Chapter 26: Please Come to Hibiscus Courtyard

After hearing Biyu’s account, Lin Qingyu realized that Shen Mengqing had been reborn as well. That was why she had abandoned the Crown Prince Qi Yunyan and remarried the future Prime Minister Zhuo Hua, aiming to become a first-rank madam of high status.

Shen Mengqing was truly a cunning strategist.

She thought that by marrying someone else, she could secure a lifetime of honor and favor?

In her dreams!

This time, Lin Qingyu was determined to personally shatter Shen Mengqing’s illusions.

As for Shen Mengli, Lin Qingyu didn’t pay her much mind. According to the memories of her past life, Shen Mengli’s comfortable life depended entirely on her husband Zhuo Hua’s status. She was merely a parasite clinging to him, not worth her attention.

In this lifetime, if Shen Mengli was wise, she would step aside early from the position of Crown Princess Consort, or else Lin Qingyu would ensure she met the same fate as Shen Mengqing in their previous lives.

A few days later, Baihe, the chief maid of the Princess of Duan, arrived at Tingyu Pavilion.

She bowed slightly to Lin Qingyu. “Madam Lin, the Princess requests your presence at the Lotus Courtyard.”

Lin Qingyu’s suspicion grew. The old shrew had always looked down on her, considering her lowly origins from a brothel, never treating her with respect. Why now summon her specifically to visit?

Could there be some scheme at play?

Lin Qingyu grew cautious, resolving to speak and act carefully this time, lest the old shrew seize upon any misstep.

The two women proceeded, one ahead, one behind, to the Lotus Courtyard.

“Princess, Madam Lin has arrived,” Baihe whispered to the Princess of Duan.

“Princess, may I ask what you wished to see me about?” Lin Qingyu bowed respectfully and spoke with caution.

“The Crown Princess Consort has been in the residence for several days now. I hear you have yet to pay her a visit, nor do you offer your daily greetings. Do you not regard the Crown Princess Consort at all?” The Princess of Duan instructed Madam Hu to report any matters arising at the Snow Bamboo Residence to her.

Recently, Madam Hu had been waiting at the residence, but Lin Qingyu never came to visit the Crown Princess Consort. Considering Lin Qingyu was but a minor concubine, daring to ignore and neglect the Crown Princess Consort, Madam Hu had taken the trouble to report this to the Princess of Duan.

Upon hearing this, the Princess of Duan felt that since her daughter-in-law had only recently entered the household, it was necessary to establish her authority in the manor, so that the servants would not belittle her.

Hence, she had specially summoned Lin Qingyu to the Lotus Courtyard for a stern inquiry.

“I... I have been feeling unwell recently...” Lin Qingyu replied hesitantly.

“Unwell? I see no sign of illness on you. You look perfectly fine,” the Princess of Duan retorted sharply.

“Your Highness, I have caught a cold in these past days. I intended to visit the Crown Princess Consort only once I had recovered, so as not to risk infecting her,” Lin Qingyu feigned weakness.

“I think you’ve taken to pretending sick too well.

On the day the Crown Prince went out to welcome his bride, you feigned illness to try to stop him.

After I scolded you, you were still unwilling to relent, pretending to be ill that very night to call the Crown Prince away from his bridal chamber, seeking to embarrass the Crown Princess Consort.

And now, you feign illness again to avoid visiting the Crown Princess Consort, trampling on her dignity. What is there that you dare not do?”

The Princess of Duan, growing furious, slammed her hand on the sandalwood table.

Lin Qingyu trembled in fear. “I did not, Your Highness. Please judge clearly. I am truly ill.”

“Whether you are sick or not, a doctor will see to it,” the Princess said knowingly. Anticipating Lin Qingyu’s evasions, she had already sent for a physician from Tongji Hall.

She called to a middle-aged man in a gray robe nearby. “Doctor Qin, examine her.”

Doctor Qin stepped forward as instructed and took Lin Qingyu’s pulse.

After a moment, he finished and reported to the Princess of Duan, “Your Highness, Madam Lin is in good health and shows no signs of illness.”