Palace Fighting Naive Concubines’ Ascent to Power
Chapter 112: Beaten to Death with a Cudgel

Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Beaten to Death with a Cudgel

Even Zhang Qing did not know too many of the details, because the Internal Guard Bureau only emerged after His Majesty ascended the throne, moving from the shadows into the open. During that time, no one knew of its existence.

When His Majesty’s so-called uncle attempted rebellion, it was the Internal Guard Bureau that detected it first, covertly making preparations to defend, thus preventing a major disaster.

As time passed and the court situation gradually stabilized, with His Majesty firmly in power, the role of the Internal Guard Bureau began to diminish, once again shifting from the limelight back into the shadows and gradually disappearing from the court’s view. Cao De also adapted to the situation by stepping down, showing up only occasionally and no longer meddling with affairs.

It’s said that he’s now living quite comfortably on the outside, spending his days roaming the mountains, enjoying the water, sipping tea, eating pastries and occasionally playing chess—truly carefree and at ease.

Zhang Qing felt some envy, realizing that for an eunuch to live such a life was indeed enviable.

To summon him back now was self-explanatory.

Perhaps His Majesty did not trust Noble Consort Xue and wanted to protect Young Master Lian by setting up a play for him.

After all, His Majesty was not unaware of what the Noble Consort had been doing these years; he simply could not be bothered to interfere, as long as she did not cause trouble, he let her be.

Moreover, the Noble Consort had always been exceptionally good at putting on a front, maintaining order in the harem with her management, and without any merit, there was still her hard work.

Now it seems the harem is about to change, and the era of Noble Consort Xue is likely coming to an end...

At this thought, Zhang Qing quickly gathered his wits—His Majesty was still before his eyes.

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then looked towards Xiao Linzi not far away and commanded, "From now on, let Xiao Linzi serve in Canglan Court."

Canglan Court had too few hands—only two people in total. One Little Palace Maid was responsible for personal care, and one Young Eunuch was in charge of miscellaneous chores. There was no one else to run errands, which was quite inappropriate.

He thought about it and added, "Have him report to Star Palace once a day."

Although Xiao Linzi was somewhat dull-witted, he was loyal and obedient. With this servant in Canglan Court, he would know everything that happened to the Little Concubine daily.

Zhang Qing listened, startled, and couldn’t help but advise, "Your Majesty, this might be overstepping the mark—I’m afraid it will give rise to gossip in the harem, which is not good for Young Master Lian..."

There was a rule in the palace that a Daying, at most, could only have two servants to attend to them. This was a rule set by His Majesty himself years ago. To break it for Young Master Lian? If so, it might diminish the Emperor’s authority.

The Emperor’s expression remained calm, and he glanced at Zhang Qing, saying indifferently, "It won’t be overstepping before long, go and handle it."

Zhang Qing hurriedly acknowledged the command, his mind reeling with shock, more so than when His Majesty had ordered Cao De to return—these successive commands today were extremely astonishing!

The meaning of His Majesty’s words was clear: he intended to promote Young Master Lian’s rank!

Perhaps it was even a leapfrog promotion, something unprecedented since His Majesty’s ascension, a first in the palace!

If His Majesty’s recall of Cao De was due to sensing something and holding dissatisfaction towards the Noble Consort, to strengthen control over the harem,

Then the leapfrog promotion of Young Master Lian was indeed a consideration solely for Young Master Lian’s benefit.

Young Master Lian was about to be crowned favored in the harem!

Who would have thought that the previously unknown Little Daying would now have such great fortune, being placed at the very top of His Majesty’s heart, for whom he was willing to break his own rules.

The Emperor, however, paid no mind to what his Imperial Chief Steward was thinking, and continued with his instructions, "Prepare yourself, I will go to Yixiang Palace shortly."

Seeing the location of the Side Hall, he thought for a moment and then changed his mind, "Still, let it be later. Get prepared and first send someone to give word."

He decided to wait until the Little Concubine awoke, let the Imperial Physician diagnose her and ensure she was unharmed, and speak to her before leaving to avoid any anxiety on her part if she did not see him.

Thinking of that young Imperial Physician, he always felt there was something peculiar about the man’s gaze. Not fully reassured, he asked, "What about Huang Zude?"

Looking so young, one had to question whether his medical expertise was reliable, and most importantly, whether the man himself had any issues.

Upon hearing the words "Yixiang Palace," Zhang Qing was stunned. That was where the Former Empress Dowager resided; His Majesty would visit on holidays and festivals. But on an ordinary day like today, what could this mean?

Before he could ponder further, he heard His Majesty inquiring about Huang Zude, and he hurriedly responded, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this man’s family has been practicing medicine for generations. They have a clean background, a good reputation among the folks, and no significant entanglements with court officials."

"Although Huang Zude looks young and is only twenty this year, he has been studying medical texts since the age of five and has an exceptional talent. His father, known as the Thousand Gold Miracle Healer among the people, imparted all his knowledge to him. By the age of eleven, he accompanied his father to practice medicine and traveled to many places, treated many illnesses, and his medical skills are quite remarkable. It is because of his outstanding abilities that he was exceptionally recruited by the Imperial Medical Bureau."

It’s been nearly five or six years since the Imperial Medical Bureau had any new recruits; Huang Zude was the first to be recruited in this manner.

Every new physician that enters the Imperial Medical Bureau is thoroughly investigated as they will be close to the most noble individuals. It’s a precaution in case someone harboring ill intentions manages to infiltrate the palace, intending to commit assassination.

The Emperor nodded upon hearing this and said no more.

...

Inside Huaqing Palace.

"Crash!" Porcelain shattered all over the floor.

"Consort, you suffer from migraines; it’s absolutely critical not to get angry. Please take care of your health." A palace maid wearing a plum blossom hairpin knelt beside her, speaking in an even tone, devoid of fluctuation.

"Yes, yes, what Cai Qin sister says is right, Consort, please calm your anger and take good care of your body," Nanny Chen followed Cai Qin’s lead, also kneeling beside her. Waking up this morning with twitching eyelids and shortness of breath, she had a premonition that something would happen today. Sure enough, she was summoned to Huaqing Palace, only to see the Consort in a furious rage.

"Yes, yes, yes," Cai Xia echoed, her mind in turmoil. She had never seen the Consort so furiously angry before.

Even on days when the Consort was unhappy, she would maintain her dignity and composure. Never had she, like now, smashed everything in the hall to pieces, causing Cai Xia’s heart to tremble uncontrollably with fear.

Hearing the voices of the others, the Noble Consort shot a glare in their direction, angrily questioning, "Calm down, how do you expect me to calm down! Lady Li, that fool, is good for nothing but failure. She couldn’t even handle a little Daying, and now she has ended up in such a plight. Useless, and such a waste of the expectations I had held for her!"

As she spoke, she threw down another vase, causing Nanny Chen and Cai Xia to prostrate themselves on the ground, too scared to make a sound.

With eyes red with rage, the Noble Consort turned to Nanny Chen and demanded, "Didn’t you say that Nanny Sun by Beauty Li’s side was cunning and deep? That with her help, Beauty Li would surely succeed? Look now, where is she? Dead! His Majesty had all three of them beaten to death!"

Frightened, Nanny Chen pleaded repeatedly, "Consort, please calm down, your servant had no idea Nanny Sun was so unfit for great responsibility..."

The Noble Consort ignored her and turned to Cai Xia, barking, "And you! Didn’t you repeatedly assure me that Zhang Sancai from Star Palace could be manipulated, that you had arranged everything perfectly, ensuring that Canglan Court would have no one to turn to for help? Now, where is he? Where did he go yesterday? Did he not even stop a young eunuch! Ha, and to think you called him the second in command of Star Palace, useless!"

Yesterday, upon learning of Beauty Li’s misfortune, she had made arrangements. Later, she had Cai Xia go see Zhang Sancai, all to prevent anyone from foiling their plans.

Today, she learned that a eunuch from Canglan Court had reached His Majesty yesterday, allowing His Majesty to arrive in time. Otherwise, she would have already disposed of Canglan Court’s Little Daying, and none of this would have happened!

Moreover, since when did Canglan Court have a young eunuch, and why was she, the overseer of the Harem, completely unaware?