bookcurios Chapter 119 Bao Juan
Chapter 119 Bao Juan
After dinner, An Lingrong returned to the Yanx Palace.
The lights in the west side hall of the Yanx Palace were on, and several servants were kneeling on the ground, including Xiao Luzi, Xiao Chengzi, Juqing, and Baojuan.
An Lingrong looked at the people in front of her and said, "Since I entered the palace, you have always been by my side serving me. I am of low rank and not favored by the emperor, so I have caused you to be unable to hold your heads up in the palace."
"I dare not!"
"If you want to work elsewhere, I won't stop you. People always strive for higher positions. Let's part ways in peace, Caixing!"
Caixing took a step forward.
"Whoever wants to leave, give him a silver ingot as a reward, and that will complete the bond between master and servant for these days."
No one stood up. Little Luzi, needless to say, had already become the eunuch in charge. Juqing had been transferred here not long ago, and although he hadn't been given much importance, he had always been mentored and cared for by Caixing. Little Chengzi was honest and simple, not daring to say much, and only knew how to do the rough work. Coming to the Yanxi Palace, he ate well and slept soundly, and no one bullied him or deducted his allowance. He felt that his life was extremely comfortable and would not leave even if he was driven away.
Seeing this, An Lingrong's voice turned cold. "If you are loyal to me, I will do my best to protect you. But if you betray me like Xiao Linzi, I will not let you off easily!"
"Yes!"
"You all should leave! Baojuan stay." An Lingrong patted Caixing's hand and said, "Caixing, go and rest!"
Caixing understood everything, so she glared at Baojuan and then bowed and left.
The hall suddenly became quiet.
An Lingrong sat quietly on the chair, not saying a word. Deep in her heart, she felt a tingling sensation, which was the feeling of An Lingrong in her previous life.
In her previous life, she had struggled to survive amidst the turmoil of the palace, enduring eight years of turmoil. During these eight years, she had tasted the bitterness and pain of palace life, and had also experienced numerous setbacks and tribulations.
During these long years, only this maidservant stayed by her side, giving her warmth and support. They spent one miserable and lonely night after another together, and she became An Lingrong's only comfort in the palace.
Time passed by, and the room was filled with an oppressive atmosphere. Finally, after finishing her cup of tea, An Lingrong gently placed the cup on the small table, but a crisp "bang" sound broke the silence in the hall.
Baojuan couldn't bear it any longer and knelt on the ground with a plop. "My lord, spare my life!"
"Baojuan, I gave you a chance!" An Lingrong looked at the sixteen-year-old girl. In her previous life, An Lingrong refused to believe until her death that the only person who had given her warmth in the harem was actually a pawn arranged by others and had never been sincere to her! "You are the Queen's man, right? It was you who told the Queen about the Guanyin painting?"
"It's this slave girl, please spare my life, my master!"
"Why? Have I treated you unfairly?"
Baojuan kowtowed repeatedly, her face covered in tears. "When I first entered the palace, I had a high fever and fainted on the road. At that time, the Empress was still Prince Yong's concubine. She sent the imperial physician to treat me, and I was able to save my life. When the young lady entered the palace, Aunt Jianqiu asked me to keep an eye on her every move. To repay her for saving my life, I..."
A teenage girl lingered on the brink of life and death, seemingly about to be swallowed by darkness at any moment. A warm hand reached out to her, pulling her out of the abyss. This single helping hand was worth her life.
An Lingrong sighed helplessly, "Do you know that betraying your master in the palace is a serious crime? Moreover, the royal heir is involved. With just a little investigation, I will know that you were the one who reported the incident. The Queen is trying to kill you!"
"My dear, although I am ignorant, I know that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring. I am sorry for that."
"Forget it, forget it. Our relationship as master and servant has come to an end. I will go to the Queen and ask her to release you from the palace. From now on, whether you are rich or poor, it will all be up to you."
Baojuan thought she would die today, but she didn't expect An Lingrong to let her leave the palace. She was deeply moved and said, "Thank you, my lady."
Early the next morning, An Lingrong got up to pay her respects to the Queen. She could have not gone, but she wanted to see the Queen and Xia Dongchun's expressions.
When Shen Meizhuang heard that An Lingrong went to Jingren Palace, she followed her!
Sure enough, even though she had used the finest rouge, it still couldn't hide the queen's tired face.
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen!"
The Queen forced herself to smile. "Everyone, get up! You all came in good company today. Huipin is here too. Are you feeling well?"
Compared to the Queen, Shen Meizhuang's smile was much more beautiful. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am doing very well!"
"Well, yesterday I heard the news that Concubine Wen was framed. I was very happy. Then the Japanese palace said that Concubine Wen was kind and would never do such a vicious thing!"
An Lingrong stood up and saluted, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your trust!"
"Since it wasn't you who did it, I naturally have to clear your name." After saying that, he glanced at Xia Dongchun.
Xia Dongchun's face was pale and his back felt cold.
An Lingrong continued, "Your Majesty, Baojuan in my palace has a terminal illness and I'm afraid she won't live long. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy and let her leave the palace to spend her final days with her family."
After saying that, he raised his head and looked at the queen.
From just one glance, the Queen knew that An Lingrong had discovered Baojuan's true identity. If that was the case, then this chess piece was useless. "Since Concubine Wen loves this servant, I will naturally agree to it."
"Thank you so much, Your Majesty!"
After coming out of Jingren Palace, An Lingrong supported Shen Meizhuang and walked to Jingpin's side, whispering, "Your Majesty, today is my birthday, and I invite you to have dinner at Yonghe Palace!"
Jingpin smiled and replied, "Okay, I will definitely come!"
An Lingrong nodded in satisfaction and added, "Your Majesty, don't forget to bring a gift."
Shen Meizhuang held her forehead and pretended to hit her. An Lingrong quickly hid behind Jingpin. Jingpin quickly supported Shen Meizhuang and said with a smile, "I will prepare it. I guarantee you will be satisfied!"
After Jingpin left, the two talked about Baojuan again.
"Rong'er, Baojuan betrayed you. Why didn't you punish her? Instead, you sent her out of the palace?"
An Lingrong sighed softly, a look of helplessness and sadness in her eyes. She said slowly, "Sister, she's actually a pitiful person. She's willing to repay others' kindness with her own life. How foolish! Besides, whether she dies or leaves the palace, it won't cause me any more harm. In that case, it's better to let her go and let her fend for herself."
Shen Meizhuang shook her head slightly, a trace of worry on her face, and said softly, "But if we don't kill one to warn the rest, I'm afraid more servants will follow her example. Sigh... never mind, we should just be more careful in the future."
Although Shen Meizhuang did not fully agree with An Lingrong's decision, she knew very well that An Lingrong was a kind person, so she didn't say anything more.