Chapter 235: Little Fortune

Wan Tang was angered by her brazen words, feeling a tightening pain in her chest.

Instinctively she covered her chest, fell onto the chair behind her, took several deep breaths, and only then could she barely suppress the surging blood.

Su Guiren, seeing her condition, not only failed to restrain herself but felt terribly aggrieved, her tears rolling down like beads whose strings had snapped.

She cried out with a sobbing tone, "I know you look down on me, think I'm stupid, think I only act pitiful to vie for favor!"

Pointing at Wan Tang, her voice trembling with emotion, she said, "You are cherished and loved by the Emperor, held in his palm; how could you understand my feelings?"

"I just want to be like an ordinary woman, to be with the person I love."

"What's wrong with that?!"

"Besides, he's the Emperor! In this world, which woman doesn't like the Emperor!"

Seeing Wan Tang close her eyes without answering, Su Guiren seemed to make a certain resolve, forcefully wiping away the tears on her face.

Her tone grew stiff, even tinged with a threat: "Virtuous Consort, I have recorded today's slap."

"If you obstruct me again in the future, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Having said that, she didn't wait for Wan Tang's reply, turning with stubbornness and wet tear marks, and hurried out of the Grand Hall.

The hall doors opened and closed, ushering in a draft.

Wan Tang slowly opened her eyes, gazing toward the direction where Su Guiren vanished, her eyes filled with deep fatigue and a barely perceptible pity.

In this inner palace, another pitiable soul, unable to see the road ahead, will appear.

Su Guiren rushed out of the hall doors, the bright red slap mark on her face exposed in the sunlight.

She forced back tears, only wanting to stride away from the place that had humiliated her.

Liu Guiren, waiting outside the hall, had sharp eyes and immediately spotted the mark on her face, a malicious grin involuntarily curving her mouth.

She deliberately raised her voice, the sharp tone clear enough for the surrounding Guanren to hear: "Hey, Sister Su, what's this?"

"Does your face hurt?"

"I've already warned you, you must recognize your status and keep your place."

"Some people, you can't fight for or snatch."

"Now that you've been taught a lesson, you finally understand the power, huh? Serves you right!"

These words, like needle points, pierced Su Guiren's heart.

She halted, humiliation and anger making her tremble, yet she never turned back to retort.

She only quickened her pace, almost running away.

【Honestly, I really want to slap her. How did she say those words?】

【Just because the Dog Emperor is handsome, does she think she can ignore everything? Does she even realize her brother has been worrying herself over her?】

【Su Yanci having such a sister is truly unlucky. Just watch, once Su Yanci returns, she'll definitely receive great favor.】

【Just another Xiao Mingshu, how much genuine affection will the Emperor give?】

Wan Tang listened to the Barrage, feeling irritated.

She glanced outside irritably.

If it weren't for Su Yanci's recent letters, each asking how the younger sister is, Wan Tang truly wouldn't want to bother.

The room door was gently knocked.

"Come in," Wan Tang lifted the tea cup, her tone flat.

A young eunuch bowed and entered, a flattering smile on his face: "Madam, Xiao Shunzi's grandfather is seriously injured; for a while he may be unable to take his post."

"Palace of Eternal Joy has many affairs that need handling; though I am unskilled, I am willing to share your worries, Nubi."

He furtively glanced at Wan Tang's expression, seeing no displeasure, and boldly said, "Before entering the palace, I managed household affairs for several years, so I know a bit about scheduling and monetary transactions…"

Wan Tang lowered her gaze, blew the tea froth, a hint of understanding flashing in her eyes.

She calmly replied, "Oh? You are indeed attentive."

The young eunuch, delighted by her words, thought he had earned favor and quickly pledged loyalty: "Madam, rest assured!"

"If I were appointed to manage affairs, I would organize Palace of Eternal Joy meticulously; no matter big or small, I would not let you, Madam, worry a single bit."

"My life belongs to you, Madam!"

He spoke passionately, yet failed to notice the faint, ambiguous sneer at the corner of Wan Tang's mouth.

"Very well," Wan Tang set down the tea cup, her voice gentle, "For the next few days, you can start by looking after some things."

The young eunuch, overjoyed, kowtowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Madam, for your appreciation! I will certainly live up to your high expectations!"

After he left, Wan Tang watched the swaying curtain and gave a cold smile.

Such an eager-to-climb fool makes a perfect scapegoat.

【The Dog Emperor really trusts Wan Tang, arranging a spy so quickly by her side.】

【What a joke, Li Defu's betrayal is a massive blow to the Dog Emperor. He probably trusts no one now!】

【Fortunately, Xiao Dongzi has always been raised by Xiao Shunzi, and the two have a good relationship. Now the Emperor has sent this person over, and Wan Tang can make use of it.】

Wan Tang gave a faint smile.

It really is that whatever she thinks of just appears at her mouth.

She was worrying about how to make Chu Yunzheng trust her more, and now it just fell into her mouth.

Li Ping'er walked into the hall with light steps, still bearing a gentle, affectionate demeanor: "Sister, the young eunuch we just saw outside looked unfamiliar; who is he?"

Wan Tang's lips curled with a hint of mockery: "He's just a lowly clown."

"Xiao Shunzi is injured, someone has to take his place." She casually twirled the tea cup, "I don't know what he was called before; from now on, call him Little Fortune."

Li Ping'er frowned, "Sister, is this person reliable? He seems a bit frivolous…"

"What are you afraid of?" Wan Tang chuckled lightly, "Xiao Shunzi has suffered too much with me; he should be properly nurtured."

"This task of taking hits and bearing burdens must be done by someone." She looked meaningfully at Li Ping'er, "Would you agree?"

Li Ping'er's eyes flickered slightly, and she immediately understood: "Sister, that's clever; why not let him be the Chief Eunuch?"

"Not yet," Wan Tang lowered her gaze, "acting too hastily only gives others a lever against you."

Li Ping'er quietly gauged Wan Tang's expression, lowering her voice: "Yan Wang…"

As soon as the two words left her mouth, Wan Tang smiled and cut in: "Ping'er, Li Defu was sent to Jingxinyuan for retirement; have you visited him?"

Li Ping'er's complexion changed abruptly, her fingertips trembling slightly: "Sister. I… I'm a little scared… could you accompany me?"

Wan Tang stared at her for a moment, then sighed lightly: "Fine."

Inside Jingxinyuan.

A few old eunuchs were leaning against the wall, basking in the sun, while Li Defu stood with his hands on his hips in the courtyard's center.

A sharp voice rang: "You blind, useless things."

"I (servant) when I was glorious in the palace, you still didn't know which nook you were sweeping the latrines in!"

A gray‑haired old eunuch sneered: "Enough, Lord Li, now that you're here, what are you still putting on a show?"

"Anyone who entered Jingxinyuan, which one isn't a fallen household cast out by the Master?"

"Exactly," another voice said, "still acting like they're the Grand Overseer of Yangxin Hall?"

Li Defu's face turned green with anger, about to erupt, when the garden gate opened and Wan Tang and Li Ping'er emerged side by side.

His eyes lit up, he hurriedly jogged forward, thump— kneeling: "Old servant pays respects to the two Ladies!"

When he looked up and saw Wan Tang, a hint of awkwardness flashed across his face.

Wan Tang smiled and helped Li Ping'er up: "Lord Li, no need for formalities."

"I consider Ping'er a sister; you are you, she is she."

Li Defu repeatedly said: "Your Highness is magnanimous, Your Highness is magnanimous!"

Li Ping'er handed over a food box, whispering: "I brought you some snacks."

Li Defu took the box, seized her sleeve, his voice pressed down extremely low: "Ping'er, this father's whole life now depends on you."

"In the palace you must be cautious, must…"

"Got it," Li Ping'er snapped impatiently, "I'll climb up."

"Alright, alright, alright!" Li Defu's eyes sparkled, "When you become a Consort, father will be able to go out and serve you!"

Li Ping'er responded vaguely.

Wan Tang beside him let out a light snicker.

The snicker stung Li Defu; he jerked his head up: "Virtuous Consort, don't get too pleased."

"Do you think toppling the Empress wins?"

"Just because of your birth, you'll never sit on the throne in this life!"

Wan Tang still smiled, her smile unfathomable, making Li Defu's spine shiver.

He gritted his teeth hard: "For Ping'er's sake, Old servant reminds you, the Empress Dowager will never let you off."

"Never mind," Wan Tang turned, "in this palace, Shei has ever let Shei?"

Stepping out of Jingxinyuan, Li Ping'er instantly showed disgust: "Disgusting! I really wish he had died cleanly earlier."

Wan Tang stared ahead: "Wait a bit longer, it's still not the time."

At that moment inside Jingxinyuan, the old eunuchs exchanged glances, and when they looked at Li Defu, fear flickered in their eyes.

Li Defu smoothed his robe, walked with head held high and chest out, savoring the long‑missed reverent gazes.

"What are you all just standing still for?" he shouted sharply, "Hurry and sweep the courtyard clean!"

Wan Tang and Li Ping'er had just stepped into Palace of Eternal Joy's gate.

Xiao Shunzi promptly greeted them attentively.

His tone carried a forced concern: "Your Highness, you've returned; where did you go?"

"You made Nubi worry for a while…"

Before he finished speaking, Wan Tang raised her hand and delivered a crisp slap, sending him staggering a few steps.

"Dog!" Wan Tang's voice was cold, with unabashed disgust, "Give you a little color and you start a dye workshop?"

"When does my whereabouts need to be reported to you, a Nubi?"

Xiao Shunzi covered his face, grimacing in pain, yet dared not retort.

At that moment, Chu Yunzheng's voice came from the hall, with a lazy smile: "Beloved Consort, who are you so angry with?"

He walked out slowly, his gaze shifting between Wan Tang and Xiao Shunzi, "You always need a capable person by your side to attend."

"I see, this Nubi truly cares for you."

Wan Tang and Li Ping'er hurriedly bowed in salute.

Chu Yunzheng gave a feigned support, and when his gaze fell on Li Ping'er, a barely perceptible softness passed through his eyes: "I didn't expect you sisters to be together."

"Your Majesty," Wan Tang's tone returned gentle, "I only went out with sister Ping'er for a walk, to clear my mind."

"Your sisterly bond moves me," Chu Yunzheng nodded, then added, "But when you go out in the future, it's safer to have someone with you."

Wan Tang, going with the flow, showed a hint of helplessness and pickiness: "I understand."

"Only Xiao Shunzi is seriously injured; he won't recover quickly."

"The other people, I'm not used to them; there are hardly any I find worthy of my eye."

Chu Yunzheng, hearing this, pointed at the still‑shaken Xiao Shunzi who had just been slapped: "I think that Nubi was decent, at least he remembers the Master."

"From now on, let him stay by your side to attend."

Wan Tang's face instantly blossomed with a gentle smile, leaning in, lightly pulling the Emperor's sleeve: "When the Emperor speaks, that is naturally the best."

"I'll obey the Emperor," she lifted her head, eyes shimmering, full of reliance and admiration.

Chu Yunzheng was pleased by her daughter‑like affection, slipped his hand around her shoulder, and, indulgently, said: "You, you're just too picky."

Since it's being used, train it properly.

With the Emperor watching over me, what else could I be uneasy about?

Chu Yunzheng clasped Wan Tang's hand, paused slightly, and his brows furrowed imperceptibly.

Wan Tang, leaning against his shoulder, instantly stiffened, then softened again, though her fingertips unconsciously tightened.

"Empress Dowager summons Virtuous Consort to the Fotang for worship," the eunuch relaying the message outside the hall repeated, his voice unusually clear in the silence.

Li Ping'er looked at Wan Tang with worry, while Xiao Luzi tucked his neck back, not daring to speak.

Chu Yunzheng was silent for a moment, patted Wan Tang's back, his voice revealing no emotion: "Mother Empress summons you, go."

He paused, then added, "Worship the Buddha earnestly, be more reverent."

Those words were both a reminder and, to some extent, a protective gesture.

Wan Tang rose from his arms, adjusted her slightly disheveled collar and hair bun, her face regaining its usual composed smile, though a hint of vigilance lingered deep in her eyes.

She bowed lightly to Chu Yunzheng: "I obey your command. I shall serve the Empress Dowager earnestly and worship the Buddha devoutly."

She turned, her gaze sweeping over Li Ping'er and Xiao Luzi, finally resting on the relaying eunuch, and said calmly, "Lead the way."

"Tangtang," Chu Yunzheng reached out, taking Wan Tang's hand: "Mother Empress has been in a melancholy mood lately; after half a stick of incense, I will go see Mother Empress."

Wan Tang felt a slight pain in her chest; each time the Emperor protected her, it only made her heart ache.

She gave a bitter smile and said, "I will attend to the Empress Dowager carefully; Emperor, you may rest assured."