Empress Dowager, disliking the palace’s constraints, had moved to the imperial garden called Wanchun Garden in March.

Living outside the palace, she was naturally unaware of Zhao Xingjin’s plans and arrangements.

Originally, the Empress Dowager hadn’t known about Xie Jiu and Zhao Xingjin’s connection—it wasn’t a flattering matter, so no one had mentioned it. However, news of Wu Que’s imprisonment for embezzlement had reached her ears, bringing Xie Jiu’s situation to light.

A relationship with a minister’s wife was a serious taboo, so it was natural for the Empress Dowager to inquire.

Instead of directly asking her son, she had written to the Empress, likely wary that Zhao Xingjin might not be forthcoming.

Hearing this, Zhao Xingjin’s eyes flickered, and he said in a low voice, “You don’t need to worry about this. I’ll explain it to Mother myself. For now, focus on caring for Lady Sun’s pregnancy and preparing for the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet next month.”

This response clearly wasn’t what the Empress wanted to hear.

Her eyes wavered, but she didn’t press further, simply replying softly, “Yes.”

The Empress’s Departure

The Empress had hoped to stay and share a meal with Zhao Xingjin, but since he had matters to discuss with Xie Jiu, he dismissed her.

Though displeased, the Empress kept her feelings hidden.

Xie Jiu’s Return

After the Empress left, Xie Jiu was summoned back to the main hall.

“The Wu family’s visible assets are easy to confiscate, but they have plenty of hidden wealth. Do you have a detailed ledger?” Zhao Xingjin asked directly.

When confiscating a household, it had to be done thoroughly.

Xie Jiu had provided information when she defected, but it was all verbal, not written. Even with Zhao Xingjin’s sharp memory, he couldn’t recall every detail, so it was natural for him to ask now.

“I have it,” Xie Jiu said, nodding. “I’ve compiled a list these past few days. I’m not sure if it’s complete, but it covers at least seventy to eighty percent. As for the rest, Wu Que would likely trade his wealth for his life. Getting him to confess fully shouldn’t be an issue.”

Working with someone clever made things easier.

Zhao Xingjin’s face showed satisfaction. “Send the ledger you’ve prepared to the palace. The rest can be handled by the Ministry of Justice.”

But Xie Jiu didn’t agree immediately. Instead, she bowed slightly.

“This concubine requests Your Majesty’s permission to personally visit Wu Que in the Ministry of Justice’s prison. I guarantee I can ensure every last coin of the Wu family’s wealth is delivered to Your Majesty.”

Her tone was sincere, but Zhao Xingjin didn’t believe she was merely doing this for him.

He clearly saw a sharp glint in her eyes.

This woman wanted to personally wield the knife.

“Very well,” Zhao Xingjin agreed, his gaze sweeping over her with a mix of anticipation and amusement.

Xie Jiu met his eyes boldly, her beautiful eyes curving as she said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for granting my request.”

She made no effort to pretend to be soft, gentle, or timid.

Returning to the Marquis’s Residence

Leaving the palace, Xie Jiu returned to the Weiyuan Marquis Residence.

Visiting Wu Que, of course, wouldn’t happen today.

Let him stew in prison for a few more days to wear down his spirit—it would make things more interesting later.

After organizing the ledger and having Chunrong deliver it to the palace, Xie Jiu summoned Qingfang, who had stayed behind at the residence, to ask about the day’s events.

“Miss Wu left early this morning, running around seeking help. Unfortunately, hardly anyone would even let her in. She came back after a futile morning and cried in frustration. She went out again this afternoon, and the person tailing her hasn’t returned yet, so I don’t know where she went,” Qingfang reported.

Xie Jiu sneered. “The Wu family is completely rotten now. Anyone who gets involved risks going down with them. Who would help?”

It was hard to say whether Wu Qingchan was naive or just foolish.

All her running around had been for nothing.

Wu Qingchan’s Visit

As they spoke, the servant Xie Jiu had sent to follow Wu Qingchan returned.

“Madam, Miss Wu went to the Ministry of Justice’s prison.”

“Oh?” Xie Jiu’s lips curved into a smile. “What a devoted sister, thinking of her brother.”