Chapter 379.2: Suffering the Consequences

Jing Wan’s eyes were full of curiosity, and Li Hong Yuan didn’t hide from her either, “Shu Consort Qin.”

Truthfully speaking, this answer, Jing Wan really didn’t think of. Shu Consort Qin, that person, how to put it, her presence was relatively low. Although she didn’t have Noble Consort Su’s extensive favor, compared with the Empress, she was still much better off. In the palace, she didn’t erect enemies, yet no one dared to touch her in the slightest either. Although she didn’t have a child to depend on, Gong Qinwang can be considered half a foster son, and her maiden family on the surface also supported Gong Qinwang. However, the battle for the throne seemingly didn’t have any influence towards her. Regardless of what, in the inner palace, she seemingly was all a relatively special existence. Compared with the Empress and Noble Consort Su, she was much more carefree and relaxed, and compared with the other imperial concubines, her position was also stable.

“This time, after coming back, originally should’ve also gone to pay a visit to Shu Consort, but because of an ‘accident’, thus wasn’t able to go, so it’s only proper to find a time to pay her a visit.” And while she was at it, also see whether or not this Shu Consort Qin had any special areas.

“This can wait until after this matter. Actually, it doesn’t matter, Wan Wan doesn’t need to mind. Shu Consort Qin won’t have ill-feelings either.”

“Actually, I further want to know, Ah Yuan, what’s your relationship with Shu Consort Qin? No matter how one looks at it, there shouldn’t be any relation at all, yet she’s able to be used by you. To say there’s not a bit of something in between, no one would believe.” Jing Wan looked to him, just short of the words ‘quickly fess up’ written on her face.

“How to put it, actually, it was Shu Consort Qin that voluntarily approached this prince prior to this prince leaving the palace and opening a manor. The reason within still unknown. I had the intention of roping in the Left Commander-in-Chief Qin Tian Ming to begin with, and in the beginning, Qin Tian Ming was already grasped in my hand, but because the method was relatively crude, generally speaking, no one would be happy inside. Although I don’t really mind, since it’s not like I’m cultivating him as a trusted aide. As long as the goal is reached, it’s enough. Just, at a time unknown to me, Shu Consort Qin mediated from within. Afterwards, Qin Tian Ming’s mentality just mellowed out. Even if getting messed with by me, he won’t bear resentment either. Shu Consort Qin is a very smart person. I suspect that for Qin Tian Ming to have been able to sit onto the position of the Left Commander-in-Chief, it’s all thanks to her. If not, Qin Tian Ming wouldn’t have had such an important matter told to her. In the imperial harem, if Shu Consort Qin wants to fight for favor, and contend against Empress Sun and Noble Consort Su, it’ll be an ample three-way stand-off. Perhaps, she can even take the upper hand. If she’s willing to help old four, then old four definitely wouldn’t be like this now.”

(T/N: On the surface Shu Consort Qin is Gong Qinwang’s foster mother, however, Gong Qinwang’s birth mother is still alive, just her status is relatively low.)

“In other word, Ah Yuan’s understanding towards Shu Consort Qin actually isn’t considered much either. In fact, it’s just the surface level understanding. In a certain sense, she’s actually the one that’s hidden the deepest.”

“To say it like this isn’t a problem either.”

“Then, is she reliable?” Based on her understanding towards Li Hong Yuan, if not knowing very thoroughly, or holding onto some information against them, he probably won’t easily use.

“It doesn’t matter. Regardless of whether Shu Consort Qin is reliable or not, it all has nothing to do with me. If she really were to produce some bad thoughts, Wan Wan, you need to believe that before she can do anything, I will first let her know, what will happen if she goes against this prince after boarding this prince’s ship.”

Speaking of which, it has been several years. Li Hong Yuan although has never fully trusted Shu Consort Qin, but Shu Consort Qin has never deliberately done anything before either. Just, Li Hong Yuan occasionally needed her to help cover, and every time, Shu Consort Qin was able to do it flawlessly. He didn’t trust her completely, but she was quite handy to use.

Jing Wan relaxed. After all, if Shu Consort Qin really was hidden very deeply, then towards this kind of person, it was still okay if she didn’t harbor any bad intent, but if by chance she were to produce bad thoughts, then she will certainly be quite dangerous. That’s why, they have to keep their guard up. “Speaking of which, under normal circumstances, unrelated people won’t help someone for no reason, especially this kind of thing that concerned one’s own life. Prior to you leaving the palace and opening your own manor, you weren’t prominent in any aspect. Even Gong Qinwang’s odds were all much bigger than yours, so it’s completely unreasonable for her to have her bets placed on you. Could it be that Shu Consort Qin actually has something to request of you, and only you can achieve, that’s why she would approach you?”

“Who knows.” In reality, based on Li Hong Yuan’s memories, the past life’s Shu Consort Qin and this life’s, for the most part, didn’t have any differences. The only place that was different was that in his past life, he didn’t have any dealings with Shu Consort Qin. When the dust finally settled in the end, because she completely didn’t participate in the battle for the throne, in addition to being related to Qin Tian Ming, Li Hong Yuan didn’t touch her. After ascending the throne, she was the only consort dowager, living in honor and glory. She can be said to be the woman with the highest position in the palace, but she didn’t interfere in the palace affairs in the slightest, secluding herself and rarely going out, practically just an invisible person. If not for her appearing at important palace banquets, outsiders afraid would’ve forgotten that such a person existed.

Occasionally, Li Hong Yuan would suspect whether or not Shu Consort Qin was the same as him, having restarted her life again. However, as time went on, this seemingly wasn’t the case. If she really ‘had foresight’, why didn’t she do a bit of something? But, Li Hong Yuan didn’t completely deny his guess. If she really were the same as him, then she should also know his situation. After all, the changes he made can be said to be overturning the heavens. She, a woman of the inner palace, seemingly didn’t need to do anything. As long as she comes in contact with him, steadily walking to the end, she can just become the greatest winner. ————–All of this was just based on his guess, perhaps there were other reasons. Li Hong Yuan really wasn’t interested in getting to the bottom of it. As long as she didn’t get in his way, then whatever her situation was, it was all irrelevant.

“Just this explanation seemingly is a bit far-fetched.”

“Don’t think too much, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of anything, why bother with it.”

“You’re right. ————Originally towards Kang Qinwang, there was still a follow-up move, but now, it doesn’t seem to be good to continue.”

“Gong Jiu’s identity has changed from a shadow guard and brought onto the surface. At the time, detailed arrangements were made, so in terms of identity, there isn’t any problem. A bit later, you can have him sent to Kang Qinwang Manor. Gong Jiu’s medical skills are displayed there, and compared with many imperial physicians, he’s even more superior. Once you make your stance, even if it’s continuing to do a bit of something to Li Hong Yi, it still won’t implicate Yu’er. That’s why, whatever you want to do, you can just freely go do.”

“Maintaining surface relations is one thing, but just worry that Kang Qinwang will firmly refuse no matter what. And the one that will suffer will only be the child.”

Li Hong Yuan wanted to say, the enemy’s child, so what if they die, but if he really were to say this, Wan Wan will feel sad inside. Yu’er and his father weren’t of one mind, so leaving was just leaving. If in the future, he becomes a threat, can just dispose of him then. “I’ll enter the palace and directly look for imperial father.”

Once Jing Wan received Li Hong Yuan’s words, she just let someone pay close attention to Kang Qinwang Manor’s situation. If possible, it was best to have Gong Jiu sent over for a look sooner.

Even in her past life, there were situations where people went deaf from a slap. If it’s the eardrums puncturing, then most likely, even Gong Jiu will be bounded by the hands. If it’s just damaging the nerves in the ear, it should be a little better, and perhaps might have a way. Regardless of the situation, it should be getting treated as soon as possible.