Therefore, in Emperor Zhenning’s eyes, this was a fake preface.
Who would have the position to write such a preface on Consort Ning’s behalf while she was imprisoned and connect it with “Five Virtuous Consorts” for publication?
Only Yang Lun.
The maliciousness and thoroughness of this scheme left Yang Wan completely puzzled—since when did Noble Consort Jiang have such a clever mind?
Seeing Yang Wan remaining silent, the shopkeeper was frightened and quickly shuffled forward on his knees.
“I’ve told everything. Please don’t take me to the Northern Patrol Commission… I have elderly parents and young children, over ten family members depending on me for food.”
Yang Wan released her lips in a laugh and helped the shopkeeper up, “Don’t worry, shopkeeper, this was just a misunderstanding. It’s a good thing that the palace consort has shown such virtue. Show us those printing blocks you mentioned earlier, then you can go back to business.”
The shopkeeper was still shaken but, hearing these words, felt as if granted a great pardon. He scrambled to his feet and went to find the blocks for Yang Wan.
Yang Wan supported Deng Ying as they left Qingbo House. The pain in his ankle had become unbearable.
Yang Wan helped Deng Ying into the carriage; his face had turned pale from pain.
Yang Wan used her sleeve to wipe Deng Ying’s sweat, “I’m sorry, I was so focused on figuring out that matter, I didn’t realize you were in such pain.”
Deng Ying shook his head, “Wanwan, you’re bold.”
“What?”
Deng Ying smiled, “Impersonating Imperial Guards—you did it without hesitation.”
Yang Wan lowered her head and smiled, then said sincerely, “Deng Ying, I think I’ve mostly figured it out.”
Deng Ying nodded, “So have I.”
Yang Wan said, “But there’s one thing I still want to ask you.”
“Ask.”
“Why would my brother write ‘Five Virtuous Consorts’ at this time?”
Deng Ying lowered his head and was silent for a while before answering Yang Wan, “He’s His Highness’s study companion. Since this involves the Hall of Literary Splendor, I need to start investigating from Vice Minister Zhang.”
Yang Wan said, “Zhang Cong?”
Deng Ying didn’t deny it, “Zhang Cong is the young prince’s teacher, and Zixi is the young prince’s uncle. The two men have different political views, and His Highness will eventually have to choose between them.”
This reminder struck Yang Wan.
“If this matter is related to Vice Minister Zhang, then I can understand why Noble Consort Jiang’s schemes have improved so much.”
“How so?”
“Zhang Cong and Noble Consort Jiang conspired to frame my sister, but in reality, Zhang Cong was using Noble Consort Jiang to frame Yang Lun.”
“There’s probably more to it.”
Deng Ying lifted his head and looked back at Qingbo House, “This is also a crime for Noble Consort Jiang. After Yang Lun is banished by His Majesty, he can also expose the Jiang family, removing this obstacle to the young prince from the second prince.”
Yang Wan lowered her eyes, “I want to use Zhang Luo.”
“Wanwan…”
“I know it’s a bit risky.”
Yang Wan interrupted him, “But I had already thought it through while we were in Qingbo House.”
She looked up, “Deng Ying, you just need to have someone watch Pang Ling and protect him when necessary. Don’t let him be silenced. Besides that, don’t let the Eastern Depot get involved in this matter.”
“What are you going to do?”
Yang Wan said, “Try to turn the tables. I don’t want to leave my sister’s child in Zhang Cong’s hands anymore.”
After saying this, she felt an inexplicable chill.
She couldn’t tell Deng Ying that she wanted to seek a chance of survival for the person before her through Yi Lang, but this child’s mental barriers had been built too perfectly by Zhang Cong. She still didn’t know where to tear an opening.
This was an opportunity, though Yang Wan still wasn’t confident. She might even completely anger Zhang Luo and get herself involved, but she wanted to try.
“How can I help you?”
Deng Ying’s question caught Yang Wan by surprise. She hurriedly said, “This isn’t the place to talk, and your foot injury is acting up badly. Let’s discuss it in detail when we get back.”
The weather changed quickly in late autumn. By the time Yang Wan and Deng Ying walked through Xuanwu Gate, clouds had gathered and wind had risen—it looked like rain was coming.
Li Yu was squatting at the door of Deng Ying’s quarters, holding clean clothes. He seemed to have waited for quite a while; his face had been turned white by the wind. Seeing Deng Ying and Yang Wan coming together, he promptly rolled his eyes.
“Superintendent Deng, didn’t we agree to go to the Mixed Court today? I’ve been squatting at your door until now… and…”
He glanced at Yang Wan, “I won’t believe either of you anymore.”
Yang Wan smiled, “Not believing him is one thing, but what do you mean by not believing me?”
Li Yu stood up, “My sister said you were moving out of the Fifth Office today, but when she went to find you, you weren’t there. Chengqian Palace is short-staffed now, and those depot guards are rough people making a mess of things. My sister couldn’t stand it, so after her shift, she went to Chengqian Palace to help look after things. She told me to tell you that you can’t stay there today!”
“Oh.”
Yang Wan smiled and responded.
Li Yu jumped up, “What do you mean ‘oh’? You can’t go back to the Fifth Office either. I’d like to see where you’ll sleep tonight.”
He had been annoyed from waiting, and now he was taking it out on Yang Wan. Having vented his frustration, he felt better and turned to Deng Ying, “Shall we go?”
“Alright, I’ll get my clothes.”
After speaking, Deng Ying tried to walk inside despite the pain, but his ankle hurt so much that after just one step, he had to stop and hold onto the doorframe.
Li Yu noticed something wrong with Deng Ying’s walk and quickly asked Yang Wan at the door, “Is his foot injury acting up again?”
Yang Wan held Deng Ying’s arm, made an “mm” sound, and said to Deng Ying, “Maybe you shouldn’t go today.”
Deng Ying shook his head, “It’s fine.”
Li Yu said, “Don’t try to persuade him. He taught us that one must always be clean. I know he never misses his bathing days, that’s why I’ve been waiting at his door.”
After speaking, he squatted down again with the clothes, pouting, “Superintendent, hurry up!”
Deng Ying responded with an “Alright.”
Yang Wan supported Deng Ying as they walked into his quarters.
Deng Ying released Yang Wan’s hand, “Sit down, I’ll have the depot guards take you back in a while.”
“I haven’t finished what I was saying earlier.”
Deng Ying opened the wooden cabinet, “Then wait for me to return.”
Yang Wan watched Deng Ying take out white silk undergarments from the cabinet, and suddenly said softly, “I can’t stay at Chengqian Palace today. Could you… let me lie down here for one night?”