Duan Chang had deduced through some clues that this matter was related to Su Xi, and the official had almost admitted it, yet left no statement and had no other witnesses. Now that the official flatly denied everything, with the truth about to be buried, he was naturally anxious and had come knocking. Duan Chang was not a rash person. Since he had come, he must be at least 70-80% certain that An Jin was involved. I knew well that given An Jin’s cautious nature, if this was truly his doing, Duan Chang would never find any clues. However, he would not rest until he saw An Jin.
I could only ask him to wait a moment while I went to wake An Jin from the bedroom. Duan Chang suddenly called me back, saying softly, “Please do not worry, madam. I will find a way to investigate this thoroughly before reporting, and will not wrongly accuse an innocent person.”
” ”Thank you, Brother Duan,” I was grateful for his sincerity, and couldn’t help but ask another question. “Brother Duan, you suspect An Jin not just because he met the official before he changed his testimony, right? Are there other pieces of evidence?” He shook his head, hesitating before saying, “No evidence, but he has a motive.” ”What motive?” ”An was usually on good terms with Su Xi, and moreover…” Duan Chang seemed uncomfortable and finally did not continue. But I already understood his meaning. An Jin was not only close to Su Xi but was also rumored to have an ambiguous relationship with Su Hui. Many in Yan Feng City even believed An Jin was among those who had fallen under Su Hui’s charm. Duan Chang presumably suspected that he had instructed the official to completely erase Su Xi’s existence in this impersonation case, doing a favor for the Su family. After washing up, An Jin went to the study and talked with Duan Chang for nearly half an hour. When Duan Chang left, he was full of apologies, repeatedly saying he was too rash and had disturbed An Jin’s rest. An Jin was gentle and calm, praising him for being conscientious, and they finally bid farewell like old friends. This was the outcome I could imagine. Not only did he fail to uncover anything, but he was also mostly dissuaded from his suspicions by An Jin’s few words. In terms of strategy and skill, they were not on the same level. “
Whether Duan Chang intended to continue investigating or not, his final result would likely be nothing, forced to give up. Duan Chang could give up, but I could not treat this matter as fleeting. Although officials find it difficult to maintain absolute clarity, even good officials sometimes inevitably touch dark corners and use methods not entirely honorable, this matter involved Su Xi and Su Hui. If I did not clarify it, I would always have a knot in my heart.
An Jin saw Duan Chang off, then turned back to see me hesitating, his gentle expression disappearing, and he sighed. “I know what you want to ask.”
We walked in silence for a while, then he suddenly spoke: “This matter was indeed done by me.”
I stopped. “Why? Are you truly protecting Su Xi out of personal interest?” Of course, I was more concerned about whether it involved Su Hui. An Jin pulled my hand into his embrace, laughing softly, his breath forming white mist on his eyelashes, making his eyes especially bright. “No. Not because of Su Xi, not because of Su Hui.”
I had to do this for a necessary reason, but this involves some confidential matters I cannot tell you now.” I turned my eyes away, feeling both guilty and happy. “I didn’t mention Su Hui. Fine, don’t tell me. I’m not interested anyway.” ”Mm, you didn’t mention Su Hui,” An Jin nodded seriously. “I sensed the vinegar jar was about to tip over, so I prepared in advance and prevented it.” An Jin’s words put my mind at ease, but I sensed an unusual atmosphere, as if beneath the surface’s small waves, an invisible undercurrent was gradually approaching. Soon after, the case was concluded. The involved official and the impersonator were exiled, and those who received bribes were removed from office and forbidden from future employment, and Su Xi safely escaped this calamity. But I still felt uneasy, especially during the day. An Jin and my father-in-law were not home, my mother-in-law was nowhere to be seen, and even Yuan Feng sometimes appeared agitated. So I returned to my parents’ home for help. Father said: “According to historical records, such symptoms once appeared in Empress Ming De, and later scholars summarized it as ‘Secluded Wife’s Resentment Syndrome’.”
” Mother rummaged through boxes and pulled out a book called “Twenty Techniques for Bearing Children” and handed it to me, saying earnestly, “Once you have a son, you’ll stop overthinking.” My younger sister dragged me shopping, spending all my private funds, and asked triumphantly, “Still feeling anxious?” I shook my head, gritting my teeth, “Now I’m just feeling the pain of financial loss.” My elder brother listened distractedly, then suddenly sighed deeply, “If only we had known earlier!” I was stunned. Did he mean I should not have married An Jin? Was it that serious? He followed with another deep sigh, “What should be done… sister, tell me what I should do?”
This peace lasted until the year-end Thanksgiving Banquet.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Farewell to the Eastern Palace
It was the end of the year. As per tradition, His Majesty of Qi held a banquet at Fengrui Hall to thank his officials. Officials of the fifth rank and above were required to bring their families; officials dined in the outer hall, while the women were hosted by the Empress in the inner hall. “
High-ranking concubines held their heads high, casually receiving others’ flattery; lower-ranking ones carefully assessed the most prominent figures and flocked to them. Among the court ladies of Qi, the Empress and the Seventh Princess naturally drew the most attention. Among the outer court ladies, the wife of the Grand Minister and Su Hui, daughter of the Minister of Rites, were most celebrated. The reason was simple: many speculated that Su Hui would be the next consort of the Eastern Palace.
Of course, I was also quite the center of attention, mostly from young ladies, either out of curiosity or jealousy, primarily because I was married to a popular husband.
Despite the freezing winter outside, Fengrui Hall was warm, with heated water circulating and warming braziers placed every five steps. The Empress wore a nine-phoenix robe, a lotus gold crown, dignified and noble, with twelve imperial guards standing beside her.
After the grand music, all ladies knelt to greet the Empress and offer the first cup of wine. The Empress drank and then instructed everyone to be seated. My seat was near the phoenix throne, next to Su Hui, with the Seventh Princess directly across, giving me a sense of being caught between two threats.
I quickly opened my eyes, rubbing my head in a just-awakened state. “Where am I… Your Majesty!”
“Lady An,” the Queen stood outside the bed, her expression solemn and proud. “You just fainted in the hall.”
This is Master Sun, the most skilled imperial physician in the palace. Let him examine you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, but I’ve been feeling a bit weak recently and have already seen a doctor—”
“My lady, no need to be polite,” the Queen took a step back and turned around. “Master Sun, please examine the lady.”
Her tone was definitive, leaving no room for discussion. My heart was pounding, and I suddenly had an ominous feeling of escaping one danger only to fall into another.
After taking my pulse, Master Sun gave me a deep look, his eyes seemingly filled with compassion.
He then stood up and bowed to the Queen: “Your Majesty, the lady is weak and cold, with blocked meridians. This is a condition of yin deficiency and cold.”
“Explain further.”
