Chapter 20: Your Sister Will Avenge You

A sharp voice abruptly stopped. It was the steward aunt beside the Empress Dowager, followed by two young palace maids carrying a tray that held a phoenix robe and phoenix crown.

The steward aunt noticed Feng Ruqing was dressed in plain clothes and paused slightly, then quickly regained her composure and respectfully said, “Empress, by the imperial decree of the Empress Dowager, you are to proceed immediately to Cining Palace to attend today’s blessing ceremony.”

Feng Ruqing cast a faint glance at the phoenix robe and crown on the tray, a cold sneer forming in her heart.

A blessing ceremony? This is more like a banquet of doom.

Yet her expression remained calm as she replied simply, “Understood.”

After changing into the elaborate phoenix robe, Feng Ruqing was led by the steward aunt toward Cining Palace.

Along the way, she subtly observed her surroundings, trying to catch any trace that could reveal the truth behind her sister’s murder.

The bloodstained piece of cloth sent by Zhao Hu was her only clue so far.

According to Zhao Hu, the fabric belonged to the commander of the palace’s imperial guards, who happened to be the deputy to Commander Sun.

The blessing ceremony at Cining Palace was lengthy and tedious, yet Feng Ruqing dared not relax even a bit. Outwardly, she chanted prayers devoutly alongside the Empress Dowager, but inwardly, she scrutinized the expressions of those around her. The Empress Dowager appeared benevolent and kind, murmuring words continuously, yet her eyes betrayed a sharp gleam.

When the ceremony ended, Feng Ruqing feigned illness and left Cining Palace early.

Avoiding prying eyes, she quietly made her way to the residence of Sun’s deputy.

The room was empty. Feng Ruqing searched carefully but found nothing.

Just as she was about to leave, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something beneath the bed.

Bending down, she found a pair of boots stained with dirt.

Her heart stirred as she pulled the boots out, noting the sole’s pattern matched Zhao Hu’s description exactly.

Meanwhile, Li Side Consort was hiding in the shadows, watching Feng Ruqing’s every move.

A palace maid whispered to her, “Your Highness, the Empress has been acting suspiciously these past few days, surely plotting something shameful. Perhaps we should…”

Li Side Consort’s lips curled into a cold smile. “No rush. When she slips up, I’ll capture her in one fell swoop.”

Feng Ruqing tucked the boots into her sleeve and quietly left Sun’s deputy’s residence.

She knew all her movements were under surveillance; Li Side Consort’s spies clung to her like leeches.

Back in her chambers, she noticed subtle changes in the furnishings but did not dwell on them. Calmly, she approached the dressing table, picked up a comb, and slowly brushed her long hair.

In the mirror, her gaze was icy and sharp.

“Interesting…” she murmured.

A cold smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

She was fully aware that Li Side Consort’s eyes were everywhere, watching her every step.

Since that was the case, she would play along with their cat-and-mouse game.

In the following days, Feng Ruqing deliberately acted strangely.

She frequently visited the imperial garden, conversing with the gardeners and showing keen interest in the flowers and plants.

She also ventured alone to the abandoned palace late at night, lingering in the ruins for a long time.

All these actions were noted by Li Side Consort’s spies and quickly reported to her.

Li Side Consort was secretly delighted.

She believed Feng Ruqing had lost her mind to do such meaningless things.

This only strengthened her conviction that the Empress was scheming something vile.

However, all Feng Ruqing’s antics were mere distractions to mislead Li Side Consort and divert her attention.

The real clue was already firmly in her grasp.

Based on Zhao Hu’s information, she deduced her sister’s murder likely occurred near an abandoned palace.

On a dark, windy night, Feng Ruqing slipped away unnoticed and arrived at the desolate palace.

The palace had long been deserted, overgrown with weeds and in ruins.

By faint moonlight, she meticulously searched every corner.

Finally, in a secluded nook, she found a jade pendant.

Exquisitely carved, it bore the character “Feng.”

Feng Ruqing immediately recognized it as her sister’s personal token.

She carefully picked up the pendant, clutching it in her hand.

Tears welled in her eyes as memories of childhood warmth and the despair and fury at her sister’s murder flooded her mind. She fought hard to hold back her tears.

“Sister, I swear I will avenge you!” she vowed silently.

Suddenly, the faint sound of footsteps reached her ears.

Alert, she lifted her head and scanned the surroundings.

“Who’s there?” she demanded sharply.

No answer came.

Feng Ruqing gripped the pendant tightly and stood slowly.

She knew she had been discovered.

“Come out. I know you’re here,” she said coldly.

A shadow emerged from the darkness.

As it took shape, it was Commander Sun.

He looked at Feng Ruqing with a complicated expression and cupped his hands, saying, “Empress, His Majesty heard you came here late at night and sent me to protect you.”

Feng Ruqing sneered softly, clutching the pendant concealed beneath her wide sleeve.

“Protect? I think you mean to spy.”

Commander Sun’s face stiffened but quickly replied, “His Majesty only worries for Your Highness’s safety.”

Feng Ruqing’s eyes brimmed with scorn. “Is that so? His Majesty is indeed considerate.”

At that moment, Li Side Consort arrived hurriedly with a squad of guards, a triumphant smile on her face.

“Empress, what business do you have sneaking around here at this hour?” Feng Ruqing turned, her gaze sharp as a blade fixed on Li Side Consort.

“What I do is none of your concern. But why are you wandering out here instead of staying in your palace?” Li Side Consort snorted coldly. “I heard rumors of your suspicious comings and goings and came to investigate. Unexpectedly, I’ve caught you red-handed.” She pointed at Feng Ruqing and said to Commander Sun, “Search her!”

Commander Sun hesitated briefly, then signaled the guards to proceed.

Feng Ruqing stood unmoved, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She had anticipated this and was well prepared.

The guards searched the ruins thoroughly but found nothing.

Li Side Consort’s expression darkened.

She had clearly seen Feng Ruqing holding something, so why was it gone now?

Suddenly, a guard shouted, “Found it!” He held out a brocade box like a prize to Li Side Consort.

Eagerly, Li Side Consort opened it to find a letter and a packet of powdered medicine inside.

She hastily scanned the letter; her face immediately turned pale.

Upon seeing the letter and powder, terror gripped her. Eyes wide with panic, she lunged at the box, trying to seize and destroy the evidence but was blocked by a guard. She struggled desperately.

Feng Ruqing’s heart swelled with satisfaction.

“Want to play with me? You’re not ready for this. I am no pushover to be manipulated. Today is your reckoning.”

Then she said slowly, “Li Side Consort, caught red-handed, what do you have to say for yourself?”

Li Side Consort trembled as she looked up, pointing at Feng Ruqing. “You… you framed me! This… this isn’t mine!”

Feng Ruqing laughed coldly. “Frame you? Do I need to? You know full well what you’ve done.”

She turned to Commander Sun. “Commander Sun, take Li Side Consort away to await His Majesty’s judgment.”

Commander Sun hesitated, glancing between Li Side Consort and Feng Ruqing.

In the end, he obeyed Feng Ruqing’s order and led Li Side Consort away.

Li Side Consort cried out unjustly as she was dragged off, but her voice was soon swallowed by the night.

Feng Ruqing watched her retreating figure, a cold smile curling her lips.

This was only the beginning…

She turned, her gaze settling on the depths of the ruins, where her true secret lay hidden.

“His Majesty has arrived—” The sharp voice of a eunuch pierced the night.

The Emperor, clad in his dragon robe, strode forward, flanked by guards and eunuchs.

His face was dark, his gaze piercing as it fixed on Feng Ruqing.

“Empress comes here late at night. What is the meaning of this?”

Feng Ruqing remained composed, bowing respectfully yet without subservience. “I simply could not sleep and took a walk.”

The Emperor sneered. “Couldn’t sleep? I think you’re guilty and afraid.”

His eyes swept over the ruins sharply. “Speak! What are you sneaking around here for?”

Feng Ruqing smiled faintly. “What I do, Your Majesty has already seen.” She raised a hand, revealing a handkerchief stained with dirt and dust.

The Emperor’s expression shifted; he barked, “How dare you speak to me like that!”

Feng Ruqing met his gaze unflinchingly. “I speak only the truth. There is no need for anger, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor, infuriated by her attitude and ready to lash out, suddenly caught sight of the jade pendant peeking from her sleeve.

The pendant, finely carved with the character “Feng,” was the token he had bestowed upon the late Feng Ruge.

His heart jolted as his eyes locked on the pendant. His voice trembled. “Where did you get this jade pendant?”

Feng Ruqing calmly concealed it fully in her sleeve and replied, “What belongs to me is naturally found in my possession.”

Suppressing his shock and confusion, the Emperor commanded sternly, “Hand it over for me to see.”

Feng Ruqing smiled faintly. “If Your Majesty wishes to see, I shall present it tomorrow.”

At that moment, the guards beside the Emperor drew their swords, the air seeming to freeze.

Feng Ruqing remained fearless, looking coldly at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, do not push me too far. This pendant has nothing to do with you. Today, I do not wish to quarrel, but do not obstruct me either.”

With that, she turned and left amid stunned onlookers, leaving the Emperor trembling with rage yet powerless.

Returning to her chambers, Feng Ruqing dismissed her attendants and drew the jade pendant from her sleeve.

The pendant was smooth and warm to the touch, exuding a faint fragrance—the very possession of her sister, Feng Ruge.

She traced the carved patterns thoughtfully as countless emotions stirred within her.

This pendant was the key to uncovering the truth.

She knew the closer she came to the truth, the greater the danger she faced.

She did not know what moves the forces behind the scenes would make to stop her investigation, but she would never give up.

Suddenly, a faint sound came from outside the window.

Feng Ruqing’s senses sharpened, her eyes flashing like lightning toward the window.

“Who’s there?”

A shadow flickered past…