Chapter 65: All Men Under Heaven Are the Same

Ah Heng then said: "I saw him go alone to Ruyi Workshop, so I followed him inside, and then I saw him enter a room with a woman; as for what happened inside, I don't know......"

What else could a solitary man and widow be doing when they meet?

Upon hearing that Zhao Lin'an had gone to Ruyi Workshop, Shen Shuangning immediately sat up straight, her expression turning cold.

As for that Ruyi Workshop in the capital, it's merely a bit more refined than a brothel.

The women inside are all courtesans who sell their art, not their bodies; capital nobles and young masters often go there for entertainment, yet it is the place most despised by ladies of aristocratic families.

Although the Ruyi Workshop claims outwardly not to engage in flesh trade, in this world nothing is impossible with money—once the door is shut, who knows what goes on inside?

Moreover, the Ruyi Workshop can also redeem people for money.

"My elder sister said he's been coming home late lately—turns out he's gone to that kind of place for pleasure!" Shen Shuangning slammed the book in her hand hard against the side, fuming.

If she remembers correctly, in her previous life Shen Miaoyun had once said with a happy face that after they married, Zhao Lin'an never again went to such places for leisure.

So did my elder sister suffer a miscarriage in a fit of anger after discovering Zhao Lin'an's visits to that sort of place during her pregnancy, feeling deeply betrayed?

Shen Shuangning's face sank, and a cold smile slipped from the corner of her mouth.

She once thought that although Zhao Lin'an was somewhat ordinary, he won with a rare sincere heart, being devoted and deep in feeling, unlike other men.

It turned out he was merely pretending too well—one face in front, another behind.

A sudden, inexplicable sorrow welled up in Shen Shuangning's heart.

"Miss, should we inform the heir's consort about this?"

"No, we must absolutely not let my elder sister find out!"

Zhao Lin'an usually pretends too well, and Shen Miaoyun is immersed in the happiness he weaves; this truth would undoubtedly be a fatal blow to her, especially since she is still pregnant.

The first three months of pregnancy are the most unstable; at least we should conceal this for that period.

Shen Shuangning's face was cold and solemn; she lowered her eyes to ponder for a moment, her gaze shifting, and quickly she had an idea.

This matter is not suitable for her to handle personally, and she also needs to prepare for entering the palace; she really has no time to see Zhao Lin'an, so it seems she must trouble her elder brother.

Thus the next day, Shen Shuangning sought out Shen Xiuci and told him about this.

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiuci's face also darkened, though he was more cautious.

"Let me first verify the facts; if he truly is involved with that woman and intends to take a concubine, I will certainly not let him off—you can rest assured and prepare for entering the palace; I will take care of this."

The Shen clan always protects its own; even though Shen Miaoyun has married out, she is still family, and Shen Xiuci will absolutely not allow her to be bullied.

Shen Shuangning knows her elder brother acts steadily and securely, and Zhao Lin'an has always feared Shen Xiuci, so having the elder brother step forward is most appropriate.

After leaving Shen Xiuci's study, Shen Shuangning returned and wrote a secret letter.

Now her mother is watching her closely, not allowing her to leave the manor; if she enters the palace, affairs will certainly be inconvenient, and she won't be able to come out again for half a month, while her father's matter cannot be delayed any further.

Delay invites trouble; Shen Shuangning only wants to resolve this hidden danger as soon as possible.

For now, she can only trust Pei Zhi.

The letter was sent to Li Ji, and then a person from Li Ji delivered it to Pei Zhi's hands.

When Fu Gui delivered the letter to the study, Pei Zhi was talking with a man in official robes, so he waited outside for a while.

After that man left, Fu Gui then entered and handed the letter to Pei Zhi, respectfully saying, "Young master, this was sent by the Fourth Miss."

Pei Zhi's originally calm expression rippled with emotion.

Upon opening the secret letter, a beautiful seal-script in small regular characters came into view.

Pei Zhi glanced at it, his expression showing no surprise at all.

Another letter lay quietly on the desk; Fu Gui stood to one side and, unintentionally, saw the four characters "Yongning Marquis's Manor" on it, his heart giving a slight start, and he dared not look further.

Pei Zhi burned the letter on the table, then folded Shen Shuangning's secret letter and tucked it into his lapel; after taking a sip of tea, he said half-sighing, half-relieved, "Miss Ning really is still so trusting of people."

Afterwards he ordered Fu Gui: "Prepare the horse, go to Zhen Ding."

Meanwhile, Xiao Jingyuan covertly sent people to search the Imperial Mausoleum, and indeed they found a considerable amount of gunpowder!

And these gunpowder were buried around the Imperial Ancestral Temple—just thinking about it is terrifying.

The gunpowder was transported overnight to the Guardian Command and placed together with the gunpowder previously found in the Drunken Cloud Pavilion.

Su Chen stared at the gunpowder, his face full of shock; with his intellect he quickly guessed where these gunpowder would be used if they had not been discovered.

Emperor Xuánwén visits the Imperial Mausoleum to pay respects to his ancestors every Qingming, and these gunpowder hidden there make the intention blatantly obvious.

Su Chen dare not imagine how terrible the consequences would be if these gunpowder had not been uncovered.

Su Chen's heart still pounding, he turned his gaze to Xiao Jingyuan beside him and asked, "How did you know the Imperial Mausoleum also hid gunpowder?"

Yesterday, when Xiao Jingyuan suddenly wanted to send a team to infiltrate the Imperial Mausoleum for investigation, Su Chen had wanted to ask at the time, but Xiao Jingyuan simply refused to speak.

Su Chen was practically bursting with curiosity.

After dismissing the attendants, Xiao Jingyuan lowered his voice and said, "It was Shen Shuangning who reminded me."

"The Fourth Miss?!" Su Chen exclaimed even more shocked, blurting out, "How could she know?"

Xiao Jingyuan, however, replied, "I would also like to know."

Su Chen stepped forward, bent down, and scooped up a handful of the newly arrived gunpowder, noticing a layer of dust on it; his eyes flickered slightly as he said, "These gunpowder have been hidden in the Imperial Mausoleum for some time, and when we searched out the gunpowder from the Drunken Cloud Pavilion, the other side didn't move these items, showing they were confident we couldn't find the Imperial Mausoleum's stash, and that this operation must have been carried out with utmost secrecy."

"That's quite strange—how could a young lady confined to her inner chambers know such a thing? Could she possibly have heavenly-reaching abilities?"

Xiao Jingyuan stood with his hands behind his back, his expression strange, unknown what he was pondering.

Su Chen suddenly recalled something: "Right, weren't we supposed to have Mu Yu keep an eye on her? Has Mu Yu sent any news?"

Xiao Jingyuan glanced at him: "No."

Su Chen then straightened up: "Never mind, never mind—this is ultimately a good thing; the Fourth Miss has rendered great assistance!"

Xiao Jingyuan raised his eyebrows, speaking with deep meaning: "Indeed."

These past two days, Shen Shuangning has been studying palace etiquette within the manor, not going out.

She had already learned these things in her previous life, so she picks them up quickly and easily.

The female official sent from the palace is Madam Fang of the Imperial Music Bureau, also appointed by the Grand Princess to instruct Shen Shuangning in decorum.

She had assumed that a sheltered young lady like Shen Shuangning, upon gaining the princess's favor, would surely become overconfident and neglect to learn these intricate etiquette rules.

Translation: She originally thought that a young lady like Shen Shuangning, with little worldly experience, would surely become conceited after gaining the princess's favor and grace, and would not bother to learn these tedious etiquettes properly.

We need to keep concise but faithful. Let's produce: She had thought that a lady like Shen Shuangning, with little worldly experience, would surely become conceited after receiving the princess's favor and grace, and would not bother to learn these tedious etiquettes properly.

As it turned out, Shen Shuangning was not only humble and polite; her deportment while studying the rites was even better than that of the palace ladies, with not a single flaw to be found.

Translation: As it turned out, Shen Shuangning was not only humble and polite; when learning etiquette, her bearing was even better than that of the ladies in the palace, with not a single flaw to be found.

Fang Auntie couldn't help but look at her with renewed admiration, thinking that she truly deserved the princess's favor, and she felt a growing fondness for her.

Translation: Aunt Fang couldn't help but look at her with renewed respect, thinking she truly deserved the Grand Princess's favor, and she also felt a growing fondness.

Soon the day arrived for her to enter the palace; all her belongings were packed, after bidding farewell to her family, Shen Shuangning boarded the carriage heading to the imperial palace.

Translation: Soon the day arrived to enter the palace; all her luggage had been packed, and after bidding farewell to her family, Shen Shuangning boarded the carriage to the palace.

According to palace rules, maidservants were not allowed to accompany newcomers, but since Princess Jingyu favored Shen Shuangning, the princess specially permitted her to bring a personal maid.

Translation: According to the rules, maidservants were not allowed to accompany one into the palace, but Shen Shuangning had won Princess Jingyu's favor, and the princess specially permitted her to bring a personal maid.

Knowing the dangers of the palace, Shen Shuangning decided to bring only Ah Heng.

Translation: Knowing the palace to be treacherous, Shen Shuangning decided to bring only A Heng.

Ah Heng, entering the palace for the first time, was not nervous at all—only curious; sometimes Shen Shuangning envied Ah Heng's carefree nature, as such people tend to have few worries.

Translation: A Heng had never been to the palace before, yet she felt no nervousness, only curiosity; sometimes Shen Shuangning envied A Heng's carefree nature, for such people usually have few worries.

Since the Third Prince had not yet emerged from the Directorate of Ceremonies, one threat was gone, and Shen Shuangning felt more at ease.

Translation: The Third Prince had not yet emerged from the Guard Bureau, so with one threat gone, Shen Shuangning felt much more at ease.

The palace had already arranged lodging for her; as the princess's nominal companion-in-study, her residence was chosen for the princess's convenience, so Shen Shuangning moved directly into Princess Jingyu's Changle Palace.

Translation: The palace had already arranged her lodging; as the princess's nominal companion-in-study, she naturally needed to be close to the princess, so Shen Shuangning moved directly into Princess Jingyu's Chang Le Gong.

The person leading them to Changle Palace was also Aunt Fang; although she had already said these things once, she repeated them again at this moment:

Translation: The person leading them to Chang Le Gong was Aunt Fang as well; although she had already said these things once, she repeated them again:

"Inside the palace it's not like the outside world, Miss Shen must always remember to speak and act with caution, avoid wandering about. Changle Palace's east side borders the inner court, the north side is the emperor and empress's sleeping quarters, and to the south lies the imperial garden—you'll pass by there shortly, a place where nobles often come and go; remember not to go there unless necessary. In short, aside from Changle Palace and the study, try not to set foot elsewhere."

Translation: "Inside the palace is not like the outside world, Miss Shen must always remember to speak and act with caution, avoid wandering about; Chang Le Gong's east side borders the inner palace, the north side is the emperor and empress's bedchambers, and to the south lies the Yu Hua Yuan, which you will pass shortly—frequented by nobles, so Miss, remember not to go there unless necessary; in short, aside from Chang Le Gong and Shu Zhai, try not to set foot elsewhere."

Shen Shuangning replied, "I will keep Auntie's teachings in mind."

Translation: Shen Shuangning replied, "I will keep Aunt Fang's teachings in mind."

Aunt Fang comforted her, saying, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself; you're merely accompanying the princess in her studies. Besides the emperor occasionally dropping by, hardly anyone comes by on ordinary days—just endure half a month and you can go home."

Translation: Aunt Fang soothed, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Miss; you're merely accompanying the princess in her studies. Besides the emperor occasionally dropping by, hardly anyone comes here on ordinary days—just endure half a month and you can go home."

After walking under the red walls for about half an quarter-hour, they passed by the imperial garden and saw several consorts.

Translation: After walking half an hour beneath the red walls, they passed the Yu Hua Yuan and saw several consorts.

In spring, flowers bloomed in vibrant clusters under the bright sun, and the consorts added even more splashes of color to the garden.

Translation: In spring, blossoms clustered in vibrant profusion under the bright sun, and the consorts added several bright touches to the Yu Hua Yuan.

Emperor Xuwen was not one who indulged in the beauty of the harem; the number of consorts in the palace could be counted on one's fingers.

Translation: Emperor Xuanwen was not one who lingered for beauty in the inner palace; the number of consorts there could be counted on one's fingers.

Aunt Fang spotted a consort over there, though she wasn't sure who it was, she frowned slightly, intending to slip away unnoticed, and quickly led Shen Shuangning off.

Translation: Aunt Fang spotted the consorts over there, not knowing who they were, her brows slightly furrowed; intending to slip away unnoticed, she hurriedly led Shen Shuangning off.

However, the people over there noticed them.

Translation: However, those people noticed them.

A woman dressed in pink palace robes, holding a round fan, said something to the attendant beside her, whereupon the attendant loudly called out, "Who is that over there? Hurry over and pay your respects!"

Translation: A woman in pink palace attire, holding a round fan, said something to the attendant beside her, whereupon the attendant called out loudly, "Who is over there? Hurry over and pay your respects!"

Unable to avoid them, Aunt Fang had no choice but to bring Shen Shuangning over, whispering as they walked, "The woman in pink robes is Consort Li; she is currently in favor and cannot tolerate any offense. As for the other three, you needn't worry about them—just remember not to displease Consort Li."

Translation: Unable to avoid them, Aunt Fang had no choice but to bring Shen Shuangning over, whispering as they walked, "The woman in pink is Consort Li; she is currently in favor and cannot tolerate any slight, so you need not worry about the other three—just remember not to offend Consort Li."

Shen Shuangning answered, "Yes."

Translation: Shen Shuangning answered, "Yes."

Aunt Fang's words were veiled, but Shen Shuangning could tell that Consort Li was extremely difficult to get along with.

Translation: Aunt Fang's words were veiled, but Shen Shuangning could tell that Consort Li was extremely difficult to get along with.

In fact, Aunt Fang's reminder wasn't necessary; Shen Shuangning already knew Consort Li's character, having dealt with her in her previous life.

Translation: In fact, Aunt Fang's reminder was unnecessary; Shen Shuangning already knew Consort Li's character, for they had dealt with each other in her previous life as well.

Consort Li is beautiful and young, extremely fond of beauty, and cannot tolerate any woman who surpasses her in looks; even those consorts on good terms with her must avoid dressing too beautifully, keeping their appearance as plain as possible from head to toe.

Translation: Consort Li was beautiful and young, extremely fond of beauty, yet she could not tolerate any woman more beautiful than herself; even the consorts on good terms with her dared not dress too beautifully, keeping as plain as possible from head to toe.

Thus, at a glance, the one who stands out the most is Consort Li.

Translation: Thus, at a glance, whoever stood out most was Consort Li.

In her previous life, when Princess Jingyu teased her, Consort Li even brought people to watch the spectacle and tried to persuade the princess to scratch her face, though she ultimately failed.

Translation: In her previous life, when Princess Jingyu had teased her, Consort Li even brought people to watch the spectacle and goaded Princess Jingyu into scratching her face, though it came to nothing.

Shen Shuangning looked at the small group of women over there, furrowed her brows, realizing she had been preoccupied with worries about the Eastern Palace and the Third Prince, and had forgotten that the palace also housed many troublesome women.

Translation: Shen Shuangning gazed at the small groups of women over there, furrowed her brow, realizing she had been preoccupied with worrying about the Eastern Palace and the Third Prince, and had forgotten that the palace also held a host of troublesome women.

Although Shen Shuangning felt a bit annoyed, she was not afraid.

Translation: Though Shen Shuangning felt a bit annoyed, she was not afraid.

She followed half a step behind Aunt Fang, lowered her gaze, approached the consorts, and feigned alarm: "Your servant Shen Shuangning greets you, ladies; may you enjoy myriad blessings and peace."

Translation: She trailed Aunt Fang by half a step, lowered her eyes, approached the consorts, and affected an alarmed demeanor: "Your servant Shen Shuangning greets you, ladies; may you enjoy myriad blessings and peace."

Before entering the palace, Shen Shuangning had resolved to keep a low profile, so she wore only a plain moon‑white ruqun, her hair tied up with little adornment, and her face bore no makeup—she was as unadorned as possible.

Translation: Before entering the palace, Shen Shuangning had resolved to keep a low profile, so she wore only a plain moon-white ruqun, her hair tied up with little adornment, and her face bore no powder or rouge, as plain as could be.

With such an appearance, even standing among a crowd of palace maids, she would hardly attract notice.

Translation: With such an appearance, even standing among a crowd of palace maids, she would be hard to notice.

"Oh, it's just the little princess's companion‑in‑study," someone chuckled, wondering who she was.

Translation: "Oh, it's the little princess's companion-in-study," someone laughed, saying, "I wondered who it was."

Noblewomen outside the palace envied Shen Shuangning for being able to enter the palace as a companion‑in‑study, but to the consorts inside, such a minor honor meant nothing, so they hardly paid her any attention.

Translation: The noble ladies outside the palace greatly envied Shen Shuangning for being able to enter the palace as the princess's companion-in-study, but to the consorts inside, this modest honor meant nothing, so they hardly gave her any notice.

At present, they regarded her as merely a flower in the garden—no one paid her any heed.

Translation: At present, they regarded her as merely a flower or blade of grass in the garden—no one paid her any heed.

Aunt Fang said, "Ladies, Princess Jingyu is still waiting for us to bring the young lady over, so we won't disturb your leisure any further."

Translation: Aunt Fang said, "Ladies, Princess Jingyu is still waiting for this servant to bring the young lady over, so I will not disturb your refined pursuits any further."

Princess Jingyu is the daughter of Consort Shu, and she is the only noble consort in the palace.

Translation: Princess Jingyu is the daughter of the Virtuous Noble Consort, and she is the only noble consort in the palace.

Consort Shu had once been able to stand equal to the empress, but now she is gravely ill, her natal family has declined, and the empress has suppressed her severely; she is no longer what she once was, and many even hope she will pass away.

Translation: The Virtuous Noble Consort once stood equal to the empress, but now she is gravely ill, her natal clan has waned, and the empress has suppressed her severely; she is no longer what she once was, and many even hope she will pass away.

Among those who feel this way is Consort Li.

Translation: Among those is Consort Li.

Consort Li sat composedly in the pavilion, her fingernails stained with rouge, holding a gold‑threaded fan, swaying it slowly, her fox‑like eyes scrutinizing Shen Shuangning.

Translation: Consort Li sat upright in the pavilion, her fingers stained with rouge grasping a gold-thread fan, swaying it slowly, her foxlike eyes scrutinizing Shen Shuangning.

She had not paid much attention at first, but when her gaze fell upon the girl's face, her eyes narrowed and a flash of sharp intent.

Translation: She had not paid much attention at first, but when her gaze fell upon the girl's face, her eyes narrowed and a flash of sharp intent crossed them.

Just as Shen Shuangning was about to turn and leave, Consort Li suddenly spoke, "Wait, come over, let this consort take a good look at you."