c57 (1/2)

Chapter 57: Reaching Out A Helping Hand (Part 2)

Xi Xia Palace

In front of the hall there was a small garden, the flowers have fallen and there were only a few cl.u.s.ters of flowers left. A dark purple clad woman held a pair of scissors as she carefully trim the leaves and there was a gentle loving smile on her face.

The old mama briskly walked over and greeted behind her, “Mistress.”

The look of joy was apparent but Yang Zhi Lan did not turn her head back and continue focusing on tr.i.m.m.i.n.g the flowers as she laughed, “Is there any good news?”

The old mama was all smiles as she replied, “Lou Xi Yan’s illness relapsed again and the Imperial Physicians went over to diagnose and treated him. He only say that if it erupt repeatedly, the physicians would not be able to help. It would seem that he would die in prison before the investigation is completed.”

Mistress indeed had foresight. Over so many years, on the pretext of looking for doctor and medication for Lou Xi Yan, the medicine that she gave him to supress the illness in fact also make him addicted. For the many years that he was not able to quit, it was handy today.

Everything were within her expectations. There was no joy in Yang Zhi Lan’s face but her brow knitted slightly as she asked, “What did the Emperor say?” Tian-er and Lou Xi Yan grew up together since young and she was well aware of the deep feelings. She was afraid that this bout of sickness will cause him to relent.

Seeing Yang Zhi Lan’s worry, the old mama quickly replied, “Mistress do not need to worry. The two Lee Darens, who were present, lead the entire court officials to pressure and thus the Emperor did not allow Lou Xi Yan to receive treatment out of prison and only decreed to change to another prison cell.”

“Good.” In successive dynasties, the crime of rebellion against the Royal Family was intolerable and Tian-er did not even hesitate when dealing with his own younger blood brother, what more a subject. She really worried too much. Yang Zhi Lan’s eyes darken but it was unsure that if was joy or sorrow of if it was pain or wound.

“Get people to watch over that two rebels and make sure they do not talk nonsense. If they are unable to stand the interogation and want to speak. End them. No flaw is tolerated in this matter.” Yang Zhi Lan’s hands were arranging the flowers delicately and was full of warmth but the words that were out of her mouth was bone chilling and void of any emotions.

“Yes.” The old mama heart trembled and dare not show any hint of hesitation.

Yao Chan just brought back the water from the well and was preparing to head towards the room to change the water at the Buddhist altar. This was only once chance to be close to the chambers. If this opportunity was missed, even if the Empress dowager is not in the palace, she would not have any chance to steal the seal. She looked up secretly and saw that the Empress was still at the small garden talking to the mama and it seems that there was no intention of them leaving. Yous.h.i.+ (modern timing: 5 – 7 pm) was almost here and Yao Chan’s heart was anxious and in panic.

At this time a palace maid in her teens suddenly ran haphazardly into Xi Xia Palace and knelt in front of the Empress Dowager with a red face and hasty breath that made one suspect that she was almost unable to catch her breath.

Yang Zhi Lan’s hand that was holding cut flower slightly raise and there was no change of expression on her face but there was a trace of displeasure across her eyes. The old mama’s palm hit the girl’s vest as she scolded lowly, “What are you panicking like this. So ill mannered.”

The palace maid was in so much pain that her face knitted together but she dare not cry out and knelt flat on the ground. After catching her breath, she replied, “Reply Empress Dowager, without any reason, Princess Chao Yun rushed out of Qing Xuan Temple and ran towards the Imperial Study. The servants were unable to stop her.”

This time, Yang Zhi Lan expression finally changed as she urgently spoke, “What happened?”

The palace maid express difficulty and she was not ale to explain anything even after stammering half the some. She was just a palace maid in Qing Xuan Hall. It is the Princess’s afternoon nap time after lunch and no one would have guess that the Princess, who was dispirited all these few days, would suddenly rush out of Qing Xuan Hall. Older sister Lian-er was unable to stop it and made her come over to ask for the Empress Dowager’s help. She really did not know what happen.

Yang Zhi Lan threw aside the flowers that she was tr.i.m.m.i.n.g and without asking more, her cold voice said, “Lead the way.”

“Yes.” The palace maid got up shaking and walk half a step behind the Empress Dowager and lead the way with a bend. Yang Zhi Lan brought the old mama and several palace maids and hurried out of Xi Xia Palace.

Yao Chang was the time and it was Yous.h.i.+ (modern timing: 5 – 7 pm). Secretly taking a deep breath, Yao Chan walked slowly into the praying hall with a bucket as usual.

The Emperor’s Zheng Yang Palace was in front that there was a large lawn. This was so that when the Emperor look out from the main hall, he would have a broad vision and also able to see from afar who was approaching Zheng Yang Palace as there was no opportunity to hide one’s whereabouts.

Usually during the day there will not be anyone in this large lawn. but today one could see a group of palace maid surrounding a female but dare not pull or stop her and only uniformly knelling on the ground and blocking her way forward.

Xiao Lian pulled tightly onto Yan Ru Xuan’s sleeves and she urgently said, “Princess, you mustn’t go in!”

Yan Ru Xuan was stopped all the way and with her anxious heart, she has already long forgotten about a princess’s dignity. She shouted, “Let go. I want to look for Imperial Elder Brother.”

“Princess, I beg of you to go back with Xiao Lian.” Along the entire way, the tugging and pulling failed to block the Princess so Lian-er could only knee down and hold on to Yan Ru Xuan’s legs tightly.

“Impudent!” Her leg was tightly held on and Yan Ru Xuan was unable to move. Her heart started to get anxious as she starred at Xiao Lian angrily, “You actually dare to block Bengong’s road. You don’t want to live any more?”

“Princess, you absolutely cannot go! Even if you want Xiao Lian’s head, Xiao Lian will also not let you go.” Just ahead was the Emperor’s Zheng Yang Palace and the pulling and tugging might had already alarmed the Emperor. No one could help on the matter with Prime Minister Lou and if the Princess rush in like this, it would only anger the Emperor.

Xiao Lian’s face was already bathed in tears. Facing this person who was following her for so many years, it was not possible for Yan Ru Xuan to have her head and thus she could only struggle more and almost fell to the ground for a few times.

“Xuan-er, what are you doing?”